22.2 Lesson 22.2: Female Reproductive System
Lesson Objectives
- State the functions of the female reproductive system.
- Identify and describe the female reproductive organs.
- Explain what eggs are and how they are produced.
- Outline the monthly cycle of the female reproductive system.
Check Your Understanding
- Where is the pituitary gland?
- What is its role in the endocrine system?
- What are FSH and LH?
Introduction
Most of the male reproductive organs are outside the body. In contrast, most of the female
reproductive organs are inside the body. The male and female organs also look very dif-
ferent. They have different functions, as well. However, two of the functions of the female
reproductive system parallel the functions of the male reproductive system. Like the male
system, the female system produces gametes and a major sex hormone.
Functions of the Female Reproductive System
One function of the female reproductive system is to produce eggs.Eggsare female gametes,
and they are produced in the ovaries. Mature females release only one egg at a time. Eggs
actually form before birth. However, they do not fully develop until later in life. This will
be discussed later in this lesson.
Another function of the female system is to secrete estrogen. Estrogenis the main sex
hormone in females. Estrogen has two major roles.
- During the teen years, estrogen causes the reproductive organs to mature. It also
causes other female traits to develop. For example, it causes the breasts to grow. - During adulthood, estrogen is needed for a woman to release eggs.
The female reproductive system has another important function. It supports a baby as it
develops before birth. It also gives birth to the baby at the end of pregnancy.