Pathophysiology The Female Reproductive System Dr. HANA OMER Physiology and Manifestation 2014

Female Reproductive System

Functions of the Female Reproductive System Produce ova Receive sperm Site of fertilization Hold & nourish embryo/fetus Bear infant Nurse infant

Organs of the Female Reproductive System Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus Vagina Accessory glands External genitalia Breasts

Ovaries Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. After menopause they tend to shrink. They produce eggs (also called ova) every female is born with a lifetime supply of eggs. They also produce hormones: Estrogen & Progesterone.

Fallopian Tubes Stretch from the uterus to the ovaries and measure about 8 to 13 cm in length. The ends of the fallopian tubes lying next to the ovaries feather into ends called fimbria Millions of tiny hair-like cilia line the fimbria and interior of the fallopian tubes. The cilia moves in waves hundreds of times per second catching the egg at ovulation and moving it through the tube to the uterine cavity. Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube

Fallopian Tubes

The Uterus Pear-shaped muscular organ in the upper female reproductive tract. The fundus is the upper portion of the uterus where pregnancy occurs. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects with the vagina and serves as a sphincter to keep the uterus closed during pregnancy until it is time to deliver a baby. The uterus expands considerably during the reproductive process. the organ grows to from 10 to 20 times its normal size during pregnancy.

The Uterus

The Uterus The main body consists of a firm outer coat of muscle (myometrium) and an inner lining of vascular, glandular material (endometrium). The endometrium thickens during the menstrual cycle to allow implantation of a fertilized egg. Pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants successfully into the endometrial lining. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium sloughs off and is expelled as menstrual flow.

Female Reproductive System At birth, female’s ovaries contain more than 400,000 immature ova, or eggs. During ovulation the right ovary will release a mature ovum one month, and the left ovary will release one the next month. When a mature ovum is released from the ovary, it moves to one of the fallopian tubes.

Female Reproductive System Tiny hair like structures called cilia work, along with muscular contractions in the fallopian tubes, to move the ovum along. Sperm from the male enter the female reproductive system through the vagina.

The Menstrual Cycle

The Menstrual Cycle Cyclic uterine bleeding starts by age 13 and continues until age 45-50. Menstrual cycle length may vary between 21-35 days. Duration of the menstrual period lasts from 3-7 days. Menarche: a woman's first menstruation, typically occurs around age 12 Menopause: end of a woman's reproductive phase, commonly occurs between ages 45 and 55

The Menstrual Cycle Regulation of menstruation depends on the interaction of hormones: From the hypothalamus: gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). From the pituitary: follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). From the ovary: Estradiol and Progesterone.

Phases of Menstrual Cycle Menstrual cycle can be divided into 3 phases: Follicular (estrogen) phase Luteal phase (progesterone) phase Menstrual phase

Follicular Phase Follicles develop until one succeeds to become mature into an ovum (ovary will release this ovum at ovulation) The follicle that reaches maturity is called a Graafian follicle As they mature, the follicles secrete increasing amounts of estrogen, which thickens the new functional layer of endometrium in the uterus At the end of this phase ovulation occurs

Luteal Phase Corpus luteum (Follicle after ovulation): a solid body formed in an ovary after the ovum has been released into the fallopian tube This Corpus Luteum Produces significant amounts of progesterone, which enriches the uterine wall (endometrium) with blood supply and capillaries, so it can sustain the growing fetus (if any) Then we have two probabilities:

Fertilization A) If fertilization occurs, the embryo will produce Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (HCG), which maintain the corpus luteum and causes it to continue produce progesterone, untill the placenta is formed and takes over the progesterone production

Menstrual Phase B) If no fertilization, the Corpus Luteum degenerates to form Corpus albicans, this causes progesterone levels to fall The fall in progesterone will cause the uterine lining to shed and break down through the Vagina, this is called Menstruation

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