Female Reproductive

SystemFunction is to make eggs and provide a place to support and nourish a developing human

Stages of Puberty in Females

8 to 9 years oldGrowth spurt begins at this age. Breasts are pre-pubertal, meaning they have no visible tissue. Girls also have no pubic hair.

11 years oldThe areola (pigmented area around the nipple) enlarges and becomes darker. It raises to become a mound around the areola with a small amount of breast tissue underneath. This is called a bud. Also, a few long, slightly darkened hairs appear on the vagina (usually on the labia). The growth spurt has probably slowed by this age, as well.

12 years oldBreast tissue appears past the edge of the areola. A moderate amount of curly, pigmented and coarse appears hair on the mons pubis (the raised, fatty area above the labia). Hair begins to spread more laterally and 70 percent of girls have their first menstrual period.

13 years oldThere is continued development of breast tissue and the areola and nipple now protrude. The growth spurt usually ends during this time and body fat reaches a mature proportion (26 percent). After menstruation begins, girls possibly grow three to four inches more, although it is usually less.

14 years oldPubic hair has reached its adult growth rate and some long pigmented hairs may grow on the inner thighs.

15 years oldBreasts have usually reached their adult size by this time.

Ovaries• Are the female reproductive organs that

produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone– Eggs (ova) – sex cells that are produced by the

ovaries and can be fertilized by sperm– All of the eggs a female will ever have, are in her 2

ovaries when she is born• Make the hormones estrogen and progesterone– Regulate the monthly release of an egg and prepare

the body for pregnancy

Vagina• Female reproductive organ that connects the

outside of the body to the uterus and that receives sperm during reproduction

• Urethra – above and separate from the vagina – carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body

Fallopian Tubes and Uterus• Fallopian tubes – the female reproductive

organs that transport an egg from the ovary to the uterus

• Uterus – female reproductive organ that provides a place to support a developing human– Muscular cavity the size of a fist

External Changes during Puberty Function

Labia • increased oil/sweat production• gets thicker, more wrinkly, darker in color

• protection of internal • reproductive organs

Mons pubis • thickens to form more padding• hair grows on it

• protects/cushions the pubic bone

Clitoris • grows to adult size (approximately the size of pencil head eraser)• more sensitive

• sensitive to touch because of many nerve endings

Urinary opening (urethra)

• grows to adult size • urine leaves the body through this opening

Vaginal opening

• grows to adult size• able to stretch

• menstrual flow leaves the body• reproductive function• baby exits from this opening

Internal Changes during Puberty Function

Vagina •normal discharge from vagina-odorless, cloudy, white(cleansing mucous)• starts up to two years before menstruation

• leads to other internal reproductive organs• used for reproduction and birth of baby• menstrual flow exit

Uterus • grows to about the size of a fist• changes position to tilt in pelvic cavity

• where a baby grows• very stretchy• lining is shed during menstruation

Fallopian tubes • on either side of uterus • passageway from uterus to ovary, helps move egg along• fertilization takes place here

Ovaries • grows to adult sizes (size of a walnut)• starts producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone

• stores ova (hundreds of thousands)• releases ovum about once a month starting at puberty• produces hormones

Endometrium • lining of the uterus (thickens to prepare for implantation)

• thickens and sheds during menstrual cycle

What is a Menstrual Cycle?

• A monthly series of hormone-controlled changes that prepare the uterine lining for a pregnancy

• Increased levels of estrogen cause uterine lining to thicken

• Ovulation – the release of an egg from a follicle in the ovary

• High levels of estrogen and progesterone further thicken and maintain the uterine lining

• If pregnancy does not occur – estrogen and progesterone levels quickly fall

• Menstruation – breakdown and discharge of the uterine lining out of the vagina– Usually lasts between 3 and 7 days

• Average cycle lasts 28 days– Can vary from one

individual to another and from month to month

• Ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day– Environmental

factors can influence the timing of a cycle• Stress• Diet• Travel• Exercise• Weight gain or loss• illness

What is a breast?• Internally breast consist of

15 to 25 lobes that radiate around and open at the nipple– Each lobe is composed of

smaller lobules these contain alveoli that produce milk when women are lactating.

– Non-pregnant women glandular structure is undeveloped hence the breast size is largely due to the amount of fat deposit.

Self- Breast Exam