The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries that produce egg cells or ova and fallopian tubes where fertilisation occurs and which carry the fertilised ovum to the uterus. Growth of the foetus takes place here. The cervix separates the uterus from the vagina or birth canal, where the sperm are deposited (see diagram 13.6).
What is the main function of the female reproductive system?
The main function of the female reproductive system is to produce eggs (ova) to be fertilised, and to provide the space and conditions to allow a baby to develop. In order for this to happen, the female reproductive system also has the structures necessary to allow sperm from a man to meet the ova of a woman.
What problems can occur in the female reproductive system?
Women's Health: Top Reproductive Problems
- Female Sexual Dysfunction. ...
- Endometriosis. ...
- Cervical Cancer. ...
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Many women don’t know they have this common cause of infertility until they try to conceive. ...
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) If you’re under 40, it can cause your ovaries to not work like they should. ...
- Uterine Fibroids. ...
What are the major organs in the female reproductive system?
What organs make up our Reproductive System?
- Testes
- Scrotum
- Epididymis
- Vans Deferens
- Seminal
- Vesicle
- Prostrate Gland
- Urethra
- Penis. Male gametes (sperm) are produced in the testes. The testes are held in a sac called the scrotum. They also produce male hormones such as testosterone.
- Ovary
What should you know about the female reproductive system?
- Check out this diagram of the female reproductive system, and then read on for the full definitions of everything you've got going on ~down there~.
- Anus. When you call someone a butthole...well, you're really calling them an anus. ...
- Cervix. ...
- Clitoris. ...
- Fallopian tubes. ...
- Labia majora. ...
- Labia minora. ...
- Ovary. ...
- Rectum. ...
- Urethra. ...
What are the 5 parts of the female reproductive system?
The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, accessory glands, and external genital organs.
What are the parts and functions of female reproductive system?
The female reproductive organs include several key structures, such as the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. These organs are involved in fertility, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. The reproductive organs also have a significant influence on other aspects of health.
What are the 4 things the female reproductive system allows a woman to do?
Its functions include producing gametes called eggs, secreting sex hormones (such as estrogen), providing a site for fertilization, gestating a fetus if fertilization occurs, giving birth to a baby, and breastfeeding a baby after birth.
What is the most important part of the female reproductive system?
The uterus is one of the predominant organs of the female reproductive system. It serves important functions during pregnancy and childbirth.
What are the main parts of the reproductive system?
The primary reproductive organs, or gonads, consist of the ovaries and testes. These organs are responsible for producing the egg and sperm cells gametes), and hormones.
How does the female reproductive system work step by step?
The ovaries produce the egg cells, called the ova or oocytes. The oocytes are then transported to the fallopian tube where fertilization by a sperm may occur. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where the uterine lining has thickened in response to the normal hormones of the reproductive cycle.
What are 3 habits that contribute to the health of the female reproductive system?
Drink plenty of water. Get regular exercise. Maintain a healthy weight. Get enough sleep.
What are the 3 major jobs of the female reproductive system Click 3?
Three functions of the female reproductive system are to produce sex hormones, to produce eggs, and to provide a nourishing environment.
What are the 4 most common reproductive system problems for a female?
Common Reproductive Health Concerns for WomenEndometriosis.Uterine Fibroids.Gynecologic Cancer.HIV/AIDS.Interstitial Cystitis.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)Sexual Violence.More items...
What are five things females should do to maintain reproductive health?
Here are five steps you should take to protect your reproductive health.Never Use Harsh Cleansers.Wear the Right Kind of Underwear.Visit Your Gynecologist Annually.Practice Safer Sex.Get Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
It has several important functions, including: releasing eggs, which can potentially be fertilized by sperm. producing female sex hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen.
What is the function of the Vulva?
The main functions of the vulva are to: protect the internal parts of the female reproductive system (labia majora and minora) play a role in sexual arousal and stimulation ( clitoris) facilitate sex, such as through providing lubrication (Bartholin’s glands) and cushioning (mons pubis) Additionally , the female urethra is also located in the vulva. ...
What is the role of the uterus in the reproductive system?
The role of the uterus. The uterus is one of the predominant organs of the female reproductive system. It serves important functions during pregnancy and childbirth. The interior membrane that lines the uterus is called the endometrium.
What happens to the ovaries when you are born?
When you’re born, your ovaries contain all the eggs you’ll release throughout your lifetime. Once a month, a mature egg is released from the ovaries in a process called ovulation. The ovaries also produce a variety of female sex hormones, which are important for regulating a woman’s cycle and pregnancy.
What are the different types of cancers?
Cancer can affect almost every part of the female reproductive tract and can include: vulvar cancer. vaginal cancer. cervical cancer. uterine cancer. ovarian cancer. fallopian tube cancer. The symptoms of each type of cancer can vary by the specific type of cancer.
Why do eggs not develop properly?
PCOS is a condition that affects your ovaries. It’s caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Because of this, eggs may not develop properly or may not be released from the ovary.
How much does the uterus grow during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges to many times its normal size. It’s estimated that the uterus can increase by up to 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inches) per week.
What are the two tubes that move the ovum?
The fallopian tubes are two tubes, each approx. 5 in. in length and attached to the upper part of the uterus. The lateral ends of these tubes are located above the ovaries but are not directly connected to the ovaries. These ends have fingerlike projections, called fimbriae. The fimbriae help move the ovum, which released by the ovary, into the fallopian tube. Each fallopian tube serves as a passageway for the ovum as the ovum moves from the ovary to the uterus. The muscle layers of the tube move the ovum by peristalsis. Cilia, hairlike structures on the lining of the tubes, also keep the ovum moving toward the uterus.
What is the function of the fimbriae?
These ends have fingerlike projections, called fimbriae. The fimbriae help move the ovum, which released by the ovary, into the fallopian tube. Each fallopian tube serves as a passageway for the ovum as the ovum moves from the ovary to the uterus. The muscle layers of the tube move the ovum by peristalsis.
What is a tissye?
The abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The tissye can be transferred from the uterus by the fallopian tubes, blood, or lymph, or during surgery.... (p.224)
What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
A large percentage of women experience some degree of PMS. SS usually peak in the late 20s and early 30s. The cause is unknown but may be related to a hormonal or biochemical imbalance, poor nutrition, or stress. SS may vary and may include nervousness, irritability, depression, headache, edema, backache, constipation, abd. bloating, food cravings, temporary weight gain, and breast hardness and enlargement. Tx is geared mainly toward relieving ss, and methods include modification, exercise, massage, light therapy, stess reduction, diuretics to remove excess fluids, analgesics for pain, and or meds to relieve the emotional ss.
How long does it take for a mammogram to detect a tumor?
Mammograms and ultrasonography can often detect tumor or masses up to 2 years before the tumor or mass can be felt.
Overview
- The female reproductive system consists of both internal and external parts. It has several impo…
releasing eggs, which can potentially be fertilized by sperm - producing female sex hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen
providing an environment for a fertilized egg to develop during pregnancy
Vulva
- The vulva is the name that’s given to the external parts of the female reproductive system. The v…
Mons pubis: The mons pubis is a mound of tissue located on top of the pubic bones. It’s typically covered in pubic hair. - Labia majora: The labia majora are folds of skin that are found below the mons pubis. They cove…
Labia minora: These are smaller folds of skin covering the vestibule of the vulva.
Vagina
- The opening of the vagina is found in the vestibule of the vulva. The vagina itself is a muscular t…
The opening of the vagina may be partially covered by a thin piece of tissue called the hymen. The hymen can be broken through things like sex, inserting a tampon, or physical activities like riding a bike.
Uterus
- The uterus is a muscular, pear-shaped organ that’s found in the pelvis. It’s made up of two majo…
Cervix: The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It connects the main body of the uterus with the vagina.
Fallopian tubes
- The fallopian tubes connect the uterus to the ovaries. One fallopian tube is associated with each ovary.
Ovaries
- These are two oval-shaped organs that are located in your pelvis, on either side of your uterus. T…
Now let’s examine the function of each of the different parts of the female reproductive system.
Vulva
- The main functions of the vulva are to:
protect the internal parts of the female reproductive system (labia majora and minora) - play a role in sexual arousal and stimulation ( clitoris)
facilitate sex, such as through providing lubrication (Bartholin’s glands) and cushioning (mons pubis)
Vagina
- The vagina has several functions, which can include:
receiving a toy or erect penis during sex - serving as the birth canal during childbirth
allowing menstrual blood to pass out of your body during your period
Uterus
- The uterus is the female reproductive organ that receives the fertilized egg and supports its development during pregnancy. We’ll discuss the uterus in more detail below.
Fallopian tubes
- The fallopian tubes work to transport an egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Smooth muscle contractions and the rhythmic beating of small hair-like structures called cilia help to keep the egg moving toward the uterus. Fertilization often occurs in the fallopian tube.
Ovaries
- The main function of the ovaries is to release eggs. When you’re born, your ovaries contain all th…
The ovaries also produce a variety of female sex hormones, which are important for regulating a woman’s cycle and pregnancy. These include progesterone and estrogen. - The role of the uterus
The uterus is one of the predominant organs of the female reproductive system. It serves important functions during pregnancy and childbirth.
Infections
- A variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect the female reproductive organs, inc…
These infections may not have any symptoms. However, in some cases, swelling, pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge may be present. Some infections, such as HPV and HSV, can cause lesions to occur on the genitals.
Uterine fibroids
- Uterine fibroids happen when benign (noncancerous) growths occur on or in the uterus. These g…
Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, you may experience things like heavy bleeding during your period, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
Endometriosis
- Endometriosis is when endometrium grows in places other than the inside of your uterus. It can …
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain may be chronic or it can occur during sex, during your period, or while going to the bathroom. Another common symptom is bleeding between periods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO
- PCOS is a condition that affects your ovaries. It’s caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormo…
Some potential symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods, acne, and weight gain. The complications of PCOS can include infertility, problems during pregnancy, and development of diabetes.
Ovarian cysts and uterine polyps
- Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled bumps that can develop on the ovaries and typically don’t cause sy…
Uterine polyps are typically noncancerous lesions that can develop in the inner lining of the uterus. They often don’t cause symptoms, but you may experience:
Cancers
- Cancer can affect almost every part of the female reproductive tract and can include:
The symptoms of each type of cancer can vary by the specific type of cancer. However, some signs to look out for can include abnormal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain or pressure, and changes in the skin of the vulva.
Infertility
- Infertility is defined as being unable to get pregnant after a year of trying. It’s important to note t…
In women, the following things can cause infertility: - conditions affecting ovulation, such as PCOS or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
damage to the fallopian tubes due to STIs or scarring from a previous surgery
How we vetted this article
- Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST
There are many possible causes for pelvic pain in women. We explain this symptom and the possible reasons for your discomfort. - Medically reviewed by Jeffrey Ditzell, DO
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