The Female Reproductive System

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary female reproductive organs?

Cervix

Ovaries (correct)

Uterus

Vagina

Why are eggs considered precious in the female reproductive system?

They are more numerous than male gametes

They are larger than male gametes

They are released only one or two every month (correct)

They are more resilient than male gametes

Where does fertilization by a sperm usually take place?

In the uterus

Upper third of the oviduct (correct)

In the ovaries

In the vagina

What happens to an unfertilized egg in the female reproductive system?

It degenerates and is either reabsorbed or discharged during menstruation Signup and view all the answers

What are the fingerlike projections at the open end of the oviduct called?

Fimbriae Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the female sex steroid hormone estrogen?

Regulating the menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the oviduct in the female reproductive system?

Transporting the oocyte to the uterus Signup and view all the answers

Where does a fertilized egg attach in the female reproductive system?

Endometrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the immature eggs released by the ovaries?

Oocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which organ provides nourishment to the developing fetus and facilitates waste removal and gas exchange?

Placenta Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the myometrium during pregnancy?

It stretches to accommodate the growing fetus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the uterus in the female reproductive system?

Supporting the developing fetus Signup and view all the answers

What are the female sex steroid hormones secreted by the ovaries?

Estrogen and progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrow part of the uterus that extends slightly into the vagina called?

Cervix Signup and view all the answers

What is the vagina also known as?

Birth canal Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for an unfertilized egg to move from the oviduct to the uterus?

3–4 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the open end of the oviduct?

Fallopian tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the clitoris in the female sexual response?

Important in the female sexual response Signup and view all the answers

What lies between the clitoris and the vaginal opening?

Urethral opening Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the mammary glands in females?

Produce milk Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates lactation in females late in pregnancy?

Prolactin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of human breasts?

Adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

What causes the nipple to become erect in response to sexual stimulation, cold temperatures, or nursing?

Contraction of smooth muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the areola in the female reproductive system?

Surrounds the nipple Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Female Reproductive Organs

Primary female reproductive organs include ovaries, oviducts (fallopian tubes), uterus, vagina, and mammary glands.
Immature eggs released by the ovaries are called oocytes.

Importance of Eggs

Eggs are considered precious as women are born with a finite number, and only a limited number are released during the reproductive years.

Fertilization and Egg Cycle

Fertilization typically occurs in the oviduct.
If an egg is unfertilized, it will be absorbed by the body or expelled during menstruation.
It takes an unfertilized egg approximately 3 to 5 days to move from the oviduct to the uterus.

Oviduct

The narrow end of the oviduct is called the fimbriae, which has fingerlike projections that help capture eggs released from the ovary.
The function of the oviduct is to transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus and provide a site for fertilization.

Uterus and Myometrium

A fertilized egg attaches to the endometrial lining of the uterus for development.
The myometrium, the muscular layer of the uterus, contracts during labor to help expel the fetus.

Hormones and Sexual Response

The ovaries secrete female sex steroid hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
The clitoris plays a crucial role in female sexual response, providing pleasure and arousal.

Vagina and Cervix

The vagina, also referred to as the birth canal, is the passage through which the baby leaves the body during birth.
The narrow part of the uterus extending into the vagina is known as the cervix.

Mammary Glands and Lactation

Mammary glands function to produce milk for breastfeeding.
Prolactin, a hormone, stimulates lactation in females during late pregnancy.
The primary component of human breasts is adipose (fat) tissue.
The nipple can become erect in response to sexual stimulation, cold, or nursing due to muscle contractions.

Areola and Sexual Anatomy

The areola surrounds the nipple and contains glands that secrete lubricating fluids, aiding in breastfeeding.
Space between the clitoris and vaginal opening is referred to as the vestibule, containing the urethral opening and vaginal opening.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the female reproductive system with this quiz. Explore how the system evolved to perform various functions and the significance of the monthly cycle in preparing for fertilization. Delve into the unique characteristics of the female reproductive system and its role in the process of reproduction.