OBJECTIVES Describe the role of female reproductive organs Compare and correlate the ovarian and uterine cycles

Female overview

Female purpose: Produce sex cell Nourish developing baby How is this different from males?

Vagina Copulatory organ, birth canal, menstrual flow canal Collect sperm and holds it near the cervix

Ovaries Primordial follicles produced before birth Ovulation: hormone spike releases oocyte Oocyte sweeps to oviduct, ultimately transplanted to the uterus

Ovarian cycle: getting the egg Producing and releasing an egg ~28 days Follicular phase Ovulation Luteal phase

Ovarian Cycle Follicular phase: primordial follicle continues but does not complete meiosis to become egg (FSH influence) Ovulation: ovary wall ruptures and expels egg Coupled with spike in ICSH Luteal phase: corpus luteum forms and produces progesterone and estrogen In 10 days CL is dissolved If fertilization occurs placenta takes over hormone role

Uterus: nourishing embryo Retains and nourishes embryo Mucous lining protects More slippery at ovulation Cervix expands at childbirth Cervical plug

Uterine cycle Make endometrium ready for implantation Menstrual phase days 1-5 Proliferative phase days 6-14 Secretory phase

Uterine Cycle Menstrual phase: Proliferative phase: Secretory phase: CL degenerates -> Loss of lining of endometrium, lowest hormone levels Proliferative phase: Estrogen production -> endo buildup Progesterone receptors form in endo lining Ends at ovulation Secretory phase: Preparing for implantation CL producing progesterone to maintain endo Why keep endometrium?

Female sexual response Similar to male Blood engorgement, mucous production No ejaculation or refractory period