Sistema Reprodutor Feminino: Funções e Anatomia - Um Guia Abrangente

The female reproductive system enables gamete production, fertilization, gestation, parturition, and lactation.

Key Structures & Functions

• Ovaries: Produce oocytes (ovulation) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
• Fallopian Tubes: Transport oocyte; site of fertilization; cilia/peristalsis move zygote to uterus.
• Uterus: Endometrium cycles for implantation; myometrium contracts for labor.
• Cervix: Barrier/permits sperm entry; dilates for delivery.
• Vagina: Copulatory organ; birth canal; microbiome maintains acidic pH.
• External Genitalia (Vulva): Protection, sexual response.
• Breasts: Lactation via mammary glands (hormonally driven).

Cyclic Regulation

Hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis governs menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulatory, luteal phases) preparing for pregnancy. Menopause marks ovarian senescence.