The female reproductive system consists of internal sex organs like the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and external sex organs like the vagina and vulva. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones, while the fallopian tubes transport eggs to the uterus. The uterus grows a thick lining each month to sustain a potential pregnancy. If fertilization occurs, the embryo will implant and develop in the uterus over 9 months. Labor occurs when contractions help push the baby through the birth canal. Labor has three stages - dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.

1. Bio120 Chapter 10 (A - 3 Statements)Female Reproductive SystemPresented By: Mahendra KafleProfessor R. Abdullah

2. Female Reproductive SystemThe female reproductive system consists of (a) primary sex organs-the ovaries; (b)secondary sex organs-those that are essential for sexual reproduction,characterized by latent development; and (c) secondary sex characteristics-features that are sexual attractants, expressed after puberty.

3. The study of the female reproductive system is the medical specialty of gynecology (GYN). The physician is called the gynecologist. Fig. 1 Female Reproductive system in Posterior view

4. Various Organs1. Two ovaries are internal genitalia located each side of uterus and produce ova and female sex hormones2. The fallopian tubes (uterine tubes or oviducts) propel the ovum from the ovary after ovulation to uterus so that it can implant. The fertilization or conception normally takes place within the upper one half of the fallopian tubes.3. The uterus has three sections; fundus, corpus, and cervix (Cx). Cx opens into the vagina.

5. Contd.4. The vaginais a muscular tube which serves as outer opening for menstrual flow and receives the semen containing sperm through male penis during intercourse.5. The vulva is term for external genitalia and is danger area for infection. The clitoris contains sensitive erectile tissue which stimulates and corresponds to male’s penis. 6. The breastsor mammary glands produce milk through a process called lactation to nourish the newborn. The time required for the development of the fetus is called asPregnancyor gestation.Labor & its stagesLabor is the actual process of propelling of the fetus from the uterus and through the vagina. The three stages of labor and delivery are the dilation stage, the expulsion stage, and the placental stage.Fig 2. The three stages of Labor

6. Contd…1. Dilation stage: The first stage begins with the onset of uterine contractions, and is the process of reaching full cervical dilatation and it is the longest phase of labor.

7. The contractions become more frequent, stronger, and gain regularity, and most of the change of the cervix involves thinning, or effacement.

8. Most rapid cervical dilatation follows. For most women this is from 3 to 4 centimeters of dilatation until 9 to10 centimeters of dilatation. After complete dilation, second stage starts.2. Expulsion Stage: The second stage is the delivery of the infant. During this stage, mom actively pushes out the baby. For first time mothers, this can take two to three hours, so it's important to save your energy and pace yourself. For second babies and beyond, the second stage often lasts less than an hour and sometimes, only a few minutes. Normally, head of the baby appears first and is termed as crowning and breech presentation if buttocks appears first.

9. 3. Placental StageThe third stage of labor is the passage of the placenta, which can be immediate, or take up to thirty minutes. The process may be sped up naturally by breastfeeding (which releases oxytocin), or medically by administering a drug called Pitocin.

10. Bibliography & sources1. http://www.pennmedicine.org/health_info/pregnancy/000126.htm2. www.rush.edu3. http://www.scribd.com/doc/44523706/Anatomy-and-Physiology-Female-Reproductive-System