Female Reproductive System

Nestor T. Hilvano, M.D., M.P.H.

Learning Objectives 1. Describe the components and functions of the

female reproductive system.2. Identify the ligaments that support the female

reproductive organs.3. Describe the process of oogenesis.4. Identify the phases and events of the ovarian

and uterine cycles.5. Describe the structure and function of the

vagina.6. Identify the external genitalia of the female.7. Describe the structure of the breast.8. Outline the phases of the monthly cycle

showing the hormonal, ovarian, and uterine events of each phase.

Female Reproductive SystemFunctions:

• Produce and deliver gamete (oocyte), produce hormones

• Provide nutrition and room for fetal development

• Give birth

Ligaments • Broad ligament

= enclosed the ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus

• Mesovarium= supports and stabilizes the ovaries

• Ovarian ligament = attached to uterus

• Suspensory (infundibulopelvic) ligament = attached to pelvic wall

Ovary• Almond-shaped, divided into ______ and

______.

• Produces _____ and ____.

• Each egg develops

in its own fluid-filled follicle and is released by _____.

• Oogenesis- development of oogonium into matured ovum

Ovarian Cycle

• Follicular phase

= under influenced of ______________

= Stimulates growth of ______________• Luteal phase

= under influenced of ______________

= Develops ______________a. FSH

b. LH

c. Ovarian follicles

d. Corpus luteum

Uterine Tubes• Muscular tube lined with __________. • Major portions

– Infundibulum with fimbriae– Ampulla – Isthmus

• Functions: ________.

a. Simple ciliated columnar

b. Simple columnar mucus secreting

c. Site of implantation

d. Site of fertilization

Uterus

• Thick-walled, pear-shaped organ• 3 Parts _________, ___________, _________• Functions _____________________________• Suspensory ligaments of uterus= uterosacral

ligaments, round ligaments, and cardinal (lateral) ligaments

a. ovulation b. fertilization c. implantation d. oogenesis

Uterine Wall• ___ = external serosa layer• ___ = middle muscular layer

* Importance_______• ___ = inner, glandular layer

• stratum functionalis – toward the uterine cavity

• stratum basalis – adjacent to myometrium• What endometrial layer is exfoliated during

menstruation? What is cervical cancer?

Uterine or Menstrual Cycle• Proliferative Phase

= rebuild endometrial tissue – mitosis occurs in stratum _________– result of estrogen from developing follicles

• Secretory Phase= further thickening of endometrium due to secretion and fluid accumulation- due to progesterone stimulation of glands

Vagina

• Distensible muscular tube• Functions = _____________• Outer adventitia, middle muscularis and inner

mucosa• Epithelium = ___________________

• bacteria ferment glycogen rich cells producing acidic pH

External Genitalia• __________ - mound of fat covered by pubic

hair• __________ - thick folds of skin• __________ - thin skin folds surround the

vestibule (contains urethral and vaginal openings)

• __________ - erectile, sensory organ• Greater and lesser vestibular and

paraurethral glands –open into vestibule a. Clitoris b. labia minora c. labia majora d. mons pubis

Mammary Glands• Overlies pectoralis major

– conical body, nipple at apex– axillary tail contains many lymphatic vessels

• Nipple surrounded by areola• Nonlactating breast = dominated by duct

system• Lactating breast = multiple glandular lobes with

secretory alveoli

Aging and the Reproductive System

• Climacterium = midlife change in hormone secretion- due to age related depletion of follicles (low estrogen)

• Menopause = cessation of menstruation; age 45 – 55; results to– atrophy of uterus, vagina and breasts– skin becomes thinner, bone mass declines, and

risks of cardiovascular disease increase– hot flashes (sudden dilation of cutaneous

arteries)

• HRT = hormone replacement therapy

Homework (Self-Review) 1. Define terms: ovulation, oogenesis, fertilization,

implantation, ovarian cycle, climacterium, menopause, secondary oocyte, broad ligament, amenorrhea, vestibule, & suspensory ligament.

2. Describe the proliferative and luteal phases of ovarian cycle. Describe the proliferative and secretory phases of uterine (menstrual) cycle.

3. Identify female structure/organ associated with the following: release of oocyte and hormone production, infundibulum and fimbriae, squamous cells with glycogen deposits, mucus secretion lubricating vaginal canal, erectile sensory organ, lactiferous ducts and axillary tail.