Introduction

Both male and female reproductive systems consist of various organs, both internal and external.  They are involved in various different aspects of normal bodily function, including the protection, nourishment and transport of gametes.  From ova formation to giving birth, the female reproductive system plays an important role in the formation of new life.  

The process of pregnancy takes roughly 40 weeks from fertilisation to birth.  The major development of the female reproductive system occurs during this period, with the ovaries developing first.  The external genitalia form at around week 11.  In some instances the development of the reproductive system can go wrong, resulting in various conditions including hermaphroditism.

 When puberty occurs the infantile reproductive system matures due to an increase in female hormones that act on it, promoting further development.  The menstrual cycle begins and a woman is able to become pregnant.  This lasts up until a woman reaches her early fifties, when she undergoes the menopause.  At this point the menstrual cycle stops and the woman is no longer able to reproduce.   

Banner image courtesy of Flickr https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=99414638_6919150b30&m=text

The female body Image courtesy of Wikimedia under the creative commons license

 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Human-woman.png