Female Reproductive System: Anatomy, Development, and Function
The Female Reproductive System: Development and Function
In sexual reproduction, females produce female gametes called ovules, and males produce male gametes called spermatozoa. These two reproductive cells unite to form a zygote. Fertilization is internal, meaning the egg and sperm unite inside the female reproductive system. The development of the new being also occurs in the female reproductive tract, and the baby is born alive and fully formed; this is known as viviparity.
Processes of Reproduction
- Production of gametes in specialized reproductive organs.
- Fertilization, which is the union of two gametes within the female reproductive system, forming a single-celled zygote.
- Development of the zygote within the female reproductive tract. The zygote becomes an embryo, and this develops into a fetus.
- Childbirth, or the birth of a fully formed baby.
- Child development and maturation of sexual organs, transforming the child into an adult capable of producing gametes and reproducing.
Development Stages
At birth, the baby has formed reproductive systems, including both internal and external parts: the vulva in girls. The presence of these reproductive organs corresponds to the primary sexual characteristics. This stage lasts up to ten years.
Puberty
Between ten and fourteen years, the maturation of the sexual organs occurs. In girls, the first menstruation occurs, and in boys, sperm production begins.
Maturity and Secondary Sexual Characteristics
At maturity, the reproductive organs begin to produce hormones that cause the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.
Changes During Puberty
- In girls, breasts grow, hips widen, and hair appears in the armpits and pubic area.
- In boys, bone thickness and muscle mass increase, the voice deepens, and beard and pubic and armpit hair appear.
As secondary sexual characteristics develop (a process that lasts between two and five years), individuals feel the need for independence, to explore new feelings, and experience sexual desire. Emotional support is sought within peer groups, and conflicts may arise with parents and teachers. This stage, known as adolescence, prepares the body for reproduction. After adolescence, adulthood begins around twenty or twenty-five years of age. In developing rural societies, it is not uncommon for women to have children before reaching adulthood. However, in our society, this rarely occurs. Adolescents typically delay having children, investing more years in education and establishing themselves to form a family with security and stability.
Female Reproductive Organs
Ovaries
The ovaries have the shape and size of almonds. They are attached to the uterus by ligaments. This is where eggs mature.
Fallopian Tubes
These ducts connect each ovary to the interior of the uterus. Their ciliated lining helps to propel the egg.
Uterus
The uterus is a hollow organ coated internally with a highly vascular epithelium, the lining where the fertilized egg implants. It has a narrow neck (cervix) that connects to the vagina.
Vagina
The vagina is a muscular-walled duct that connects the uterus with the exterior. Its lower end opens to the outside through the vaginal opening.
Clitoris
The clitoris is an organ with many nerve endings, making it very sensitive. It is located at the junction of the labia minora.
Labia
The labia are folds of skin located on the thighs that cover the rest of the external genitalia.
Labia Minora
The labia minora are thin, sensitive folds of skin covered by the labia majora.
Ovules
When a girl is born, her ovaries already contain approximately 400,000 immature egg cells. Daily, some of these cells begin to mature, transforming into ovules, but only about 450 will reach full maturity. The egg cell is a very large reproductive cell that matures within the ovaries in a capsule called a Graafian follicle.
The follicle opens and releases the egg into the fallopian tube. The egg is surrounded by a protective sheath. Once expelled from the follicle, the egg remains fertile for approximately twenty hours.