An Introduction to the Female Reproduction System

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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FEMALE REPRODUCTION SYSTEM incorporating AN OVERVIEW OF THE MENOPAUSE AND ITS SYMPTOM TABLE OF CONTENTS THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Incorporating hand drawn diagram of female reproductive organs PUBERTY Incorporating Diagram of Hormone Production PREGNANCY THE MENOPAUSE AND ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS Incorporating Line Graph of Declining Eggs in the Ovary Chart of differentiation in Life Expectancy after the Menopause over the Centuries. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOURCES THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The female reproductive system consists of two ovaries, two oviducts, a uterus, vagina and the vulva and is located in the pelvic area of the body. The main functions of this system are to produce eggs, receive sperm, and provide the site for fertilisation, implantation and development of a foetus. Hormones are also produced within the reproductive system and these control varying stages of ovulation and are essential for the maintainance of pregnancy. The hypothalamus produces the hormones Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and stimulates the pituitary gland to release them. LH is responsible for the production of progesterone which is required for ovulation and is also secreted by the placenta to ensure pregnancy succeeds. FSH stimulates oestrogen resulting in the onset of puberty which will take place in approximately 11 years from birth. Ovaries - Two glands that are sited within the abdominal cavity. Almond shaped, pinkish in colour and solid. Approximately 3cm long and 1.5cm wide. At birth they contain 1 to 2 million oocytes however only 500 are likely to mature before the menopause, the rest will degenerate. Oviduct (Fallopian Tubes) – These lie at the side of the uterus, trumpet shaped, approximately l0cm in length and
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