This presentation features key facts about the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system.

1. CHAPTER 10:
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
By: Bridget Maiellaro

2. KEY FACTS ABOUT THE ANATOMY AND
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:
 The three stages of labor and delivery are the
dilation stage, the expulsion stage, and the
placental stage.
 The cessation of menstruation is called
menopause.
 The tubes that extend from the outer edges of
the uterus and assist in transporting the ova
and sperm are called uterine tubes.

3. THE THREE STAGES OF LABOR AND
DELIVERY ARE THE DILATION
STAGE, THE EXPULSION STAGE, AND
THE PLACENTAL STAGE.

4. STAGE 1: DILATION
 During this stage:
 The uterine muscle
contracts, causing the
fetus to press on the
woman’s cervix.
 The pressing causes the
cervix to dilate. As the
cervix dilates, it becomes
thinner. This act of
thinning is known as
effacement.
Figures A and B show the cervix tightly closed. Figure C
shows the cervix at 60 percent effacement and 1 to 2 cm
dilated. Figure D shows the cervix at 90 percent effacement
and 4 to 5 cm dilated.
Source: mayoclinic.org

5. STAGE 2: EXPULSION
 This stage begins when
the cervix is completely
dilated to 10 centimeters.
 During this stage:
 The mom actively pushes
out the baby.
 The baby is delivered.
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org

6. STAGE 3: PLACENTAL
 This stage takes place
after the baby is delivered.
 During this stage:
 The uterus continues to
contract.
 The placenta detaches from
the uterine wall and is
delivered through the
vagina.
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org

7. THE CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION
IS CALLED MENOPAUSE.

8. MENOPAUSE
 It occurs when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends
permanently, generally between ages 40 and 55.
 According to womenshealth.gov, a woman’s menstrual
cycle can stop and start again, so a woman is
considered to have been through menopause only after
one year without periods.
 Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop
producing estrogen and progesterone; it signifies
the end of childbearing years.
 Common symptoms include hot flashes, trouble
sleeping, vaginal or urinary problems, mood
changes, feeling less aroused, forgetfulness,
trouble focusing, and osteoporosis.

9. THE TUBES THAT EXTEND FROM
THE OUTER EDGES OF THE UTERUS
AND ASSIST IN TRANSPORTING THE
OVA AND SPERM ARE CALLED
UTERINE TUBES.

10. UTERINE TUBES
 The uterine tubes, which
extend from both sides of the
uterus to each ovary, are also
called fallopian tubes or
oviducts. They are about 5 ½
inches long.
 The tubes’ unattached ends
have finger-like projections
called fimbriae. The fimbriae
catch each ovum after
ovulation and move them into
the uterine tube, which then
transports the ovum from the
ovary to the uterus.
 Uterine tubes are typically
where fertilization or
conception takes place.
Source: nlm.nih.gov

11. SOURCES
• Medical Terminology: A Living Language, Fifth Edition
• mayoclinic.org
• hopkinsmedicine.org
• womenshealth.gov
• nmh.org
• britannica.com
• nlm.nih.gov