Chapter 1

Female Reproductive Organs

Internal Female Reproductive Organs

Ovaries  houses the developing offspring and

Almond shaped organs attached to the margins enlarges to accommodate it throughout

of the uterus and the pelvic wall by ligaments. the pregnancy

 reproductive glands that produce eggs

Menstrual Cycle
and female sex hormones
Also known as endometrial cycle
Primary oocytes - immature eggs
Primordial follicles - immature follicles
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Ovarian Cycle  headache

 series of events that occur in the  bloated feelings

ovaries during and after the maturation  mood swings

of the oocytes for fertilization  breast swelling

 controlled by hypothalamus  tenderness

Graafian follicles - mature egg
Menarche - onset menstruation (9-14 yrs old)
Menopause - cessation menstruation (48-52 yrs
old)
 weight gain
Dysmenorrhea - lower abdominal discomfort
Normal menstruation - 16 yrs old – 45 yrs old
 last 3 – 8 days
 less than 80ml blood loss

Fallopian Tubes Menstrual blood does not clot!

Pair of tubes that connects the ovaries to the

uterus
 receives the sperm coming from the
uterus, and provides site for
fertilization
Cilia - direct the egg into its lumen
Vagina
Long muscular cavity that connects the uterus to
the outside (vestibule)
 contains mucus secreted by cervical
glands
Fertile period - mucus become sticky then

Uterus changes to egg white consistency

Hollow pear-shaped muscular organ

Female Reproductive Organs

Chapter 1

External Female Reproductive Organs

Perineum
Diamond-shaped area between the vulva and the
anus

External Genitalia
Known collectively as vulva, mons pubis, labia
majora and minora, hymen, clitoris, vestibule,
and accessory glands

Mons pubis - mound of fat tissue lying over

pubic bone
Labia majora - two larger fleshy folds covered
by skin
Labia minora - hairless, smaller folds between
labia majora
Accessory glands - secretes mucus into the labia
Hymen - thin membrane
Clitoris - highly sensitive tip; counterpart of
male penis
Vestibule - openings of urethra and vagina are
located

Breast
Made of summary glands and fat
First release colostrum and after a few days milk

Female Reproductive Organs