Female Reproductive

• Functions of Female Reproductive System

  • Production of female sex cells (oocytes)
  • Reception of sperm cells from the male
  • Nurturing the development of a new individual
  • Production of female sex hormones
• Ovaries


  Small organs suspended in the female's pelvic cavity by ligaments
• Ovaries


  Solid ovoid structures, about 2 cm in length, 1 cm in width
• Ovaries


  Produces eggs (ova) necessary for reproduction
• From birth to puberty, the number of primary oocytes decreases to around 300,000 to 400,000. Only about 400 will develop and be released from the ovaries
• Ovaries


  These produces estrogen and progesterone
• Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes)


  Carries an egg from the ovary to the uterus.
• Fallopian Tubes


  Transports the ovum from the ovary, to the uterus
• Fallopian Tubes


  Provides a site of fertilization
• Parts of a Fallopian Tubes

  • Fimbriae
  • Infundibulum
  • Ampulla
  • Isthmus
• Fimbriae

  Part of a fallopian tube that is finger-like and ciliated. This captures the ovum from the surface of the ovary.
• Infundibulum


  Part of a fallopian tube that is a funnel-shaped opening near the ovary. This is attached to the fimbriae
• Ampulla


  The widest section of the fallopian tubes. This is where fertilization usually occurs.
• Isthmus


  Narrow section of the fallopian tube that connects the ampulla to the uterine cavity.
• Fertilization occurs within 24 hours after ovulation.
• Zygote reaches uterus about 7 days after ovulation.
• Uterus

  An inverted pear-shaped muscular organ that is hollow and thick-walled, located in the pelvis anterior to the rectum and posterosuperior to the bladder.
• Uterus

  This part's main function is to nourish a fetus until its birth.
• Parts of the Uterus

  • Fundus
  • Body
  • Cervix
• Fundus


  A rounded region located at the entrance of the uterine tubes/fallopian tubes.
• Body


  Major portion of the uterus as it is the usual site for the implantation of the blastocyst
• Blastocyst 


  A cluster of dividing cells made by a fertilized egg.
• Parts of a Uterine Wall

  • Peritoneum
  • Myometrium
  • Endometrium
• Peritoneum.


  A double-layered membrane, continuous with the female's abdominal peritoneum. Also known as the perimetrium.
• Myometrium


  A thick smooth muscle layer that undergoes hypertrophy and hyperplasia during pregnancy to prepare for birth.
• Endometrium


  The inner mucous membrane lining the uterus. This is the most active layer and responds to the cyclic ovarian hormone changes.
• Deep Stratum Basalis


  A part of the endometrium that changes little throughout the menstrual cycle and is not shed.
• Superficial Stratum Functionalis


  A part of the endometrium that proliferates and secretory due to estrogen and progesterone. This sheds.
• Cervix


  Narrow lower neck (portion) of the uterus which projects into the vaginal inferiorly.
• Cervical Canal


  Cavity of the cervix that communicates with the vagina (external os) and uterine body (internal os)
• The cervix facilitates the passage of sperm into the uterine cavity. This is achieved through the dilation of the external and internal os
• The cervix maintains the sterility of the upper female reproductive tract.
• Vagina


  A thin-walled tube lying between the bladder and the rectum, extending from the cervix to the exterior of the body.
• Hymen


  An incomplete partition that the mucosa near the vaginal orifice (os) forms. This is torn during the first sexual intercourse.
• Vulva (Pudendum)


  The name for the external female genitalia located in the pubic region.
• Mon Pubis


  A fatty pad over the pubic symphysis. This is located above the vulva.
• Labia Majora & Minora


  Folds of skin encircling the vestibule where one can find the urethral and vaginal openings.
• Clitoris


  A small mass of erectile tissue that is found on the external female genitalia
• Bulb of Vestibule


  Masses of erectile tissue just deep to the labia on either side of the vaginal orifice or urethral orifice.
• Perineum


  The area between the vagina and anus.