Introduction to the human female reproductive system
Paired Ovaries - female gonads that: B) The Female Reproduction System Paired Ovaries - female gonads that: a. Produce estrogen and progesterone b. Store eggs (100 000 per ovary)
- Each ovary contains follicles - structures that contain the oocyte (egg) & granulosa cells. i) The oocyte, containing 46 chromosomes, undergoes meiosis and is transformed into a mature oocyte or ovum (egg). ii) Granulosa cells provide nutrients for the oocyte.
Fallopian tubes (oviducts) a. Site of fertilization b. An egg enters the tube from the ovary, via the fimbrae - fingers at opening of Fallopian tubes.
The Sperm’s Journey: ) Sperm are deposited in the vagina ) They swim from the vagina - cervix - uterus – fallopian tube.
The paired oviducts join a hollow, inverted, pear shaped organ - uterus - Site where the embryo and fetus develop.
- Composed of three layers: 1) Peritoneum - The outer layer of connective tissue. 2) Myometrium - Muscular outer lining provides support for developing embryo. Contractions of this layer help push baby out. 3) Endometrium - Glandular inner lining that produces endometrium every 28 days. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is shed (menstruation). The endometrium provides nourishment for the developing embryo.
Cervix – a muscular band that separates the vagina from the uterus. Vagina – connects uterus to outer environment. Birth canal. Sexual intercourse occurs here. - Strongly acidic.
Pap Test: A test that is performed to check for cancer of the cervix. It provides physicians with a sample of cells from the cervix.
Produce and Deliver Eggs Functions to Produce and Deliver Eggs A female is born with all the egg cells that she will ever have. They are immature primary oocytes and only develop into mature egg cells when the woman enters sexual maturity. From puberty (around age 12) until menopause (around age 50) a female will release 1 egg per 28 days (on average) unless fertilization occurs. Eggs are stored and mature in the ovary. They travel down the fallopian tube (oviduct) to the uterus