SCIENCE 10

Female Reproductive System

YELLOW TEAM

What is Reproductive System…?

The female reproductive system is a complex system that enables reproduction, menstruation, and
sexual intercourse. Let’s break it down into simpler terms:

 Vagina - The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the external genitals to the uterus. It
serves as the birth canal and also allows for the passage of menstrual blood. — This is like
a flexible tube that connects the outside of the body to the uterus. It has several jobs: it
allows the menstrual period to leave the body, it is where sexual intercourse happens, and it
is the pathway for a baby to be born.
  Ovary - The ovaries are two almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus.
They produce and release eggs (ova) during the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce
female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. — The ovaries are two small,
oval-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs, which are
needed for reproduction. The ovaries also produce hormones that control the menstrual
cycle and other aspects of a woman’s body.

 Cervix - The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It allows
sperm to enter the uterus during sexual intercourse and also serves as the pathway for
menstrual blood to leave the uterus. — The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that
connects it to the vagina. It’s like a narrow passageway. During childbirth, the cervix opens
up to allow the baby to come out. It also produces mucus that changes throughout the
menstrual cycle.

 Uterus - The uterus, also known as the womb, is a pear-shaped organ where a fertilized
egg implants and develops into a fetus during pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the
lining of the uterus is shed during menstruation. — The uterus is like a small, hollow,
muscular bag located in a woman’s lower belly. It’s also known as the womb. This is
where a baby grows during pregnancy. If a woman is not pregnant, the lining of the uterus
is shed during the menstrual period.

 Endometrium - The endometrium is a special lining that is found inside the uterus. The
endometrium plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. During the
menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. — This
is the inside layer of the uterus. It gets thicker every month to prepare a comfy spot for a
fertilized egg to grow. If no fertilized egg arrives, this layer comes off and leaves the body
during the menstrual period. — If an egg is fertilized by sperm and implants itself into the
endometrium, it receives nourishment from the blood vessels in the endometrium.

 Oviduct (Fallopian Tubes) – The fallopian tubes are two thin tubes that connect the
ovaries to the uterus. They provide a pathway for the egg to travel from the ovaries to the
uterus. Fertilization of the egg by sperm usually occurs in the fallopian tubes. — These are
like tiny tunnels that connect the place where eggs are stored (ovaries) to the place where a
baby grows (uterus). When an egg is ready, it travels through these tunnels. If a sperm
meets the egg in these tunnels, it can fertilize the egg.

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The functions of the female reproductive system include:
1. Production of Eggs: The ovaries produce and release eggs, which are necessary for reproduction.

2. Hormone Production: The ovaries produce female sex hormones, such as estrogen and
progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and play a role in pregnancy.

3. Menstruation: The uterus sheds its lining during menstruation, which occurs if fertilization does
not occur.

4. Pregnancy: If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg implants in the uterus and develops into a
fetus during pregnancy.

5. Childbirth: The uterus contracts during childbirth to help expel the baby from the body.

6. Breastfeeding: After childbirth, the female reproductive system produces milk to nourish the
baby.

Now, study the function of each part.

Parts Functions

Ovary Produces egg cells

Oviduct Serves as passageway of

eggs from the ovary to the
uterus; site of egg
fertilization

Uterus Serves as site of egg

implantation; is where the
fertilized egg develops

Vagina Receives the penis of male

during mating

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Puberty involves the onset of sexual maturity and the ability to reproduce. When a female reaches
puberty, egg cells start to develop in her ovaries that produce the sex cells. It is also the time when
the body develops the capacity to conceive.