Female Reproductive System Ovaries (paired)—located on either side of the uterus Egg cells are produced in ovarian follicles; each ovum contains 23 chromosomes. Ovulation of a graafian follicle is stimulated by LH .

Fallopian tubes Fallopian tubes (paired)—each extends from an ovary to the uterus , fimbriae sweep the ovum into the tube; ciliated epithelial tissue and peristalsis of smooth muscle propel the ovum toward the uterus; fertilization usually takes place in the fallopian tube.

Uterus Uterus (single)—superior to the urinary bladder and between the two ovaries . Myometrium is the smooth muscle layer that contracts for delivery . Endometrium is the lining which may become the placenta. basilar layer is permanent; functional layer is lost in menstruation and regenerated. Parts: upper fundus,central body, and lower cervix.

Vagina Vagina (single)—extends from the cervix to the vaginal orifice . Receives sperm during intercourse; serves as exit for menstrual blood and as the birth canal during delivery. Normal flora provide an acidic pH that inhibits the growth of pathogens.

External genitals External genitals also called the vulva. The clitoris is a small mass of erectile tissue that responds to sexual stimulation; * Labia majora and minora are paired folds of skin that enclose the vestibule and cover the urethral and vaginal openning *Bartholin’s glands open into the vaginal orifice and secrete mucus.

Mammary Glands Mammary Glands—anterior to the pectoralis major muscles, surrounded by adipose tissue 1. Alveolar glands produce milk; lactiferous ducts converge at the nipple. 2. Hormonal regulation

MAMMOGRAPHY Mammography is an x-ray technique that is used to evaluate breast tissue for abnormalities. By far the most frequent usage is to detect breast cancer, which is one of the most common malignancies in women. If detected early, breast cancer may be cured through a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Women should practice breast self-examination monthly,but mammography can detect lumps that are too small to be felt manually. Women in their 30s may have a mammogram done to serve as a comparison for mammograms later in life.

The Menstrual Cycle The Menstrual Cycle—average is 28 days; includes the hormones FSH, LH, estrogen,and progesterone, and changes in the ovaries and endometrium

Phases of menstrual cycle 1. Menstrual phase—loss of the endometrium. 2. Follicular phase—several ovarian follicles develop; ovulation is the rupture of a mature follicle; blood vessels grow in the endometrium. 3. Luteal phase—the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum; the endometrium continues to develop. 4. If fertilization does not occur, decreased progesterone results in the loss of the endometrium in menstruation.

AGING AND THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS For women there is menopause و usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Estrogen secretion decreases; ovulation and menstrual cycles become irregular and finally cease. The decrease in estrogen may lead to: - osteoporosis and fractures; -an increase in cholesterol makes women more likely to develop coronary artery disease; - drying of the vaginal mucosa increases susceptibility to vaginal infections.

AGING AND THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS The likelihood of breast cancer also increases with age, and women over age 50 should consider having a mammogram to serve as a baseline,then one at least every other year. For most men, testosterone secretion continues

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF) is fertilization outside the body, usually in a glass dish. A woman who wishes to conceive by this method is given: FSH to stimulate the simultaneous development of several ovarian follicles. LH may then be given to stimulate ovulation. The ova are removed by way of a small incision in the abdominal wall and are placed in a solution containing the sperm . After fertilization and the first mitotic divisions of cleavage, the very early embryo is placed in the woman’s uterus.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Infected men have urethritis with painful and frequent urination and pus in the urine. Women are often asymptomatic,and the bacteria may spread from the cervix to other reproductive organs (pelvic inflammatory disease [PID]). * The use of antibiotics in the eyes of all newborns has virtually eliminated neonatal conjunctivitis acquired from an infected mother. *Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.

Syphilis caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. syphilis can be cured with penicillin, If untreated, however,syphilis may cause severe or even fatal damage to the nervous system and heart.

Genital herpes caused by the virus herpes simplex type2 Painful lesions in the genital area are the primary symptom. Although the lesions heal within 5 to 9 days, recurrences are possible, Although herpes is not curable at present, medications have proved useful in suppressing recurrences.

Neonatal herpes is infection of a newborn during passage through the birth canal. The infant’s immune system is too immature to control the herpes virus, and this infection may be fatal or cause brain damage. A pregnant woman with a history of genital herpes may choose to have the baby delivered by cesarean section to avoid this possible outcome.

AGING AND THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55. Estrogen decreases; ovulation and menstrual cycles become irregular and finally cease. The decrease in estrogen has other effects as : - Loss of bone matrix may lead to osteoporosis and fractures; - an increase in blood cholesterol makes women more likely to develop coronary artery disease; - drying of the vaginal mucosa increases susceptibility to vaginal infections

breast cancer The likelihood of breast cancer also increases with age, and women over age 50 should consider having a mammogram to serve as a baseline, then one at least every other year.

For most men , testosterone secretion continues throughout life, as does sperm production, though both diminish with advancing age. Perhaps the most common reproductive problem for older men is prostatic hypertrophy, As the urethra is compressed by the growing prostate gland, urination becomes difficult, and residual urine in the bladder increases the chance of urinary tract infection. Prostate hypertrophy is usually benign, Cancer of the prostate is one of the more common cancers in elderly men.