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Female Reproductive System Facts & Worksheets

The reproductive system is essential for the continuation of the species. The female reproductive system consists of unique anatomy, hormones and tissue to achieve this.

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Among the different organ systems of the body, the reproductive system is necessary for the continuation of the species. The female reproductive organs, such as the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, and the vagina, all work together to ensure that life on Earth continues.

See the fact file below for more information on the Female Reproductive System, or you can download our 26-page Female Reproductive System worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

WHAT IS REPRODUCTION?

  • Among the different organ systems in humans, or in any multicellular organisms, the reproductive system is the only one not needed to ensure that an organism survives. Instead, the reproductive system is responsible for the continuation of a species.
  • Reproduction is a process wherein a new organism is produced. Reproduction can occur sexually or asexually.
  • Sexual reproduction involves the male and female sex cells, sperm, and egg. Thus, this type of reproduction requires two individuals of a species to mate to produce offspring. However, this is only sometimes the case.
  • There are organisms that can produce sperm and an egg in one individual.
  • The other type of reproduction is called asexual. Asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of the two gametes. Instead, a new organism can arise from its parent. This type of reproduction is mostly observed in unicellular organisms.
  • This worksheet will focus on the female reproductive system and its role in sexual reproduction.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

  • As mentioned, the reproductive system is the organ system that ensures the survival of a species. 
  • This organ system is made up of tissues and organs that ultimately allow the male and female sex cells to fuse together.
  • Aside from enabling fertilization, the reproductive system also allows the nurturing of the developing organism.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

  • The female reproductive system is made up of organs and tissues that allow it to perform the following functions:
    • Production of the female sex cells or gametes;
    • Production of the female sex hormones- estrogen and progesterone; and
    • Sustenance of life by providing the site for fertilization.
  • The ovaries are the female reproductive organ responsible for the production of the female sex cells, also known as eggs. This reproductive organ is also responsible for producing the female sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone.
  • In contrast to the male reproductive system and the male sex cells, the ovaries already contain immature egg cells at birth. Then, when an individual reaches puberty, these immature eggs, also known as oocytes, start to develop and mature. 
  • Each menstrual cycle, an egg will be released from the ovary and will move to the fallopian tube. Here, the egg cell will wait for the sperm cell. The fallopian tube serves as the site for fertilization.
  • Suppose that a sperm fertilizes the egg cell, it will move from the fallopian tube to the uterus. 
  • The fertilized egg, called a zygote, will implant itself into the lining of the uterus. This is where the zygote will grow and develop.
  • If the egg is not fertilized, the egg cell disintegrates and the endometrium lining of the uterus also sheds off. The lining breaks down into blood and leaves the body through the vagina. This is known as menstruation or period.
  • Below the uterus, a tunnel-like structure called the cervix is found. It serves as the connection between the uterus and the vagina. 
  • The cervix allows fluids to flow in and out of the uterus. It allows period blood to flow from the uterus and exit the vagina. 
  • During ovulation, the cervix produces mucus that provides a hospitable environment to the sperm cell. This increases the chances of the egg being fertilized.
  • During pregnancy, a mucus plug seals the uterus. Then, during childbirth, the mucus plug dissolves. This results in the thinning and softening of the cervix. Then, the cervix dilates, allowing the child to exit the uterus.
  • Located below the cervix is the vagina, also known as the birth canal. 
  • The vagina is an elastic and muscular tube that receives the penis during copulation or sexual intercourse. It is also where the baby leaves during childbirth.
  • The vagina opens to the vulva, the only external part of the female reproductive system. This consists of the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris.

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

  • The menstrual cycle is a series of changes in the hormone production of the female reproductive system. 
  • The menstrual cycle lasts from 20 to 35 days, while the average lasts 28 days. 
  • The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases – menstruation, the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase.
  • The menstrual phase or menstruation marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. During this time, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, causing the endometrial lining to shed. 
  • The endometrial lining is needed to support pregnancy, and since fertilization did not occur, it is no longer needed.
  • During menstruation, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease. Due to this, the endometrial lining of the uterus sheds and menstruation occurs. 
  • The menstrual phase lasts for an average of 3-5 days.
  • Concurrent with menstruation is the follicular phase. 
  • The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) that target the pituitary gland. This hormone targets the pituitary gland and induces it to release luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). 
  • LH and FSH stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles. However, one ovarian follicle will grow faster than the others. This follicle is known as the dominant follicle.
  • As the dominant follicle continues to grow, it increases estrogen levels, which inhibits the production of FSH. With the decrease in FSH, the smaller follicles will die. 
  • The follicular phase takes place at the start of the period up to ovulation.
  • Once the level of estrogen is enough, it induces a sudden surge in LH. Then, this surge in LH causes the egg cell to mature fully.
  • The mature egg cell is then released from the ovary, while the other cells become the corpus luteum. Due to this, the progesterone levels also increase. The chances of pregnancy are highest during ovulation.
  • Following the ovulatory phase is the luteal phase. The progesterone levels continue to increase during this time in preparation for pregnancy.
  • With the increase in progesterone levels, the spiral arteries in the endometrium strengthen, further thickening the uterine lining. 
  • Should pregnancy take place, the corpus luteum will continuously produce progesterone until about 10 weeks of pregnancy.
  • On the other hand, if fertilization does not take place, the corpus luteum will degenerate and the endometrial lining will shed, repeating the cycle one more time.

PREGNANCY

  • Nourishing and developing the young is one of the functions of the female reproductive system. 
  • Pregnancy is a period characterized by the development of the fetus inside the womb. 
  • This period starts when the egg cell is fertilized by the sperm cell. Then, the fertilized egg will implant itself into the uterus, where it will be nourished to grow and develop.
  • Pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks or 9 months. The entire period is divided into three trimesters.
  • Week 1 to week 12 of pregnancy is known as the first trimester of pregnancy. This starts when the egg is fertilized. 
  • The fertilized egg then moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Then, the zygote will later become the placenta and the fetus.
  • The placenta will serve as the connection between the mother and the fetus. The placenta provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients.
  • The second trimester of pregnancy is from week 13 to week 28. During this time, specifically from weeks 18 to 20, the sex of the baby can be determined through ultrasound. This is also when birth defects can be detected.
  • Movement can be felt at 20 weeks. Meanwhile, at 24 weeks, the baby’s footprints and fingerprints have formed already. Also, the baby now has a regular sleep and wake pattern.
  • The last trimester is from week 29 to week 40. During this period, the fetus’ eyes can open and close. Its bones are soft but almost fully formed.
  • Babies delivered before reaching 37 weeks inside the womb are considered preterm and are at risk for developmental delays, and vision and hearing problems. 
  • Babies born from the 39th to the 40th week are considered full-term. Full-term babies have much better health outcomes compared to preterm or early-term babies.

Female Reproductive System Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Female Reproductive System across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Female Reproductive System. The female reproductive organs, such as the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, and vagina, all work together to ensure that life on Earth continues.

Female Reproductive System Worksheets
Female Reproductive System Worksheets
Female Reproductive System Worksheets

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Female Reproductive System Facts
  2. Word Search
  3. Parts and Functions
  4. Self-Check
  5. Period Check
  6. Hormones
  7. To Bear A Child
  8. Reproductive Health
  9. Take A Stand
  10. For Mom
  11. Women

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the female reproductive system?

The purpose of the female reproductive system is to produce and transport ova (eggs), provide a suitable environment for fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg and support the growth and development of a fetus during pregnancy.

What are the major organs of the female reproductive system?

The major organs of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.

What is ovulation and when does it occur?

Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized by sperm. Ovulation usually occurs about midway through the menstrual cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle.

What is menstruation and what is its purpose?

Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining that occurs in the absence of pregnancy. It is a natural process that occurs approximately once a month in reproductive-aged women, and its purpose is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by providing a rich, nourishing environment for a developing fetus.

What are some common disorders of the female reproductive system?

Some common disorders of the female reproductive system include menstrual disorders such as irregular periods, painful periods, and heavy bleeding; polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause fertility problems and hormonal imbalances; endometriosis, which can cause pain and infertility; and cervical cancer, which can be detected through regular Pap smears.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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