The Female Reproductive System

Primary Components

Part	Function
Ovary	Produces eggs (ova) and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Fallopian Tubes	Transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilisation typically occurs here.
Uterus	A muscular organ where the fertilised egg implants and develops into a foetus.
Endometrium (Lining)	Nourishes the embryo if pregnancy occurs. Breaks down during menstruation if fertilisation does not occur.
Cervix	Narrow opening between the uterus and vagina. Produces mucus and allows the passage of sperm.
Vagina	Acts as the birth canal during childbirth and receives sperm during sexual reproduction.
Vulva	External opening of the reproductive system. Protects internal parts of the reproductive system.

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Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Egg Production:

• The ovary releases one mature egg (ovum) during each menstrual cycle (ovulation).
• Eggs are stored in the ovaries from birth and are released once puberty begins.

Fertilisation:

• Occurs in the fallopian tube when a sperm cell meets an egg cell.
• Fertilised egg (zygote) travels to the uterus for implantation.

Menstrual Cycle:

• Prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy each month.
• If fertilisation does not occur, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed, resulting in menstruation.

Pregnancy:

• After implantation, the embryo develops inside the uterus.
• The endometrium supports the growing foetus.

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Hormonal Control in the Menstrual Cycle

Hormone	Produced By	Role
FSH	Pituitary gland	Stimulates follicle development in the ovary. Causes eggs to mature. Produces oestrogen.
Oestrogen	Graafian follicle (ovary)	Repairs the uterine lining (endometrium). Inhibits FSH and stimulates LH production.
LH	Pituitary gland	Causes ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
Progesterone	Corpus luteum (ovary)	Maintains the uterine lining. Inhibits LH and prevents uterine contractions.

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The Menstrual Cycle

Day 1–5:

• Menstruation occurs: the uterine lining is shed.
• FSH stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovary.

Day 5–14:

• Oestrogen repairs the endometrium and stimulates LH production.
• LH surge causes ovulation on Day 14.

Day 14–28:

• The Graafian follicle forms the corpus luteum.
• Progesterone maintains the endometrium.
• If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates around Day 22, leading to decreased progesterone.

Day 28:

• Menstruation begins, marking the start of a new cycle.

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Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Females

• Growth of pubic hair.
• Development of breasts.
• Widening of the hips.
• Increased production of oestrogen and sebaceous gland activity.

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Menstrual Disorder: Fibroids

• Definition: Benign tumours of the uterus.
• Symptoms: Heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and infertility.
• Treatment:
  • Small fibroids: Monitoring or no treatment.
  • Large fibroids: Surgical removal.