female reproductive

• Ovaries


  Internal genitalia that produce egg cells (ova) and (sex) hormones
• Ovaries


  • Medulla (interior) - core of fibrous connective tissue and blood vessels
  • Cortex (outer) - site of many thousands of developing follicles
  • Fluid filled, contains an oocyte
  • In childhood - smooth surfaced
  • During reproductive years - become more corrugated because growing follicles of various ages produce bulges in the surface
  • After menopause - shrink and are composed mostly of scar tissue
• Ovaries release oocyte


  Oocyte released
• Fallopian tubes


  Uterine tubes, oviducts where fertilization typically occurs
• Fallopian tubes


  • Expanded near ovary (funnel) - Infundibulum
  • Flared distal end with fimbriae
  • Smooth muscle wall
  • Epithelium with ciliated cells and secretory cells
• Uterus


  Thick, muscular layer of smooth muscle that nourishes and houses the developing fetus
• Uterus


  • Fundus - broad superior curvature
  • Body - middle portion
  • Cervix, cervical canal - inferior end that opens into the vaginal tract
• Cervix


  Opening into uterus from vaginal tract, blocked by mucus plug to prevent infection
• Cervical canal


  Contains cervical glands that secrete mucus, which becomes thinner near ovulation to allow easier passage for sperm
• Uterine wall


  • Perimetrium - outermost thin serosa layer
  • Myometrium - middle and thickest smooth muscle layer
  • Endometrium - innermost mucosa layer
• Vaginal tract


  Muscular, thin, flexible wall with three layers: outer connective tissue, middle muscularis, inner mucosa
• Vaginal tract


  • Stratified squamous epithelium after puberty
  • No glands, but lubricated by cervical glands above
  • Lower portion has rugae (rings) that provide sexual stimulation
• Oogenesis


  1. Egg production cycle

  2. Oogonia develop before birth

  3. Oogonia transform into primary oocytes by birth

  4. Primary oocytes remain in first meiotic division until puberty

  5. 2 dozen follicles begin maturation each month, only 1 fully matures

  6. Meiosis I finishes on day of ovulation, producing 1 secondary oocyte and 1 polar body

  7. Meiosis II only completes if fertilized
• Ovarian cycle


  • Follicular phase - first 2 weeks, FSH stimulates follicle growth and estradiol release
  • Ovulation - LH surge causes follicle rupture and egg release
  • Luteal phase - corpus luteum develops and secretes estradiol and progesterone
• Menstrual cycle


  1. Proliferative phase - endometrium rebuilds

  2. Secretory phase - endometrium thickens due to progesterone

  3. Premenstrual phase - endometrium degenerates

  4. Menstrual phase - endometrium sheds
• Menstrual cycle hormones


  • Estradiol stimulates ovulation by increasing LH
  • Progesterone from corpus luteum suppresses FSH and LH, prevents menstruation
  • Loss of progesterone leads to premenstrual phase
• If pregnancy occurs

  Fertilized egg implants in uterine wall, corpus luteum continues producing progesterone to support endometrium until placenta takes over
• Mammary glands


  Develop within the breast during pregnancy, remain active in lactating breast, atrophy when nursing stops
• Epithelial cells in mammary glands produce milk, which is released into ducts stimulated by oxytocin