female reproductive anatomy - biology for life

Female Reproductive Anatomy

VAGINA:

•Muscular tube that leads

from the base of the uterus

to the vulva.

•Elasticity allows the

vagina to stretch with

intercourse and birth.

CERVIX:

•Base of the uterus

•Physical barrier to pathogens

•Stretches open at childbirth

and menstruation

UTERUS:

•Organ which holds

developing fetus during

pregnancy

UTERINE WALL:

•Outer, muscular layer of

the uterus

•Contracts with labor

ENDOMETRIUM

• Lining of the uterus

• Grows monthly into a

thick, blood vessel

filled tissue

• Shed with

menstruation

OVIDUCT

• AKA Fallopian tube

• “catches” egg when

released from the

ovary

• Carries egg from

ovary to uterus

• Site of fertilization

This is a chicken egg in a

chicken oviduct.

OVARY

• Organ that produces

eggs

• Produces and

secretes hormones:

1. Estrogen

2. Progesterone

Estrogen

1. Triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty

2. Maintains reproductive organs in a functional state

Progesterone

• Prepares and maintains endometrium for

pregnancy

6.6.1

Draw and label a diagram of the adult

female reproductive system.