Module 3 Lesson 2 - 2

The Female Reproductive System

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Read pages 481 - 485

Similar to males, females must maintain good sexual health for successful reproduction. Because the ability of both partners to reproduce depends on the female reproductive system, both males and females should understand the structure and function of the female reproductive system.

The egg produced in the female reproductive system is also called the ovum or gamete. The female reproductive system produces eggs, receives sperm, and provides space and nourishment for the fetus.

The ovaries are the female gonads. They produce the egg cells and the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries are under the hormonal control of the pituitary gland. At puberty, the hypothalamus begins releasing gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which causes the pituitary gland to release two hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate the development of a follicle in the ovary and luteinizing hormone (LH) to promote ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.

The fimbriae, through a sweeping action, help the ovum enter the Fallopian tube (oviduct) where beating cilia and muscle contractions help the ovum move into the uterus.

The uterus, which is positioned behind the bladder, provides a location and nourishment for the developing embryo. The entrance of the uterus is called the cervix. The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. The outer walls of the uterus are muscular and elastic, and they are strong enough to support the developing fetus. The inner walls are very glandular and are supplied richly with blood vessels.

The vagina receives the penis and semen and acts as the birth canal through which the fetus is delivered.

Egg Pathway

Female Reproductive System Structures and Functions

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Number	Structure	Function
1	ovary (two)	produces the egg cells and the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone
2	corpus luteum	releases hormones to maintain the uterus lining if implantation occurs
3	follicle	develops into an ovum (The follicle turns into a yellowish gland-like structure called corpus luteum after the ovum is released.)
4	Fallopian tubes (also called oviducts)	connect the ovaries to the uterus (This is the site of fertilization.)
5	uterus	the womb; site of implantation; a muscle that can expand and withstand the weight of the baby and its movement
6	endometrium	the lining of the uterus developed by estrogen, maintained by progesterone (If no fertilization occurs, menstruation is the loss of built uterine tissues.)
7	cervix	opening to the uterus
8	vagina	birth canal; entrance for sperm and exit for the fetus
9	urinary bladder	storage for urine
10	urethra	transports urine; very short in females (a reason women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections) (Note: In females, the excretory and reproductive systems are separate.)
11	fimbriae	sweeps the ovum into the Fallopian tube (The ovum travels along the Fallopian tube by cilia and muscle contractions.)

Try This

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Test your knowledge of the location and function of various structures in the female reproductive system by completing this Female Reproductive System Drag and Drop. Drag each item of text to its appropriate place on the diagram.    The answer box you are dragging a term to needs to be outlined before you "drop" the term.  Only correct terms will stay in an answer box.