Parts and
Functions of
the Female
Reproductive
System
Understanding Anatomy and
Physiology
What is the Female
Reproductive
System?
• A collection of
organs responsible
for producing ova
(eggs), facilitating
fertilization, and
supporting
pregnancy.
• Plays a vital role in
human reproduction
and hormone
regulation.
Primary
Organs
• Ovaries
• Fallopian Tubes
• Uterus
• Vagina
• Ovaries:
- Produce ova (eggs) and hormones such as estrogen
Primary and progesterone.
- At birth, females have about 1 to 2 million immature
Organs eggs in their ovaries. By puberty, only about 300,000 remain, and
fewer than 500 eggs will be ovulated during a woman’s
reproductive lifetime.
Primary
Organs
• Fallopian Tubes:
- Transport
eggs from the
ovaries to the
uterus; site of
fertilization.
Primary Organs
• Uterus:
- Supports fetal development during pregnancy.
Parts of Uterus
1. Fundus: The dome-shaped top of the uterus, located above
the openings of the fallopian tubes.
2. Body (Corpus): The main, central portion of the uterus where
a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus.
3. Cervix: The narrow, lower portion of the uterus that opens
into the vagina. It acts as a gateway, allowing menstrual blood
to flow out and sperm to enter during reproduction.
Layers of the Uterus:
4. Endometrium: The inner lining that thickens each month to
prepare for a potential pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs,
this layer sheds during menstruation.
5. Myometrium: The thick, muscular middle layer responsible for
uterine contractions during childbirth and menstruation.
6. Perimetrium: The outermost layer, providing a protective
covering.
Primary Organs
• Vagina:
- Serves as the birth
canal and the passage for
menstrual flow.
- The vagina is
typically 3-4 inches (7-10
cm) long at rest.
The vagina has three core
functions:
• It carries menstrual flow
outside the body
• It receives the male penis
during sexual intercourse
• It serves as a birth canal
during labor.
External Organs
(Vulva)
• Mons Pubis:
- Fatty tissue covering the pubic bone.
• Labia Majora and Labia Minora:
- Protect internal reproductive organs.
• Clitoris:
- Sensitive organ involved in sexual arousal.
• Vaginal Opening:
- Entrance to the vagina.
Estrogen:
• - Responsible for secondary sexual
characteristics and regulating the
menstrual cycle.
Progesterone:
Hormonal • - Prepares the uterus for pregnancy and
maintains pregnancy.
Regulation Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
• - Stimulates follicle development in the
ovaries.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
• - Triggers ovulation.
1. Menstrual Phase: Shedding of
the uterine lining.
Phases of
the 2. Follicular Phase: Development
of follicles in the ovaries.
Menstrual
Cycle
3. Ovulation: Release of a
mature egg from the ovary.
4. Luteal Phase: Uterine lining
thickens to prepare for potential
pregnancy.
Fertilization occurs in the
fallopian tubes.
Pregnancy
and
Fertilization The fertilized egg implants in
the uterine lining to develop
into a fetus.
Hormones such as hCG support
pregnancy by maintaining the
uterine environment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(PCOS): Hormonal imbalance
affecting ovulation.
Common
Endometriosis: Growth of uterine
Disorders of tissue outside the uterus.
the Female
Reproductive
System Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous
growths in the uterus.
Cervical Cancer: Abnormal cell
growth in the cervix.
1. Producing and maturing
ova.
Functions of 2. Providing the site for
the Female fertilization and pregnancy.
Reproductive
System 3. Hormone production for
reproductive health.
4. Supporting the birth
process.
The female reproductive system
is essential for reproduction and
hormone production.
Understanding its structure and
Key function is key to addressing
potential health issues.
Takeaways
Regular check-ups and
awareness can promote
reproductive health.
