The Female Reproductive System

1. The Female Reproductive System Anatomy, Conditions & Care

2. 6 Purposes of Female Reproductive System • Store and Ripen Eggs • Place for fertilized eggs to lodge and develop into a baby • Where the sperm fertilizes the egg • Passage for the baby during delivery • Produces hormones • Sexual pleasure

3. Parts of the female system for child birth, fetal development & menstruation

4. Uterus Uterus (womb) The pear-shaped, muscular organ about the size of a fist or pear, where the fertilized egg implants (attaches) and grows throughout pregnancy. During the delivery of the baby, the muscles contract (labor) to push the baby from the body.

5. Endometrium The lining of the uterus that provides nourishment for the implanted, fertilized egg. Menstrual Cycle – Cycle of approximately 21 days in which the endometrium thickens in preparation for a fertilized egg. During menstruation, the combination of endometrial tissue, blood and ova leave the body as menstrual fluid.

6. Ovulation When a mature egg is released from the ovary, and caught by the fimbria. Fertilization When a sperm cell breaks through the protective outer layer of the ova and the 23 chromosomes from each join to start the formation of a zygote

7. Fertilization

8. Cervix The lower portion of the uterus that flattens and opens (dilates) during childbirth. Os - The narrow opening in the cervix thorough which the menstrual fluid leaves the uterus, and that also dilates during the delivery of the baby to allow passage from the uterus.

9. Ovaries The internal female organs that store eggs, develop and mature eggs for ovulation, and produce the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Ova (egg) – The female reproductive cell that contains 23 chromosomes (1/2 of the 46 required for human life) that combines with a single sperm cell containing the other 23 chromosomes, to produce a new human being.

10. Fallopian Tubes (oviduct) Two tubes that collect the egg from the ovary each cycle, and where fertilization takes place when the sperm meets the egg. At one end of the fallopian tubes are the Fimbria- The fringed edges of the fallopian tubes/ oviducts that brush the ovaries during ovulation and guide the egg into the tubes.

11. Vagina (birth canal)- A collapsed, muscular passageway about 4-5 inches long that stretches to accommodate the penis during intercourse and during the delivery of the baby. It is naturally cleansed by fluid secreted by the walls of the vagina and the cervix.

12. Vaginal opening- The opening into the vagina through which the penis is placed during intercourse, the baby passes during delivery, and the menstrual fluid leaves the body.

13. External Structures of the Female System

14. Vulva -A name for all parts of the external female genitalia.

15. Labia Majora - The fatty, outer lips that form the vulva’s protective rim. Covered with pubic hair on a mature female. Surround and protect the labia minora.

16. Labia Minora The small, inner lips that surround the vaginal opening that come together above the urethra to form the clitoral hood.

17. Clitoris A small, pea-shaped bump of tissue that is packed with nerve endings, which engorges with blood during sexual stimulation. It is situated above the opening of the urethra.

18. Clitoral Hood The triangle shaped, fleshy hood that retracts to expose the clitoris as sexual stimulation increases. At the upper most section of the vulva, where the labia majora meet.

19. Parts of the Female System for Elimination

20. Bladder Organ where urine is held in the body before being eliminated through the urethra.

21. Urethra The tube connected to the bladder for elimination of urine from the body.

22. Meatus (urinary opening) The opening at the end of the urethra for the passage of urine.

23. Rectum - The last section of the large intestine, where feces are stored before elimination. Anus – The external opening at the end of the rectum for the passage of feces.

24. Miscellaneous

25. Hymen A thin tissue that may partially cover the vaginal opening in some females from birth. This tissue varies from completely covering the vaginal opening and requiring surgical removal before menstruation can leave the body, to almost nonexistent. The hymen may break or tear during exercise, tampon use, or with first intercourse. Sometimes called the “maidenhead” because it was once thought to be an indication of virginity.

26. Gestation/Pregnancy Period of 40 weeks during which a fertilized egg develops into a baby. During fetal development the uterus grows to accommodate the fetus after 36 weeks a fetus is considered full-term and mom’s body begins to prepare for labor & deliver. Labor is the process by which the uterus muscles contract to expel the baby through the OS and down the vaginal passage.

27. Heredity All traits that are passed biologically from parent-to-child. The chromosomes contained in the egg/ova and sperm comprised the hereditary traits the child will inherit from their parents. Some characteristics determine through heredity are: sex, eye/skin/hair color, physical characteristics, even disease/life-long medical conditions like diabetes mental illness and more.

28. Bartholin’s Glands Glands at the vaginal opening that provide 2-4 drops of lubricant during sexual excitement. The fluid released from the Bartholin’s Glands are is the counterpart to male pre-cum.

29. Mons Veneris The fatty pad over the pubic bone, covered with pubic hair in an adult. • Pubic Bone • The bone located at the front of genital area and is underneath the monsveneris.

30. Perineum The tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus that is sometimes cut during childbirth to prevent tearing.

31. Puberty Period of sexual development during which a person becomes sexually mature and physically able to reproduce.

32. Genitalia The general term for the sex organs in both men and women.

33. Menopause Period beginning around the age of 50 when a woman stops ovulation and menstrual cycles for the remainder of her life.

34. Health Care

35. Pelvic Examination An examination during which a doctor inserts a speculum (an instrument that lets the clinician see inside the vagina) and examines the vagina, cervix and uterus. The doctor will feel for any lumps or changes. It is recommended that the pelvic examination is performed yearly once a girl begins menstruating.

36. Pap Smear A smear of cells from the cervix that are obtained during a pelvic examination and is stained for examination for (pre)cancerous cells under a microscope.

37. Gynecologist A medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of the female reproductive system. Usually Work Together or Same Doctor • Obstetrician - • A medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.

38. Self breast examination Involves a physical and visual examination of the breasts checking for changes in the tissue which could be a sign of cancer. Early detection= Higher cure rate.

39. Medical Procedures

40. Hysterectomy The surgical removal of the uterus. May be required when benign (noncancerous) tumors of the uterus appear, abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus, endometriosis, prolapsed uterus (uterus bulging into the vagina), or severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Will be required when growths become so large they interfere with other organs, cancer can’t be treated in another way, or bleeding is so heavy it can’t be controlled.

41. Mastectomy Thesurgical removal of one or both breasts and/or breast tissue. Breasts may be removed when there are malignant cancerous growths. Prosthetic breasts and implants are purchased by some women to address the psychological trauma some women experience after surgery.

42. Medical Problems

43. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs. Common and serious complication of some STD’s especially Chlamydia and gonorrhea.

44. Occurs when bacteria move upwards from the vagina or cervix into the reproductive organs. Sexually active women under the age of 25 are most susceptible since the cervix is not fully matured. Symptoms: mild and subtle; can go undetected, Lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, painful urination and irregular menstrual bleeding

45. Damage appears on /in fallopian tubes; Scarring in fallopian tubes and other pelvic structures can cause chronic pelvic pain (which lasts for months or even years.) Tests would include pap test, pelvic ultrasound or a laparoscopy (thin tube with a lighted end which can see into the lower abdomen) Antibiotics cure the infection but cannot reverse any damage.

46. HPV – Vaccine *care of gardasil website • Protects against 4 types of HPV • 2 types cervical cancer & 2 types genital warts • Recommended for girls prior to first sexual experience (ages 9-26) and boys (ages 9-26) • 3 injections over 6 months