The female reproductive system produces eggs and secretes hormones to support pregnancy. It includes ovaries that release eggs, fallopian tubes that catch eggs and allow fertilization, a uterus that nourishes a fetus, and breasts that provide nourishment to newborns. The system goes through menarche, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause to support the continuation of the human race through bearing and nurturing offspring.

1. By Kelly S. Burgess

2.  The male and female reproductive systems are
so different that they have to be discussed
separately, and briefly.
 Both systems are crucial to the continuation of
the human race, but the female system is
uniquely equipped to accomplish this task.
 First, the female system produces the
reproductive cell called ova, and provides a
place for fertilization and gestation. The breasts
provide nourishment for the newborn, and the
female system secretes the female hormone.

3.  There are two ovaries, one on each side of the
uterus, within the pelvic cavity. Theses almond
shaped glands produce ova and the female sex
hormone. Approximately every 28 days,
stimulated by follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH),
ovulation occurs. One ovary releases one
ovum. Estrogen and Progesterone prepare the
lining of the uterus to receive a fertilized ovum.
These hormones are responsible for the
secondary female sexual characteristics.

4.  The fallopian tubes, also called uterine and
oviducts, extend like fingers at the end of the
fallopian tubes, (fimbriae), and catch an ovum
after ovulation, propelling it to the uterus
where it can implant.
 If the egg meets with sperm fertilization will
occur in the upper half of the fallopian tubes.
 In a normal pregnancy the fertilized ovum
implants in the endometrium, an inner layer of
the uterine wall that is rich in blood supply and
nourishments for a developing baby.

5.  If a pregnancy is not established, the endometrium is
sloughed off and menstruation results. A girls first
menstrual period is called menarche and the end of
menstrual activity is called menopause.
 Pregnancy is the period of time when the baby grows
and develops in its mothers uterus. Pregnancy,
(gestation), is 40 weeks. If a baby is born before 37
weeks it is considered premature.
 From the time of fertilization until the end of eight
weeks the infant is referred to as an embryo. This is the
time when all of the major organs are formed. After
this period until birth the infant is called a fetus.
During this longest stage of gestation the organs
mature and begin to function. The fetus receives
nourishment from the mother through the placenta.

6.  The process of expelling the fetus from the
uterus through the vagina is called labor.
During the first stage,(dilation), the uterine
muscles contract strongly to expel the fetus.
The fetus presses on the cervix causing it to
dilate/expand. Once the cervix is dilated 10
centimeters the expulsion stage begins. The end
is delivery of the baby. Usually the crown or
head appears first but in some cases the
buttock appear first resulting in a breech
presentation. Immediately after birth the
placenta is expelled through the vagina.