8th Class Science Human Reproduction The Female Reproductive System in Human

      The Female Reproductive System in Human

The female reproductive system consists of gonads and ovaries, which are located within the lower abdominal cavity. The ovary contains many follicles consist of developing egg cells. It is surrounded by an outer layer of follicle cells. At birth each female carries a lifetime supply of developing oocytes, each of which is in Prophase I. A developing egg is released each month at the onset of puberty until menopause. After puberty, the menstrual cycle begins. These cyclic phases are interrupted only by pregnancy and continue until menopause, when the reproductive capability ends. The egg cells from ovary then pass onto the fallopian tube, which in turn is connected to the uterus. The fertilized egg cells are then implanted on the inner lining of the uterus. At the lower end of the uterus, lies the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. The vagina receives the penis during the intercourse and serves as the birth route.

                                                                    The Female Reproductive System  

           External Genitals

The external genitals of the female are collectively known as the vulva. The labia minora is a thin membrane of folded skinjustoutside the vaginal opening. The labia majora cover and protect the genital area. The clitoris is important in arousal and is a short shaft with a sensitive tip covered by a fold of skin.

            Hormones in Female

There are two types of female sex hormones, which help in controlling the process of reproductions. These hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Menstrual cycles varies between 15 to 31 days. The first day of the blood flow (day 0) known as menstruation. During menstruation the uterine lining is broken down and shed as menstrual flow. FSH and LH are secreted on day 0. Both FSH and LH stimulate the maturation of a single follicle in one of the ovaries and the secretion of estrogen. Rising levels of estrogen in the blood trigger secretion of LH, which stimulates follicle maturation and ovulation (day 14, or midcycle). LH stimulates the remaining follicle cells to form the corpus luteum, which produces both estrogen and progesterone.

         The external genital of female, which consist of labia minora, labia majora and clitoris collectively called:

(a) Ovary

(b) Fallopian tube

(c) Vagina

(d) Vulva

(e) None of these

Answer: (d)

Explanation

The external genital organ of female is called vulva.

        The ovary contains many follicles consists of a developing egg cells surrounded by an outer layer of follicle cells. At birth each female carries a lifetime supply of developing such follicles. These follicles are called:

(a) Eggs

(b) Gametes   

(c) Oocytes

(d) Zygotes

(e) None of these

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Gametes, zygote and eggs are the reproductive cell of the organisms and oocytes is the outer layer of the follicle cell.