The Female Reproductive System

What does the ovary do?

It produces eggs (also called ova). One egg is released each month.

What does the fallopian tube do?

Carries the egg towards the uterus. Fertilisation occurs in the Fallopian tube (they’re also called oviducts).

What is the endometrium?

The lining of the uterus. It’s spongy and contains lots of blood vessels. It breaks down and comes away each month if a fertilised egg doesn’t get much implanted in it.

What is the uterus?

Also called the womb. The uterus is pear shaped and very muscular. It grows during pregnancy to fit the baby, and during childbirth it contracts to push the baby out.

What is the cervix?

The neck of the uterus at the top of the vagin*. It’s usually very narrow, but stretches out to fit the baby through it during childbirth.

What happens in the vagin*?

The penis goes in here during vagin*l sexual intercourse and ejaculates sperm here. Babies are born through the vagin*.

What are the four stages off the menstrual cycle?

Stage one: Lining of the uterus breaks down. Stage two: Lining of the uterus builds up. Stage 3: Egg released. Stage four: Lining of uterus maintained.

What happens at day 1?

Bleeding starts as the endometrium breaks down and passes out of the vagin* for about 4-7 days. This is having a period (menstruation).

What happens at day 4?

The endometrium builds up again from about day 4 until day 14. It forms a thick layer full of blood vessels, ready to receive a fertilised egg.

What happens at day 14?

An ovum (egg) is released from one of the ovaries. This is called ovulation. This is the time when the woman is most likely to get pregnant.

What happens from day 14 to day 28?

The endometrium stays thick and ready for a fertilised egg. If no fertilised egg arrives, the endometrium breaks down and the cycle starts again.