Biology: Female Reproductive System Questions and Answers 2023

Biology: Female Reproductive System Questions and Answers 2023 Ovaries Female gonads that produce the eggs. Oviduct (Fallopian Tube) Tube that transports the egg from the ovary to the uterus; fertilization occurs here. Uterus Place where the fetus develops during pregnancy. Vagina Female reproductive organ. Labio majora Outer external folds. Labia minora Inner external folds. Clitoris Small erectile organ. Cervix Bottom end of the uterus, which is the opening to the vagina. Ovulation The process of releasing a mature ovum/egg into the fallopian tube each month. Oocytes Immature eggs. Menopause The period in a woman's life (age 45-55) when menstruation first becomes irregular and eventually stops. Endometrium Inner lining of the uterus; embryo first implants here to be nourished, protects the embryo. Vaginal Orifice Vaginal hole leading outside the female body. Estrogen Hormone that is responsible for female's secondary sex characteristics. Progesterone Hormone that prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. FSH Hormone that causes maturation of the egg cells. LH Hormone that causes ovulation to occur. Follicle cells Nourishing cells that surround each oocyte. They produce proteins and the estrogen hormone. Vestibular gland Gland that lubricates the vagina. Pregnancy In females, when an embryo develops into a fetus in the uterus for 9 months. Menstruation Last phase of the menstrual cycle in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) along with blood and the unfertilized ovum are expelled through the vagina. Menstrual Phase Days 1-5: Uterus sheds the endometrium (tissue and blood) and exits through the vagina. Blood loss is from 10 mL - 80 mL. Abdominal cramps may occur caused by contractions of the uterine and abdominal muscles. Follicular Phase Days 1-13: The pituitary gland produces hormones that make egg cells grow. 1 egg cell matures in a follicle, while it matures the follicle produces estrogen, making the endometrium develop. Ovulation Phase Day 14: When the pituitary gland secretes LH, this causes the ovary to release a mature egg (ovum) into the oviduct (fallopian tube). Luteal Phase Days 15-28: If not fertilized, the egg disintegrates. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which then causes the uterus to keep the endometrium. When the corpus luteum gets used up, the next cycle begins. Menstrual Fluid The blood and uterine lining that flows out of the vagina. Cramps Prolonged, involuntary muscular contractions. Structure and function The system of sex organs that are part of the overall reproductive process of human beings. Egg production and pathway Ovary - Oviduct - Uterus - Cervix - Vagina - Vaginal Orifice Hormonal control GnRH: Tells the pituitary gland to produce FSH and later on, LH. FSH: Stimulates a group of follicles to mature. LH: Causes ovulation. Estrogen: Stimulates growth of the endometrium and induces the production of LH. Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for implantation of fertilized egg; endometrium thickens. The Menstrual Cycle 1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5) 2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-13) 3. Ovulation Phase (Day 14) 4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)