Female Reproductive System Parts and Functions

The process of fusion of male and female sex cells (gametes).

The first menstrual period in a female adolescent.

A woman's monthly bleeding, often called her period.

A woman's last period.

The phase of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovary.

The phase of the menstrual cycle when the uterine lining sheds.

The phase of the menstrual cycle when the egg is developing in the ovary.

The phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation.

A hormone released from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.

A hormone released from the anterior pituitary that stimulates testosterone production in the interstitial cells of the testes.

A hormone released from the anterior pituitary that stimulates spermatogenesis and inhibin production in the sustentacular cells of the seminiferous tubules.

A male sex hormone produced by the interstitial cells of the testes that stimulates the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

A hormone produced by the sustentacular cells of the seminiferous tubules that inhibits the release of FSH from the anterior pituitary.

The female reproductive organ where eggs are produced.

The female reproductive organ where fertilization of an egg takes place.

The female reproductive organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops.

The upper rounded part of the uterus.

The female gonad; produces eggs (oocytes).

The lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It widens during childbirth.

The muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body; used for intercourse, menstrual flow, and childbirth.

The process of forming female gametes (eggs) within the ovary.

The period when a female becomes sexually mature and capable of producing eggs.

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Basal body temperature (BBT) rises slightly after ovulation due to the influence of progesterone.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the follicle to rupture, releasing the egg.

The ovulation phase typically lasts about 12-16 hours, occurring around days 12-14 of a 28-day cycle.

Women might experience changes like light spotting, increased cervical mucus, breast tenderness, or mild cramping.

The corpus luteum forms from the empty follicle after ovulation and produces progesterone.

Progesterone is the primary hormone maintaining the uterine lining during the luteal phase, preparing for a potential pregnancy.

BBT stays elevated during the luteal phase due to progesterone. This sustained rise helps track fertility.

The menstrual cycle is divided into three main phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

During the follicular phase, the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the development of multiple follicles on the ovary. Only one follicle usually becomes dominant and contains a mature egg.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle. The egg travels through the fallopian tube, where it can potentially be fertilized by sperm.

The luteal phase is characterized by the thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization doesn't occur, the lining sheds, resulting in menstruation.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones like estrogen, progesterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone). Their levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, influencing ovulation, the thickening and shedding of the uterine lining, and other physical and emotional changes.

The luteal phase, because it's during this period that the egg has been released and the uterine lining is prepared for a potential pregnancy.

The main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are:

• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone,' is released by the pituitary gland during labor to trigger and strengthen contractions. It's also involved in breastfeeding and bonding between mother and child.