Name : Komail Ahmad

Reg No : SU-022-01-191-029
Section :”A”
Department : BSN
Subject : A&P II
Submitted to: PROF Noor zaman
“ Female reproductive system”
Definition:
The female reproductive system is made up of the internal and
external sex organs that function in the reproduction of new offspring.
In humans, the female reproductive system is immature at birth and
develops to maturity at puberty to be able to produce gametes, and to
carry a fetus to full term.

Structure and composition:

The female reproductive system is divide into two parts;
  External reproductive system
 Internal reproductive system
External reproductive system :
The function of the external female reproductive structures is to
enable sperm to enter the body and to protect the internal genital
organs from infectious organisms. The main external structures of the
female reproductive system include:
Labia majora: The labia majora enclose and protect the other external
reproductive organs. Literally translated as “large lips,” the labia majora
are relatively large and fleshy, and are comparable to the scrotum in
males. The labia majora contain sweat and oil-secreting glands. After
puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.
Labia minora: Literally translated as “small lips,” the labia minora can
be very small or up to 2 inches wide. They lie just inside the labia
majora, and surround the openings to the vagina (the canal that joins
the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra
(the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the
body).
Bartholin’s glands: These glands are located beside the vaginal opening
and produce a fluid (mucus) secretion.
Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive
protrusion that is comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is
covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the
foreskin at the end of the penis.

Internal reproductive system:

Internal reproductive system Functions include producing gametes
called eggs, secreting sex hormones (such as estrogen), providing a
site for fertilization, gestating a fetus if fertilization occurs, giving
birth to a baby, and breastfeeding a baby after birth. The internal
reproductive organs in the female include:
Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of
uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.
Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the
home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the
cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the
main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily
expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix
allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.
Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located
on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and
hormones.
Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the
upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells)
to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
 Internal reproductive system
Menstrual cycle:
A menstrual cycle begins when you get your period or menstruate.
This is when you shed the lining of your uterus. This cycle is part of your
reproductive system and prepares your body for a possible pregnancy. A
typical cycle lasts between 24 and 28 days.
Phases of menstrual cycle:
There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle.
 Menstruation : Menstruation is commonly known as a period.
When you menstruate, your uterus lining sheds and flows out of
your vagina. Your period contains blood, mucus and some cells
from the lining of your uterus. The average length of a period is
three to seven days.
Sanitary pads, tampons, period underwear or menstrual cups can be
used to absorb your period. Pads and tampons need to be changed
regularly (preferably every three to four hours) and menstrual cups
should be changed every eight to 12 hours.

 Follicular phase
The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts for 13
to 14 days, ending in ovulation. The pituitary gland in the brain releases
a hormone to stimulate the production of follicles on the surface of an
ovary. Usually, only one follicle will mature into an egg. This can happen
from day 10 of your cycle. During this phase, your uterus lining also
thickens in preparation for pregnancy.

 Ovulation
Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from an ovary and moves
along a fallopian tube towards your uterus. This usually happens once
each month, about two weeks before your next period. Ovulation can
last from 16 to 32 hours.

It is possible to get pregnant in the five days before ovulation and on

the day of ovulation, but it’s more likely in the three days leading up to
and including ovulation. Once the egg is released, it will survive up to 24
hours. If sperm reaches the egg during this time, you may get pregnant.

 The luteal phase

After ovulation, cells in the ovary (the corpus luteum), release
progesterone and a small amount of estrogen. This causes the lining of
the uterus to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.

If a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus, the corpus luteum
continues to produce progesterone, which maintains the thickened
lining of the uterus.If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies,
progesterone levels drop, the uterus lining sheds and the period begins
again.