CK12 Life Science

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

the 2007 Women in Endocrinology Award.


Lesson Summary



  • The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce eggs, secrete estrogen,
    and support a baby as it develops before birth.

  • Female reproductive organs include the vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes.

  • Eggs are female gametes that form in the ovaries and are released into the Fallopian
    tubes.

  • The menstrual cycle is a monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and uterus. It includes
    ovulation and menstruation.


Review Questions



  1. What are eggs?

  2. What is the main sex hormone in females?

  3. List the two major roles of estrogen in females.

  4. What are the functions of the uterus in female reproduction?

  5. Describe ovulation.

  6. Compare and contrast eggs and sperm.

  7. Explain how an egg develops in an ovary of a mature female.

  8. Explainwhymenstruationoccursifaspermdoesnotunitewiththeeggthatisreleased
    by an ovary.

  9. How do LH and FSH control changes in the ovary during the menstrual cycle?

  10. Explain why the lining of the uterus breaks down if a sperm doesnot unite with an
    egg. What role does progesterone play?


Further Reading / Supplemental Links


CK–12.org, High School Biology, Chapter 40, Lesson 2.


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