Female Reproductive System

Path of the EGG:

1. Ovary

2. Fallopian Tube

3. Uterus

4. Cervix

5. Vagina

EGGS: female sex cell

OVULATION: egg is released from ovary

MENSTRUATION: release (shedding) of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus)

MENOPAUSE: ovaries stop releasing eggs and reproductive years end; onset is usually late 40s or early 50s

OVARIES

• mature and release eggs (ovulation)
• produce estrogen and progesterone

FALLOPIAN TUBES

• tube that transports the egg (ovum) to the uterus (womb)
• What important event takes place in the fallopian tube?

fertilization (conception)

UTERUS (WOMB)

• muscular organ where fertilized egg develops
  • Endometrium: inner lining that provides place for implantation of a fertilized egg; lining that is shed during menstruation
  • Myometrium: middle, muscular layer contracts during labor
  • Perimetrium: outer layer

CERVIX

(part of the uterus)

• narrow opening to the uterus lined with a mucous membrane
• mucous released changes during menstrual cycle and pregnancy to form a barrier against certain types of bacteria

Must dilate (widen) to 10cm during labor for a vaginal birth to occur

VAGINA

• tube lined with a moist membrane that connects to the uterus/cervix
• birth canal - passage through which a baby is delivered
• hymen: thin fleshy tissue located at the entrance of the vagina;

VULVA

• external female anatomy that includes the labia and clitoris
  • labia: skin folds that surround the openings to the vagina and urethra
  • clitoris: located above the vaginal opening containing sensitive erectile tissue

URETHRA

• tube connected to the bladder allowing urine to exit the body