The Female Reproductive System

What are the main functions of the female reproductive system?

The primary reproductive organs of the female are the ovaries. As in males, puberty in females starts when the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH. FSH stimulates cells within the ovaries to produce increased amounts of estrogens and to start producing egg cells. The main function of the female reproductive system is to produce egg cells, or ova (singular: ovum). In addition, the system prepares the female's body to nourish a developing embryo.

Female Reproductive Structures At puberty, each ovary contains as many as 400,000 primary follicles, which are clusters of cells surrounding a single egg. The function of a follicle is to help an egg mature for release into the reproductive tract, where it may be fertilized by a sperm. Despite the huge number of primary follicles, a female's ovaries release only about 400 mature eggs in her lifetime.

In addition to the ovaries, other structures in the female reproductive system include the Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and the vagina. Figure 34–13 shows the location of these structures.

The Menstrual Cycle One ovary usually produces and releases one mature ovum every 28 days or so. The process of egg formation and release occurs as part of the menstrual cycle, a regular sequence of events involving the ovaries, the lining of the uterus, and the endocrine system. The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones made by the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries; it is controlled by internal feedback mechanisms.

During the menstrual cycle, an egg develops within a follicle and is released from an ovary. In addition, the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg. If an egg is not fertilized, it is discharged, along with the lining of the uterus. If an egg is fertilized, embryonic development begins and the menstrual cycle ceases. The menstrual cycle includes the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation.

FIGURE 34–13 Female Reproductive System The main function of the female reproductive system is to produce ova. The ovaries are the main organs of the female reproductive system. Predict Which structure is most likely lined with cilia that push an egg toward the uterus? Explain.

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