The Female Reproductive System

Ovary

Ovaries are sex cell/gamete producing structures of the female reproductive system. Normally, a female will have two ovaries, each performing two major functions: producing eggs and secreting hormones. Ovaries in females are homologous to testes in males. The term gonads refer to the ovaries in females and testes in males.

Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes, also known as the oviduct, are two very fine tubes leading from the ovaries of female mammals into the uterus. This is also where fertilization will occur

Uterus
The main function of the uterus is to accept a fertilized ovum/egg, which becomes implanted into the endometrium/uterine lining, and derives nourishment from blood vessels which develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized egg becomes an embryo, develops into a fetus and gestates until childbirth. Due to anatomical barriers such as the pelvis, the uterus is pushed partially into the abdomen due to its expansion during pregnancy. Even in pregnancy the mass of a human uterus amounts to only about a kilogram .

Vagina &Cervix
The vagina is the muscular passageway leading to the outside of the body During birth, the vagina is often referred to as the birth canal. The cervix is the opening from the vagina into the womb allows menstrual blood exit and sperm in. During childbirth the cervix expands about 4 inches (10 cm) to allow the baby to pass through. Its not pleasant.

The Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is the roughly 28 day cycle during which an egg is released (ovulation) and the body prepares for possible pregnancy. Menstruation occurs when the egg is not fertilized and the uterine lining passes out of the body through the vagina. Ovulation occurs about half way through the cycle. The egg can be fertilized during the 2-3 day period it is in the oviduct. HOWEVER, sperm can live 1 -2 days usually and up to 5 days in optimal conditions.

Development of the fertilized egg

After fertilization, the zygote (fertilized egg) undergoes a series of changes that will eventually result in the formation of new human. Zygote =>Embryo=>Fetus

After fertilization, the zygote begins dividing forming a hollow ball called a blastocyst. Between 5 8 days after fertilization, the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

Embryo (~8 weeks)

After the zygote moves out of the oviduct it will attach to the lining of the uterus . The amniotic sac forms around the embryo. The placenta forms to allow the transfer of nutrients, oxygen and other substances. Blood between the mother and embryo do not mix, however. As the embryo grows larger and moves away from the wall of the uterus, the umbilical cord forms to keep it attached to the placenta. Due to the major physical and hormonal changes that are occuring in the females body, this is usually the time when morning sickness is at its worst.

Fetus (~ 9 weeks birth)

By the 3rd month, many of the fetus internal organs have formed and fingers and toes are present. Between the 4th and 6th months, bones become distinct and the fetus begins to move and kick The final 3 months, brain grooves form, lungs develop, and the eyes can open.

Birth
Birth takes place in 3 stages: Labor=>Delivery=>Afterbirth Labor begins when contractions of the uterus wall begin to cause the cervix to enlarge. This may last from 2 20 hours. Delivery is when the baby is completely pushed out of the uterus, through the vagina and out of the mothers body. Afterbirth occurs about 15 minutes later and this is when the placenta and other membranes are pushed out of the uterus.

Inside the Womb

First Trimester

Second Trimester

Third Trimester