Female Reproductive System: Anatomy and Function

• The reproductive system is a biological system made up of all the anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction

Female Reproductive System

• The female reproductive system has two main functions: to produce egg cells, and to protect and nourish the offspring until birth
• The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva
• The ovaries produce egg cells (ova) and hormones
• The fallopian tubes transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus
• Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes
• The uterus is where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy
• The vagina connects the uterus to the outside of the body
• The vulva is the external female genitalia
• Oogenesis is the process of egg cell formation, occurs in the ovaries
• The ovarian cycle involves the maturation and release of an egg
• The menstrual cycle involves the preparation of the uterine lining for implantation
• Menopause is the cessation of menstruation and reproductive capacity

Male Reproductive System

• The male reproductive system functions to produce and deliver sperm to the female reproductive system
• The male reproductive system includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, and penis
• The testes produce sperm and testosterone
• The epididymis stores and matures sperm
• The vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
• The seminal vesicles contribute fluid to semen
• The prostate gland contributes fluid to semen
• The bulbourethral glands secrete a lubricating fluid
• The penis is the external organ used for sexual intercourse
• Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm formation, occurs in the testes
• Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics

Hormonal Control of Reproduction

• The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads (ovaries and testes) regulate reproductive function through hormonal signals
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
• FSH and LH stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone)
• Estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in females
• Testosterone regulates sperm production and male secondary sexual characteristics in males
• Feedback loops control hormone levels to maintain reproductive homeostasis

Fertilization and Pregnancy

• Fertilization is the fusion of a sperm and an egg to form a zygote
• Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube
• The zygote undergoes cleavage and develops into a blastocyst
• The blastocyst implants in the uterine lining
• The placenta develops to provide nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus
• Pregnancy is the period from implantation to birth
• Human gestation period is approximately 40 weeks
• Labor involves contractions of the uterus to expel the fetus and placenta

Contraception

• Contraception is the prevention of pregnancy
• Methods of contraception include barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms), hormonal methods (birth control pills, injections, implants), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization
• Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• Hormonal methods prevent ovulation or fertilization
• IUDs prevent implantation
• Sterilization prevents the release of eggs or sperm

Reproductive Health

• Reproductive health encompasses the well-being of the reproductive system, including physical, mental, and social aspects
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections transmitted through sexual contact, can affect the reproductive system
• Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Regular check-ups and screenings are important for maintaining reproductive health
• Reproductive technologies include assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Overview of the female reproductive system, including its organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva) and their functions. Covers oogenesis, the ovarian cycle, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. Explains the production of egg cells and the protection/nourishment of offspring