Reproductive System
Vulva - Comprised of the female external reproductive organs.
A.) External Reproductive organs:
Purpose - Protection from trauma and pathogens
1.) Mons pubis - Fatty tissue, pubic hair, on the top of the pubic bone.
2.) Labia's - Purpose: protection from pathogens, cover clitoris.
Labia Majora - Outer folds that protect the reproductive system
Labia Minor - Inner folds that protect the reproductive system
3.) Clitoris - This organs important function is producing sexual arousal,
(nerve endings and blood vessels).
4.) Bartholins Glands - Secretion of fluid during sexual arousal.
5.) Vaginal opening - Opening to the vagina
6.) Urethra opening - Passage way for urine.
B.) Internal Reproductive organs:
1.) Vagina - This is called the Birth canal. Female organ of intercourse.
Elastic, tubelike passageway, approximately four to five inches long.
2.) Hymen - Membrane inside the vagina opening, protects from pathogens
3.) Cervix - This is the neck of the uterus, purpose: dialation.
4.) Uterus - Holds and nourishes the developing embryo, fetus and child.
Elastic muscle It is the size of a fist.
5.) Endometrium The lining of the uterus, rich blood vessels.
6.) Fallopian Tubes - Fertilization of the ovum usually occurs in the widest
part of the tube.
7.) Fimbriae Fibers - Finger like projections at the end of the fallopian
tubes, sourround the top of the ovaries. Celia in the fimbria gather a
released ovum into the Fallopian tube.
8.) Ovaries � Produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
At birth a female has 200,000 to 300,000 immature ova in her ovaries.
Ovum / ova - The female reproductive system functions to produce mature
ovum.
Abdominal cramps - This feeling occurs when the uterus contracts to
breakdown the endometrium.
Bladder - Mushroom shaped organ of the urology system.
The Menstrual Cycle
1st half cycle - (1-14 days) Pituitary hormone (Follicle Stimulating
Hormone) Stimulates egg to mature inside the ovary. Rebuilds endometrium
Ovulation - Each month one ovary releases one mature ovum into the
fallopian tube. (5-7 days) ( Lutein Hormone released)
Menstruation - If the ovum is not fertilized, uterine lining is not
needed. The muscles of the uterus contract. The lining (endometrium)
breaks down, passes through the vagina and out the body. (5-7 days)
(estrogen increases, thickens lining of uterus)
Fertilization - When the sperm enters the mature ovum.
Continuum of life : Marture egg - Fertilized egg - Zygote - Blastocyst -
Embryo - Fetus - Child - Adolescent and Adult.
Endocrine System - Pituitary gland (growth/metabolism/reproduction)
Identical: Same fertilized egg (zygote)
Faternal: 2 eggs are released from ovary, 2 sperm
46 Chromosomes - Male XY - Female XX - determination of child based on
fathers sperm.
http://www.besthealth.com
Female Reproductive System
htt:p://www.Kidshealth.org
Discuss Reproductive Rystem
http://www.femalehealthmadesimple.com
Other Resources