Female Reproductive system

The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, Fallopian tube or oviduct, uterus, cervity and vagina and vulva.

Ovaries: These are two oval-shaped structure located in the abdominal cavity on the side of the uterus.

Each ovary is held in position by ligaments. Ovaries are small and short, each contain thousands of undeveloped egg (ova). It is only when a girl has reached the age of puberty (9-15years) that a ripe egg is released alternatively each months by the ovaries. The ovaries stop producing eggs at about the age of 45-55years, a condition referred to as menopause.

Functions

1. Ovaries produce and release mature egg
2. They produce female sex hormones (oestrogene and progesterme)

Fallopian Tube: this arise from the uterus as narrow tube of about (9-13cm) long. The free ends are funnel-shaped free ends are lined with cell having cilia. When an egg is related to the cilia beat to direct the egg into the fallopian tube. Fertilization takes place in this tube

Functions of Fallopian Tube

1. Directs the release egg from the ovary to itself
2. Fertilization takes place inside the oviduct
3. The fertilized egg (zygote) is pushed to the uterus by the cell of the fallopian tub

Ovulation is the release of the egg into the Fallopian Tube by the ovaries.

Ulterus (womb)

The uterus is a wide and thick-walled muscular chamber of about 8cm long and 5cm wide. Two fallopian tubes entre into it at the top while the lower narrow part terminates as a neck or cervix. The inner side of the uterus is lined with endometrium (layer well supplied with blood and food to receive fertilized egg)

Function of Uterus

1.Implantation of fertilized egg (zygote): Implantaion is the attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus.

2.The uterus provides a place for the attachment of foetal placenta. Before the development of placenta, the uterus provides nutrients for the embryo.

3.Before the development of placenta, the uterus provides nutrients for the embryo

CERVIX

The cervix is a ring of muscle with tiny aperture that closes the lower end of the uterus where it joins the vagina. It controls the opening and clothing of the vagina during birth.

VAGINA

The vagina leads from the cervix of the uterus to the outside of the body. It is an elastic and muscular tube of about 10-14cm long. The opening of the vagina is partially covered by a thin membrane called hymen. If the hymen is intact, it means that the girl is still a virgin. However the hymen can be torn during vigorous physical exercise such as athletics or during sexual intercourse.

Function of the Vagina

1. It receives the male penis which deposits sperm into it
2. It serves as birth canal during the expulsion of the foetus from the uterus
3. The woman menstruate through the vagina

VULVA

The external female organ are collectively called vulva. These include the two thick fold of skin covered with public hair called labia major, two fold of hairless skin called labia minora

Function of Vulva

1. It protects the opening of the vagina

CLITORIS: is a small erectile organ. It is a sensitive organ well supplied with blood vessels and nerves. It causes excitement during sexual intercourse and accelerates organism in female. Like penis it become erective in sexual excitement.

ASSIGNMENT

1a.       Distinguish between asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction

1. Make a fully labelled diagram of female reproductive system