Unit 8: The reproductive system                                                1   2   3

2.2. Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system consists of:

• Ovaries. They are the female gonads. They are located inside the abdominal cavity. They are the shape and size of an almond. They produce the ova and the female sexual hormones.

• Reproductive tracts: Tubules in which the gametes circulate.

- Fallopian tubes. They are two tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus.

The end that faces the ovary is wider and has projections. It receives the ovum released from the ovary. Their lumen is lined by ciliated epithelia which vibrations move the ovum towards the uterus.

- Uterus (womb). This hollow, pear-shaped organ has thick muscular walls (myometrium) covered with a mucosa (endometrium). The cervix, or neck of the uterus, connects the uterus with the vagina. It supports the foetus during the pregnancy.

- Vagina. This is the female organ for copulation. Their walls are elastic and muscular and produce lubricant to facilitate penetration. At its mouth there are mucous glands (Bartholin’s glands) that lubricate the external genitalia. It opens through the vaginal orifice located between the urethra and the anus.  

• Vulva. These organs are external.

- Labia majora. These two folds of skin either side of the vaginal orifice

  cover the other external genitalia.

- Labia minora. These two folds of skin are located inside the labia majora.

- Clitoris. It is a small very sensitive erectile organ. It is located where

  the labia minora join at the front.

• Mammary glands. The two mammary glands produce milk when a baby is born.

2.3. Indicate the function of these parts of the female reproductive system:

a. Labia majora

b. Ovaries

c. Uterus

d. Bartholin’s glands

2.2. Listen and indicate which part of the male reproductive system

        is described: