Female Reproduction

Ch. 28-2

Organs of the Female

• Ovaries – produce egg and hormones• Uterine (fallopian) tubes or oviducts – transport

egg to uterus, site of fetilization• Uterus – site of implantation of fertilized egg,

development of fetus, labor• Vagina – receives penis, passageway for childbirth• External organs (vulva)• Mammary glands – synthesize, secrete, and eject

milk for newborn

Organs

Cervix

Fallopian Tubes

Vagina

Ovary

Uterus

WORD BANK

Organs

• Ovaries– Paired glands, almond sized– Produce

• Gametes (egg cells)• Hormones (progesterone and estrogen, inhibin, relaxin)

• Uterine tubes (fallopian) or oviduct– Extend away from uterus– Provide route for sperm to reach ovum– Transports eggs and fertilized eggs to the uterus from the ovary– Have cilia at the ends to “coax” egg from ovary– Fertilization occurs here

• Up to _____ hours after ovulation – sperm can survive for days• Egg enters uterus 6-7 days after ovulation

Organs

• Uterus (womb)– pear-shaped– Pathway for sperm deposition into vagina to reach

fallopian tubes– Site of implantation for fertilized egg– Growth of fetus during pregnancy– Labor– Source of menstrual flow

Organs

• Uterus– Fundus– Body– Cervix

Organs

• Cervical mucus– Water, glycoproteins, lipids, enzymes, salts– More hospitable to sperm during ovulation– Helps protect sperm on passage to uterus

• Vagina– Fibromuscular canal– Receptacle for penis– Outlet for menstrual flow– Passageway for childbirth

Organs

• Vulva - External genitals of female– Mons pubis – adipose tissue, skin, hair– Labia majora – two folds, covered by pubic hair– Labia minora – two folds, underneath labia

majora, no hair– Clitoris, glans – erectile tissue and nerves, sexual

excitement in females

Female External

Organs

• Mammary glands– Breast– Nipple – where

milk emerges– Areola –

darkened area around nipple

– Mammary gland – modified sweat glands

Disease/Medical

• Ovarian cysts– Fluid-filled sac in or on ovary– Usually noncancerous, can go away on their own

• Uterine prolapse– When uterus is outside the vagina– Occurs with age, disease, traumatic vaginal

delivery, difficult bowel movements, coughing– Can be put back with surgery

Disease/Medical

• Hysterectomy– Removal of uterus

• Episiotomy– Fetus stretches perenial region– Performed to prevent tearing– Straight, tearing is jagged

Oogenesis

Male/Female Homologous Structures

Female Male

Ovaries Testes

Ovum Sperm cell

Labia majora Scrotum

Labia minora Spongy urethra

Clitoris Glans penis