Unit 9: Human Regulation and Reproduction
Hormonal Control of Reproduction
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system consists of body parts that help women when producing an
offspring. This system is made up of different components and these consist of the ovary, uterine
tubes, uterus, horn uterus, endometrium, fimbriae, labia, vagina, and cervix. The image below shows
some of the mentioned components of the female reproductive system:
Ovaries are known as being small and oval glands that are located on both sides of the uterus, which
can also be seen in the image above. Their function is to produce and store eggs, which are also
called ovum. If a sperm fertilises with the egg that is produced, it can result into the individual
becoming pregnant. Another function of the ovaries is to produce hormones that control the
menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy and these hormones are oestrogen, progesterone, and
androgens.
The function of the uterine tube, also known as the oviduct or fallopian tube, is to act as a
passageway through which the egg passes from the ovary to the uterine cavity.
The uterus is a pear-shaped organ who has many functions as it plays a vital role in different
processes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and fertility. During the menstrual cycle, the
uterus plays a vital role because the uterine lining is where the tissue and blood come from
throughout the menstruation. Additionally, the function of the uterus during pregnancy is that it
stretches to allow the baby to grow as well as contact to allow the baby to be pushed out of the
vagina. Finally, during fertility, the function of the uterus is to act as the location where the fertilised
egg is implanted during conception as well as where the baby would grow.
The function of the horn uterus is to support the transportation of the sperm to the oviduct as well
as being the place where the foetal development and growth would take place during pregnancy.
The endometrium is a tissue that lines the uterus and changes its thickness according to the whether
the individual is pregnant or not. Initially, the endometrium thickens in case of possible pregnancy so
if a fertilised egg is implanted, the lining stays thick and in place, however, if there is no fertilised egg
being implanted then the endometrium becomes thin and sheds through menstruation.
