Female Reproductive System Anatomy and Physiology Female Vocabulary

Female Reproductive System Anatomy and Physiology

Female Vocabulary Ovulation- monthly release of a mature egg from the ovary n Fertilization- union of the ovum (egg) and sperm; when sperm enters egg in fallopian tubes n Menstruation- the shedding of the uterus lining after the ovary releases the egg and the egg is not fertilized. n

Vocabulary Estrogen: the female sex hormone that signals physical changes at puberty and controls maturation of eggs. n Menopause: the time of life which the ovaries slow down their hormone production and no longer release eggs. Age onset around 45 -55 n

Ovulation and Fertilization Ovulation

Conception- moment at which the sperm fertilizes the egg

Female Vocabulary n Fallopian Tubes- pair of tubes through which ovum travel, fertilization takes place here n n 4 -5 inches long, takes egg 7 -10 days to travel through Diameter of 2 strands of hair

1. Fallopian Tubes

Female Vocabulary n 3. Cilia- hair-like projections which help move the egg through the fallopian tubes ( do not write)

Female Vocabulary n Fimbria- finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, grab the egg at ovulation and pull it into the fallopian tube

7. Fimbria

Female Vocabulary n Ovaries- Organ that produces ova or eggs n One egg released every month by alternating ovaries

8. Ovaries

Female Vocabulary n Ovum- human egg (plural=ova) 23 chromosomes n n 500, 000 at birth, 500 mature Unfertilized eggs live about 15 -24 hours

Female Vocabulary n Follicle- group of cells released from the ovary, contains ovum. n Progesterone: a hormone that signals changes to a woman's reproductive system during pregnancy.

Female Vocabulary n Uterus- organ that holds and nourishes the unborn baby (Also called womb) n Mucus plug develops during pregnancy, keeps everything in and out until ready for delivery

2. Uterus

Zygote- 1 st trimester of development

Embryo- 2 nd trimester of development

Fetus- 3 rd trimester of development

Female Vocabulary n Cervix- opening to the uterus, produces fluid to help sperm travel n Cartilage-like material (ex. tip of nose)

6. Cervix

Female Vocabulary n Vagina- muscular canal that connects the uterus with the outside of the body (Also called birth canal) n About 5 inches long

5. Vagina

Female Vocabulary Vulva- external female genetalia = labia minora (small lips) and labia majora (large lips) n Clitoris- small organ at the end of the vulva, purpose is for sexual arousal n

4. Vulva

Additional Terms n Endometriosis: is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. • • Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The Fallopian tubes are the most common locations for an ectopic pregnancy.