Female Reproductive System

Question 1

What are the six parts of the Female Reproductive System, and where are they?

Answer 1

They are Internal
Ovaries
Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts)
Endometrium
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina

Question 2

Ovaries Specs

Answer 2

Location: Suspended by ligaments in the abdominal cavity
Function: Site of Oogenisis (egg production)
Usually alternate so only 1 produces an egg each month

Paired Structure
At birth the ovaries contain all the egg cells a woman will ever have: apx. 2 million, 300,000 (puberty), and only 450 will be released during ovulation

Question 3

Ovaries Specs pt2 - what is Ovulation?

Answer 3

It contains follicles (location for development of a single ovum monthly) which matures & ruptures, releasing the egg into the oviduct
FIMBRAE (threadlike projections) sweep up the egg & move it into the oviduct (fallopian tubes) which is where fertilization occurs
The Ovum moves towards the uterus vi beating cilia (creating a current)

Question 4

Fallopian Tubes (Oviduct) specs

Answer 4

Location: Muscular tube connecting ovaries to uterus
Function: Site of fertilization or menstruation

Fertilization (can occur 24hrs after intercourse)
If Ova (egg) & Sperm meet, the sperm may penetrate the cytoplasm and fertilize the ova to create a zygote
The Zygote will move through the Fallopian tubes for several days before reaching the uterus
The Endometrium will thicken awaiting the zygote

Menstruation
If fertilization doesn’t occur, menstruation will
The Endometrium will disintegrate & its tissues and blood will flow our of the vagina

Question 5

Uterus specs

Answer 5

Location: Below the ovaries, in the abdomen. Hollow, pear shaped muscular organ about the size of a fist (expands during pregnancy)
Function: It connects the Oviducts & contains the endometrium - functions to provide a favorable enviro. in its internal walls for the fertilized Ovum to attach to

Question 6

Endometrium Specs

Answer 6

Location: The lining inside the uterus - made of the nutrient rich blood
Function: Site of implantation of the Zygote (day 7)

Question 7

Cervix specs

Answer 7

Location: Opening of the Uterus from the Vagina (connects the two)
Function: Dilates and shortens during child birth to allow for the passage of the baby (also stays shut during pregnancy so the baby doesn’t fall out)

Secretes mucus that can Facilitate or Prevent the entrance of sleep depending upon the menstrual cycle
Important for holding the baby in the uterus
It is most susceptible to cancer, which occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow out of control. Usually caused by HPV

Question 8

Vagina specs

Answer 8

Location: Below the Uterus
Function: passage for menstrual flow, birth &a receptacle for sperm
It is slightly acidic to kill bacteria