The female reproductive system is the organ that is designed to perform several functions. The female eggs called ova or oocytes are produced by the female productive system. The main function is to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Fertilization of an egg with sperm occurs in the fallopian tubes. This fertilization is known as conception.
Later this fertilized egg is implanted into the walls of the uterus which is the initial stage of pregnancy. Unfertilized eggs in the female reproductive system undergo menstruation. The female sex hormones are also produced by this system which helps in regulating the reproductive cycle.
The Human Reproductive System
All animals on this planet propagate their life forms by the Process of Reproduction. To perform reproduction there are various organs in both male and female of every sexually reproducing organism. The male reproductive organs consist of the penis, testicles and other associated parts. For the female reproductive system, various organs involved are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tube, ovulating eggs among others. The Chapter on reproduction taught in the Class 11 Biology book mentions all the parts in detail and the functions performed by each part.
In this article, we will have a brief discussion about the major parts of the female reproductive system and its functions.
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
Broadly, there are 2 parts of the female reproductive anatomy namely 'external,' and 'internal.' The main function of the external structure is for receiving sperm during intercourse and providing a covering for internal reproductive organs for their protection. Among the external organs, the Labia Majora contains sweat and oil-secreting glands to assist during the intake of sperm. Labia minora located inside the Labia majora surrounds the openings to the vagina and urethra. Bartholin's glands help in fluid secretion. Clitoris is the most sensitive part of the female reproductive system.
Among the internal reproductive organs, the vagina is the canal that joins that extends into the Cervix from the external parts. The uterus is the pear-shaped space for the development of the baby. Ovaries are the egg and hormone-producing glands present on either side of the uterus. The narrow tubes that serve as the tunnel for the movement of ova from ovaries to uterus are called Fallopian Tubes.
There are also a number of hormones secreted by the female body for carrying forward the process of reproduction. The FSH follicle-stimulating hormone and LH or luteinizing hormone are essential hormones released by the brain during the period of pregnancy. These hormones in turn trigger the release of estrogen hormone which is directly involved in the process of development of a baby.
FAQs on Female Reproductive System
1. What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The mechanism of the production of the ovum or egg from the ovaries follows a periodic cycle. The ovum released from the ovaries travels through the fallopian tube and gets attached to the wall of the uterus. After waiting for some days there for sperm it gets discarded on exits out of the vagina in addition with mucus and blood cells. This phenomenon is known as menstruation which occurs in approximately 28 days. Because it follows a definite period of occurrence, it is often referred to as the menstrual cycle.
2. Why does Menstruation stop when a female gets pregnant?
When sperm successfully reaches the ovum and fertilizes it then the chemical mechanism in the body changes considerably. The hormones secreted after the fertilization carry the message to the brain where other hormones are released for the advancement of the process of the pregnancy. During pregnancy, the cervix closes and the production of mature eggs stops. As this state continues for 9 months so there is no occurrence of menstruation for this time period. After the delivery of the baby, the cycle resumes again.
3. What is the use of contraceptives?
With the birth of a child comes a lot of responsibilities for parents. So they must choose wisely for the time to become parents. There are various methods by which you can prevent the fertilization of egg and sperm. Besides natural methods of abstinence, there are various pills with the required chemicals that help in stopping the secretion of certain hormones which assist the process of pregnancy. There are also some intra uterus devices used for the same purpose. Such an example is 'copper T' which is placed inside the uterus.
4. What is STD?
STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease which is termed for all the diseases that can spread from one partner to another. During sexual intercourse, the outer skin of both males and females comes in contact with each other. In this situation, there is a greater chance for the transfer of any disease-causing pathogens present on the skin of any partner. Herpes is an example of such a disease. It can be avoided by taking proper precautions during intercourse.
5. How can I prepare this Chapter properly for the Class 12 Board exam and other competitive exams?
The Chapter on reproduction is a very mark fetching Chapter in the syllabus of the Class 12 Board exam prepared by CBSE. So Students must learn and complete this Chapter with utmost sincerity. They must diligently study the subject matter in the NCERT textbook and seek further knowledge from other sources as well. Vedantu Online Courses also has the provision of video Classes for understanding the Chapter easily and more clearly. To get access to these resources and other study materials students must register themselves on the Vedantu website.
