FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

To have sexual intercourseTo produce eggs (ova)To protect and nourish the
fertilized egg until it is fully developedTo give birth

2 Female Reproductive System

Males produce sperm…Females produce ova (eggs)

3 Internal View

4 OVARIESDefinition: The reproductive glands in which eggs are produced are

called OVARIESThere are 2 ovariesFunctions: 1. produce female sex hormones
(estrogen and progesterone) 2. release mature egg cellsWhen puberty hits, eggs
mature and release once a month…called ovulation

5 Sex HormonesEstrogen: Activates physical changes at puberty (breast

development and maturing of eggs)Progesterone: Activates changes to a
woman’s reproductive system during pregnancy

6 FALLOPIAN TUBES Carries eggs from the ovaries

Tiny hairs (cilia) carry the egg toward the uterusThis is where the sperm usually
fertilizes the egg

7 UTERUS Hollow and pear-shaped organ

This is where the fertilized egg can grow.There are several layers of tissue and
lots of blood to protect and nourish the baby.At the bottom of the uterus is the
CERVIX …this is where the vagina expands and the baby can come through the
vagina.

8 Menstrual Cycle Basics:

Ovary releases a mature egg and the egg travels to the uterus.If the egg is
unfertilized by sperm, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins (period)

9 VAGINA Known as the Birth Canal

A muscular passageway leading from the uterus to the outside of the
body.Sperm enters hereBaby passes through the vaginaCan expand!!!

10 External Organs Mons Pubis – Pubic area that has hair

Labia Majora – Outer folds of skin of the vagina (covered in hair)Labia Minora –
Inner folds of skin (sensitive to the touch)Clitoris – Highly sensitive organ
located at the top of the vagina (but inside of the Labia Minora)…sexual arousal
occurs here because of the many nerve endings and blood vessels.
11 External Organs Continued…
Orgasm – when a female is sexually aroused, she may have an orgasm…rhythmic
contractions of the vagina.***Not all females have orgasms, and it has nothing to
do with pregnancy.

12 External Organs Continued…

Urethra - Unlike the male, the urethra is not a part of the female reproductive
system…just for urine. Located below the clitoris.Vaginal Opening – This is
where the penis enters.Hymen – The vaginal opening may be covered by a thin
membrane (it has several openings)

13 HYMENHYMEN CAN BREAK DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE , HORSEBACK

RIDING, BICYCLING, OR INSERTING A TAMPONSOME GIRLS ARE BORN
WITHOUT A HYMEN!