Biology: Female Reproductive System

Biology Definition

• Biology is the scientific study of living things and their processes.
• It is derived from ancient Greek words.

Female Reproductive System

• The female reproductive system comprises internal and external organs.
• It produces hormones essential for fertility, menstruation, and sexual activity.

Parts and Functions:

• Ovaries: A pair of glands producing eggs and female hormones (estrogen & progesterone).
• Fallopian Tubes: Where fertilization occurs and embryos develop prior to implantation.
• Uterus: Nourishes the developing fetus before birth.
• Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus, shed during menstruation. It nourishes the embryo if fertilization occurs.
• Cervix: Connects the uterus and vagina, widening during childbirth.
• Vagina: Muscular canal connecting the cervix to the outside, allowing for intercourse, menstruation, and childbirth.
• Fimbriae: Finger-like structures that catch the released egg.
• Vulva: The collective term for the external female genitalia (mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vestibular vestibule, Bartholin's glands, Skene's glands, urethra, and vaginal opening).
• Clitoris: Sensitive erectile tissue, a pleasure center of the female reproductive anatomy.
• Skene's Glands: Secrete a substance that lubricates the urethra opening, potentially antimicrobial.
• Bartholin's Glands: Located on each side of the vaginal opening and secrete fluid that lubricates the vagina.

Egg Cells (Ovum)

• Egg cells, also known as gametes, are responsible for connecting with sperm for fertilization and propagation.

Oogenesis

• Oogenesis is the process of female gamete formation.
• It is a specific type of gametogenesis.
• The end product of oogenesis is the ovum

Estrogen and Progesterone

• These hormones are crucial for female traits, such as breast development, body shape, and hair.
• They regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy.