Female Reproduction

• Ovaries: responsible for the production of female sex hormones
• Fallopian Tube: A tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus. Where fertilization occurs.
• Uterus: site of implantation
• Myometrium: the muscular layer of the uterus that contracts during pregnancy and childbirth
• Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus that is shed at the end of the menstrual cycle
• Cervix: The opening of the uterus that allows the fetus to pass through during labor.
• Oogenesis: the ovaries contain follicles which have two types of cells.

  1. Primary oocyte (follicle)
  2. Granulosa Cell: provides nutrients for oocyte
• Follicular Phase:

  • the development of the follicles within the ovary, estrogen is secreted
• Ovulation: when the oocyte bursts from the ovary, caused by LH
• Luteal Phase: Development of corps luteum, decrease in estrogen, produces progesterone.

  when the body is being prepared for fertilization/implantation
• Flow Phase: shedding of the endometrium (all four hormones are low)
• Menopause: termination of the female reproductive years