Download Human female reproductive system and more Lecture notes Biology in PDF only on Docsity! Human Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system consists of a number of structures with specialized functions: 1. Two ovaries produce eggs and the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. 2. Two uterine tubes, one from each ovary, carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization usually occurs in the upper third of a uterine tube. 3. If fertilization occurs, the uterus receives blastocyst and houses the developing embryo. 4. The vagina receives semen from the penis during sexual intercourse. It is the exit point for menstrual flow and is the canal through which the baby passes from uterus during childbirth. 5. The external genital organs have protective functions and play a role in sexual arousal. 6. The mammary glands contained in paired breasts produce milk for the newborn baby. Internal Genital Organs: A female's internal reproductive organs are theĀ vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. ļ· Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal. ļ· Uterus: The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A canal through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit. ļ· Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones. ļ· Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization of an egg by a sperm normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants to the uterine lining. External Genital Organs: The external genital structures include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. The area containing these structures is called the vulva. 1. TheĀ mons pubisĀ is a rounded mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. DuringĀ puberty, it becomes covered with hair. The mons pubis contains oil- secreting (sebaceous) glands that release substances like pheromones. 2. TheĀ labia majoraĀ are relatively large, fleshy folds of tissue that enclose and protect the other external genital organs. The labia majora contain sweat and sebaceous glands, which produce lubricating secretions. During puberty, hair appears on the labia majora. 3. TheĀ labia minoraĀ can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. The labia minora lie just inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra. 4. TheĀ clitoris,Ā located between the labia minora at their upper end, is a small protrusion that corresponds to the penis in the male. These are small bump of tissues covered with a thin flap of tissue.
