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The Female Reproduction System . Family Life 421 Ms. MacLean. Reproductive Systems. By the end of this unit, you will be able to: discuss and describe the organs of the male and female reproductive system;
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The Female Reproduction System Family Life 421 Ms. MacLean
Reproductive Systems • By the end of this unit, you will be able to: • discuss and describe the organs of the male and female reproductive system; • identify the different parts of the male and female reproductive system on a diagram; • discuss certain male and female health concerns related to the reproductive system.
female reproductive System Female Reproduction System
female reproductive System • The female reproductive system’s primary function is for reproduction. • An egg cell (ovum) is produced which, when united with a sperm cell, will eventually form a baby.
female reproductive System • Although the female has external and internal reproductive organs, the organs of the system are primarily internal. • The external organs are called the vulva.
female reproductive System • The vulva consists of the: • Clitoris • Mons pubis • Labia majora (Outer lips) • Labia minora (Inner lips) • Vaginal opening
female reproductive System • The clitoris is a knob of tissue, located in front of the vaginal opening. • The clitoris has no reproductive function, but is important in producing sexual arousal. • The mons pubis is a rounded, fatty pad of tissue, covered with pubic hair. • The mons pubis is located on top of the pubic bone.
female reproductive System • The labia majora (outer lips) is the outer fold of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening. • The labia minora (inner lips) is the inner folds of skin which are inside the labia majora. The labia minora form a hood over the clitoris.
female reproductive System • The functions of the labia are: • To protect against germs entering the body • For sexual arousal • The vaginal opening is visible with the labia are parted.
female reproductive System • The internal organs are the: • Vagina • Uterus • Fallopian tubes • Ovaries
female reproductive System • The vagina is a tubelike passageway, about 4 to 5 inches long. • It is also called the birth canal; it stretches to allow for the birth of a baby. • The vagina leads to the cervix(the neck of the uterus). • The cervical opening is very small, but during child birth it opens (dilate) for the baby.
female reproductive System • The hymen is a thin membrane, located just inside the vaginal opening. • The hymen has no particular function and is not present in all females. • There are many myths related to the hymen, but many are not true. • Some women may feel discomfort with the breaking of their hymen.
female reproductive System • The uterus is a strong, elastic muscle, about the size of a fist. • The primary function of the uterus is to hold and nourish a fetus (developing baby).
female reproductive System • On each side of the uterus are the Fallopian tubes. • Fertilization of the ovum (the joining of a sperm cell and egg cell) occurs in the Fallopian tubes.
female reproductive System • The ovaries are the female sex glands on both sides of the uterus. • The function of the ovaries are: • Production of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) • House the egg cell (ovum)
female reproductive System • Ovulation is the process of an ovary releasing a mature egg cell (ovum) into that ovary’s Fallopiantube. • A ovum can live for about two days in the Fallopian tube. • If sperm are present, one sperm will enter the ovum. This is call fertilization. Pregnancy begins at this point.
female reproductive System • If the ovumisfertilized, it moves into the uterus and attaches to the lining. • The ovum will develop into a baby while in the uterus.
female reproductive System • If the ovumis notfertilized, it dies and passes into the uterus. • The uterine lining is not needed because there is no pregnancy, so the uterine muscles begin to contract and the lining of the uterus is shed. • This lining passes through the vagina and out of the body during a process called mestruation.
female reproductive System • Menstruation (also called a period) usually takes 4 to 7 days, but can be shorter or longer. Each female’s menstrual period is different. • During menstruation, the female loses between 2 and 3 tablespoons of blood in additional to the uterine lining (tissue).
female reproductive System • Almost all females being menstruating between the ages of 10 and 15. • Hormones control the menstrual cycle so each female’s cycle is unique to her.
female reproductive System Menstruation Cycle
female reproductive System • Because the uterus contracts to break down the lining, the female may experience cramps. • Light exercise, a warm bath, or a heating pad will relax the muscles to assist with the cramps. • Severe cramps require medical attention.
female reproductive System • Bathing of the vaginal area is important, but becomes even more important during menstruation. • Sanitary napkins or tampons must be used to catch the menstrual flow, and must be changed every 3 to 4 hours. • Tampons left in for more than 4 hours increases the risk of infection.
female reproductive System • Women have certain reproductive health issues: • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) • Sterility • Breast Cancer
female reproductive System • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a variety of symptoms females experience during menstruation, including: • Nervous tension • Anxiety • Irritability • Bloating • Weight gain • Depression • Mood swings • Fatigue
female reproductive System • The causes of PMS are not fully understood, but may be related to hormones or nutritional deficiency. • Most doctors recommend diet and life-style changes. • PMS sufferers must try to reduce stress, and reduce their intake of sugar, salt, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
female reproductive System How to Relieve PMS Symptoms
female reproductive System • Women can become sterile through: • A blockage in one of both of the Fallopiantubes • The inability to ovulate • Endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, in the pelvic cavity.
female reproductive System • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death of women after lung cancer (US). • Breast cancer is not preventable, but it is treatable and curable. • Females with a family history of breast cancer are twice as likely to develop this cancer.
female reproductive System • Women should complete monthly self-breast examinations. • Symptoms of breast cancer (in women and men) are: • Change in breast or nipple appearance • Lump or swelling in the breast • Lump under the armpit