Female+Reproductive+System

Female Reproductive System Christian Williford Tianna Smith = 1) The organs and their functions This should be related to the structure! Size, texture, shape etc... = - Ovaries: two oval shaped organs that produce eggs and hormones  - Fallopian Tubes (oviducts): narrow passageways that egg cells enter after release from the ovaries  - Uterus (womb): muscular organ in the pelvic cavity that is home to the developing fetus  - Cervix: opening of the lower end of the uterus that allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit  - Vagina: muscular organ that receives the penis and semen during sexual arousal = 2) Enzymes/Hormones = = = = 3) Regulation   = = =  The ovarian cycle refers to the monthly series of events in the ovaries, associated with the maturation and release of an ovum, and the preparation for its possible fertilization and implantation in the uterus. The ovarian cycle consists of two consecutive phases, each of about 14 days’ duration:
 * __**Estrogen-**__ Produced by the ovaries. Stimulates the growth of the uterus and starts the thickening of the uterus lining in preparation of a possible prenancy after the egg is released by the female each month.
 * __ Progesterone- __ Produced by a yellow tissue called __corpus leteum__ in the empty ovarian follicle. This hormone maintains the thickness of the uterus lining in case fertilization and development of a fetus occur. Also stimulates the growth of the mammary glands.
 * **__ The follicular phase __** begins on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. The follicular phase ends when a hormone called luteinizing hormone peaks and ovulation occurs. In the early follicular phase, after menstrual flow has ended, the lining of the uterus is at its most thin. Levels of estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Later in the follicular phase, proliferation, or thickening of the uterine lining occurs. This thickened lining is preparing for a possible pregnancy. The follicular phase typically lasts about 14 days. The luteal phase begins when the follicular phase ends.
 * **__ The luteal phase __** of the menstrual cycle begins on Day 14, after ovulation occurs and continues until the beginning of the next cycle. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone increase, and work together to create changes in the lining of the uterus that prepare it to accept an embryo, should conception occur. When conception, or pregnancy, does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels decline, and the lining of the uterus, called the endometrial lining, begins to shed, which leads to menstruation.


 * The reproductive cycle in females is regulated by several different hormones What hormones regulate it? **

4) Communication There is NOT enough detail here! How do cells and organs communicate? This should be specific to the female reproductive system!!!
== In every body system, there are cells that communicate through the endocrine system.The endocrine system is the interacting group of glands that secrete hormones, helping to control cells and organs throughout the body. Through the plasma membrane, it has receptors for communication. == =** * Cells may communicate with each other by chemicals or by forming protein channels between cells. Good start but way too limited in content! **= =** * cells membranes also have specialized mechanisms to adhere to each other & maintain an organized arrangement in a tissue or organ. Why not mention mechanisms of adheriance. If organization and arrangements of tissues and organs leads to communication then you should also describe it here! **= = = = =