FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

INTERNAL STRUCTURES OVARIES- (2)- are the primary reproductive organ of the female Function- Produce ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE Produce the female gamete (OVA)

OVARIES CHARACTERISTICS- ALMOND size and shape They are filled with tiny saclike structures called ovarian follicles. Each follicle contains OOCYTES (immature eggs) that are surrounded by special layers FOLLICLE CELLS

ANATOMY OF THE OVARIES (CONT.) Mature follicles are called vesicular or Graafian follicles. Developing egg is then ejected from the ovary in an event called ovulation. Empty follicle transforms into different looking structure called a corpus luteum, which eventually degenerates.

OVULATION

DUCT SYSTEM The uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina form the duct system of the female reproductive tract.

Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes The uterine or fallopian tubes are the beginning of the duct system. They receive and transport the ovulated oocyte and provide a site where ovulation can occur. The distal end of each uterine tube expands as the funnel-shaped infundibulum, which has fingerlike projections called fimbriae that partially surround each ovary. The fimbriae capture released oocytes to be channeled through the fallopian tubes.

FIMBRIAE The fimbriae capture released oocytes to be channeled through the fallopian tubes.

FALLOPIAN FUNCTION Oocytes are carried to the uterus by a combination of peristalsis and the rhythmic beating of cilia.

UTERUS Characteristics- Located in the pelvis between the bladder and the rectum Nourishes the fertilized egg

3 sections of the uterus FUNDUS- region near the entrance of the Fallopian tubes BODY- large central portion CERVIX- narrow outlet leading to the vagina

3 layers of uterus ENDOMETRIUM- inner lining that is removed during menses MYOMETRIUM- middle layer of smooth muscle PERIMETRIUM- outer serous layer

VAGINA- “birth canal” 3-4 inches long GREATER VESTIBULAR GLANDS- that secrete lubrication during intercourse

EXTERNAL GENITALIA MONS PUBIS- rounded area overlying the pubic symphysis LABIA MAJORA- large outer skin folds LABIA MINORA- small hairless inner skin folds

CLITORIS Small protruding structure with many nerve endings and swells during excitement- corresponding to the male penis PREPUCE- covers the clitoris

MENSTRUAL CYCLE- approx 28 days DAYS 1-5- MENSES- removal of the endometrial lining- average blood loss 50-150mL Very low levels of ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE

MENSTRUAL CYCLE DAYS 6-14- PROLIFERATIVE STAGE- growing levels of estrogen due to growing follicles of the ovaries- endometrium regenerating

MENSTRUAL CYCLE DAY 15-28 SECRETORY STAGE- CORPUS LUTEUM- secretes high levels of PROGESTERONE causing a large increase in endometrium lining If no fertilization, progesterone and estrogen levels drop and menses begin.

MAMMARY GLANDS Specialized sweat glands that produce milk EXTERNAL STRUCTURES NIPPLE is surrounded by a pigmented area called the AREOLA

INTERNAL STRUCTURES 15 -25 lobes of ALVEOLAR GLANDS produce milk and pass it to the nipple via LACTIFEROUS DUCTS