Female Reproductive system

• Gender


  How an individual views and expresses their identity
• Sex


  Biological sex based on the anatomy of external genitalia, determined by factors like chromosomes, hormones, and internal reproductive structures
• Biological sex is encompassed on a spectrum of factors, rather than a binary
• Anatomy does not necessarily dictate a person's gender identity
• Functions of the Female Reproductive System

  • Production of gametes
  • Fertilisation
  • Development and nourishment of life
  • Production of reproductive hormones
• Major Organs


  • Ovaries
  • Uterine tubes
  • Uterus
  • Vagina
• External Genitalia


  • Clitoris
  • Labia Minora and Majora
• Mammary Glands


  Branched glands (modified sweat glands) composed of milk-producing lobules
• Ovary


  • Site of production and maturation of female gametes via oogenesis
  • Production of steroid hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
  • Production of inhibin
• Uterine/Fallopian Tube


  • Passageway for sperm and site of fertilisation
  • Mucosal Layer with ciliated columnar epithelium
  • Muscularis Layer with circular and longitudinal smooth muscle
• Uterus


  • Site of menstruation, houses developing foetus
  • Three layers of tissue: Perimetrium, Myometrium, Endometrium
• Endometrial Layers


  • Stratum Functionalis (Functional Layer)
  • Stratum Basalis (Dense layer of CT cells and Stem cells for endometrium)
• Cervix


  Involved in mucous production and facilitates childbirth
• Vagina


  Passageway for childbirth and menstrual flow, acidic environment
• Vulva


  Vestibule, Clitoris, Vestibular glands
• Oocytes


  Female gametes
• Oogenesis


  1. Oogonia production via Mitosis

  2. Primary oocyte production via Meiosis I

  3. Secondary oocyte production via Meiosis I resuming

  4. Ovum production via Meiosis II
• Folliculogenesis


  Development of the ovarian follicle containing the oocyte
• The Ovarian Cycle


  1. Follicular phase

  2. Ovulation

  3. Luteal phase
• Follicular phase


  Hypothalamus releases GnRH, stimulating Anterior Pituitary to release FSH and LH, leading to follicle growth and oestrogen production
• Ovulation


  LH surge triggers release of oocyte from ovary and formation of corpus luteum
• Luteal phase


  Corpus luteum produces progesterone, triggering changes in the uterine lining
• The Menstrual Cycle


  1. Menstrual phase

  2. Proliferative phase

  3. Secretory phase
• Proliferative Phase


  Endometrium regenerates under the influence of oestrogen
• Secretory Phase


  Endometrium thickens under the influence of progesterone
• Menstrual Phase


  Endometrial lining is shed due to drop in FSH, LH and progesterone
• Ovulation, Fertilisation and Pregnancy

  1. Ovulation

  2. Fertilisation (Capacitation, Acrosomal Reaction, Fusion)

  3. Implantation
• Menopause


  Cessation of the menstrual cycle, occurring around age 40-50, due to drop in follicle numbers and hormone levels
• Mucosal Layer


  Innermost layer of uterine and fallopian tubes; columnar epithelium with cilia; pathway for sperm and site of fertilization
• Myometrium


  Thick layer of smooth muscle tissue; controls movement of fallopian tubes and uterus
• What is the cervix?'

  The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, involved in mucous production and facilitates childbirth.
• What is the function of the cervix in childbirth?'

  To dilate and efface to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal and guide the baby's head through the birthing process.
• What are Fallopian Tubes?'

  Narrow tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, transporting egg cells (ova) to the uterus and facilitating fertilization.
• What is the main difference between the cervix and the fallopian tubes?'

  The cervix is involved in mucous production and facilitates childbirth, while the fallopian tubes transport eggs to the uterus and facilitate fertilization.
• Endometrium


  The lining of the uterus, thickened under the influence of progesterone
• Progesterone


  Released by the corpus luteum after ovulation to thicken the endometrium, preparing it for implantation