Female Reproductive System: Structure, Function

The female reproductive system is designed to perform various kinds of functions. The functions include female egg cells, called ovum or oocytes, which are essential for reproduction. The fallopian tube, a part of the female reproductive system, helps in the catching and transport of ovum towards the ampulla, where fertilisation occurs.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the Female Reproductive System?
2. Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System
3. Functions of the Female Reproductive System
4. Menstrual Cycle
5. Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
6. MCQs on the Female Reproductive System
7. Recommended Video On 'Female Reproductive System'

The following process is the implantation of the fertilised ovum in the uterus. In the event where fertilisation does not occur, menstruation occurs in the female body. The female reproductive system also produces sex hormones which help in maintaining the reproductive cycle. Female reproductive system is an important topic in the biology subject.

What is the Female Reproductive System?

The female reproductive system is a complex and organised network of organs and structures required for the production of the female gamete, facilitation of fertilisation, and support of fetal growth. It contains both the external and internal genitalia, which are very vital for reproductive health and function.

The female reproductive system is important not only for the production of ova (eggs) but also for provide for site of fertilisation, nurturing the growing fetus, and delivering the baby. It is also important in maintaining hormonal balance and thus assures overall health and well-being.

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is divided into two major parts, namely, the external and internal genitalia. Each part consists of various structures playing a crucial role in reproduction. The external genitalia mainly includes the vulva, with labia, clitoris, and opening to the vagina.

Labia Majora and Minora

• These are the outer and inner folds of skin around the opening of the vagina

• It protects the internal genital structures

Clitoris

• It is a small organ at the front of the vulva

Vagina

• This is a muscular, tubular organ.

• Lined with a mucous membrane

• Facilitates intercourse, parturition, and menstrual flow.

• Passageway for sperm, baby, and menstrual blood.

Cervix

• The lower part of the uterus opens into the vagina.

• Acts as a gateway between the uterus and the vagina.

Uterus

• Different layers: Endometrium, Myometrium, Perimetrium

• Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus and site of implantation.

• Myometrium: Muscular middle layer and contracts during labour.

• Perimetrium: Outer layer.

• Functions: Implantation of zygote, Pregnancy, Labour

• Supports fetal development.

• Contracts to deliver baby.

Fallopian Tubes

• Narrow tubes lined with cilia.

• Connect ovaries to the uterus.

• The site where sperm meets egg.

• Transports fertilised egg to the uterus.

Ovaries

• Ovary is the almond-shaped glands that produce ova and hormones.

• Key in hormonal regulation and gamete production.

• Oogenesis is the maturation of the ovarian follicle and the formation of the ovum.

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is designed for reproduction, hormonal regulation, and the menstrual cycle.

Reproduction

The process of reproduction includes:

Ovulation

• The release of a mature egg from the ovary.

• Occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle.

Fertilization

• Fusion of sperm and egg in the fallopian tube.

• The process leads to the formation of a zygote.

Pregnancy

• Implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining.

• Development of the fetus.

Childbirth

• Delivery of the baby through the birth canal.

• It involves labour and hormonal changes.

Hormonal Regulation

The hormones of the female reproductive system are:

Estrogen

• Development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

• Regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

• Preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.

• Maintenance of the placenta and pregnancy.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• LH helps in ovulation.

• FSH helps in the regulation of egg maturation.

• Produced by the pituitary gland.

Menstrual Cycle

• Phases: Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal

• Menstrual Phase: Shedding of uterine lining.

• Follicular Phase: Follicle development and Estrogen surge.

• Ovulation: Release of the egg.

• Luteal Phase: Corpus luteum formation; Progesterone production.

Menstrual Cycle

The different phases of the menstrual cycle are:

Menstrual Phase

• Characterised by endometrial shedding.

• The lining of the uterus is lost through the vaginal opening.

• Estrogen and progesterone decrease.

Follicular Phase

• Follicle Development in the ovary

• Ovarian follicles develop and increase in size

• Characterised by estrogen surge

• Estrogen production increases

Ovulation

• Release of Ovum

• An oocyte is released from the Graffian follicle

• LH Surge triggers ovulation

Luteal Phase

• Formation of Corpus Luteum

• Remnant of the follicle secretes progesterone.

• Charcterised by progesterone production

• Prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy.

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The disorders are listed below-

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that causes enlargement of the ovaries with cysts.

• Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous cellular growths in the uterus.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of the female reproductive organs.

MCQs on the Female Reproductive System

Q1. Corpus luteum secretes a hormone called

Option 1: Prolactin

Option 2: Progesterone

Option 3: Aldosterone

Option 4: Testosterone

Correct answer: (2) Progesterone.

Explanation:

The hormone estrogen is released into the bloodstream by follicular cells, which function as endocrine cells.
Conical, yellowish cells called corpus luteum, which degenerate into corpus albicans, are another component of the ovary's cortex.
Progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin are secreted by the corpus luteum, which also serves as an endocrine cell.

The Corpus luteum functions as endocrine cells and secretes progesterone, estradiol, and relaxin.

Hence, the answer is option (2) Progesterone.

Q2. Which of the following is primary sex organs in females?

Option 1: Uterus

Option 2: Vagina

Option 3: Ovary

Option 4: Mammary glands

Correct answer: (3) Ovary

Explanation:

The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries along with a pair of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia located in the pelvic region. These parts of the system along with a pair of mammary glands are integrated structurally and functionally to support the processes of ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy, birth, and child care.

Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones). The ovaries are located on each side of the lower abdomen.

Hence, the correct answer is option (3) Ovary.

Q3. Select correct option for female primary sex organ

Option 1: ovary are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several ovarian hormones (ovarian hormones)

Option 2: ovary are organs that produce female gamete (ovum) only

Option 3: ovary are organs that produce steroidal hormones only

Option 4: none of these

Correct answer: 1) ovaries are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several ovarian hormones (ovarian hormones)

Explanation:

Ovaries are the primary female sex The ovaries are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones), i.e., estrogen and progesterone. The Corpus luteum in the ovaries functions as endocrine cells and secretes progesterone, estradiol and relaxin.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) ovaries are organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several ovarian hormones (ovarian hormones)

Recommended Video On 'Female Reproductive System'