The female reproductive system functions to produce female gametes called ovum.

The main female reproduction organs include : Ovary Uterus Fallopian tube Vagina Cervix

a) b) c) d) e)

The function of the ovaries is to produce egg cells or ovum. a pair of ovaries. An ovum is released by either of the ovaries about every 28 days. The ovum moves out from the ovary into fallopian tube or oviduct. Fertilisation occurs here.

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus or womb.

The uterus is the place where the foetus develops during pregnancy. It has a thick muscular wall which is supplied with many blood vessels. The cervix is the neck of the uterus. The wall of the cervix has cervical mucus to protect reproduction parts against bacterial infection.

The function of vagina is to receive sperms.

OVUM
Spherical in shape
Surrounded by a coat of jelly Largest cell in human body Has nucleus which carries the genetic material of the female parent to be passed down to the offspring. The role of the ovum is to be fertilised by a sperm to form zygote

CHANGES IN FEMALE DURING PUBERTY

Girls reach puberty early than boys.

Age between 10 and 12 years old.

Female sex hormones are produced by the ovaries at puberty. The female sex hormones cause physical, physiological and emotional changes in a girl.

Changes : Production of egg cells and menstruation, voice becomes feminine, grow taller,breasts and buttocks enlarge, growth of pubic hair and armpit hair ,pimples on their face, shy and interest in the opposite sex.

Differences between male and female gametes

Sperm testis elongated with a tail ovary spherical Ovum

Smallest cell in the body Swims about

Produced millions at a time

Largest cell in the body Cannot move One in about 28 days

The Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is the bleeding or blood discharge through the cervix and vagina of the female.
1. 2. 3. The menstrual discharge contains : Blood Unfertilised ovum The tissues of the uterus lining

The menstrual process normally lasts for 5 to 7 days.

Menstruation usually occurs once in every 28 days

 Ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day in the menstrual cycle.

A human ovum has a lifespan of about 24 to 48 hours.

The fertile phase of the menstrual cycle is from the 11th day to 17th day. During this period, fertilisation may occur.
A person who is menstruating should take care of her personal hygiene to prevent infection of the reproductive organ.

The process of releasing ovum from the ovary is called ovulation.

During ovulation, the lining of the uterus wall becomes thicker and more blood vessels are formed to prepare the uterus to receive an embryo. During the menstrual cycle, an ovum develops and is released. The uterus is prepared for fertilisation. If the ovum is not fertilised, the ovum together with the uterus wall tissues and blood is eliminated from the body as menstrual discharge. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus wall break down.After menstruation the lining begins to thicken and more blood vessels are formed in the uterus wall.