Tony Serino, Ph.D. Biology Department Misericordia University Reproduction: Female Tony Serino, Ph.D. Biology Department Misericordia University

Female Reproduction Gonad: Ovary Gametes: Ova Duct System: Transport ovum from ovary to uterus Site of fertilization; Receive and transport sperm to ovum Capacitate sperm House and support fetus Deliver fetus Supporting Structures Sensory and protective functions

Female Anatomy (oviduct or Fallopian tube) Vulva

Oogenesis * * First polar body may not divide to form others.

Development of Ovum and Follicle

Developing follicles

Graffian Follicles

Ovulation Secondary oocyte Zona Pellucida Corona Radiata

Oviduct (Uterine or Fallopian tube) Ampulla Isthmus

Oviducts: Anatomy Functions: transportation of ovum, sperm and zygote -capacitation of sperm -site of fertilization

Oviduct: three layers mucosa –composed of ciliated simple columnar epithelium muscularis -smooth muscle layer, undergoes peristaltic and segmentation contractions serosa –same as visceral peritoneum

Uterus: houses and supports fetus

Uterine Layers Perimetrium

Layers of Endometrium Functional Zone (stratum functionalis) -contains endometrial glands and spiral arteries -is shed each month Basilar Zone (stratum basale) -regenerative layer that creates functional zone

Endometrial changes during cycle 3 1 2 4

Female External Genitalia Perineum

Vaginal lining (many elastic fibers)

Female Hormones Hypothalamus secretes GnRH Anterior Pituitary secretes FSH and LH Theca cells of ovary secrete estrogens Granulosa cells secrete inhibin Luteal cells (modified granulosa cells) secrete progesterone

Ovarian and Uterine Cycles

Female Sexual Response Arousal Triggered by: Touching of genital skin and other areas of skin Mechanical stimulation of pressure receptors in clitoris Erotic sights, sounds, and smells Thoughts and memories Increased myotonia throughout body, BP, breathing and HR Sexual stimulation leads to accumulation of blood in vaginal tissues, labia minora, clitoris, and breasts (including areola and nipple) Vestibular glands secrete lubricating fluid into vestibule and mucous is secreted into vagina The vagina may expand its width and some of its length Plateau Increased swelling of vagina and labia minora, and become more sensitive Clitoris may withdraw into its hood (prepuce) Orgasm Pleasurable rhythmic contractions of uterus, vagina and clitoris Followed by relaxation but no refractory period

Development of Reproductive System Gonads of embryo are sexually indistinguishable Two sets of ducts present: Mullerian (female) and Wolfian (male) Female pattern will develop as default If XY, then testes develop and secrete testosterone Testosterone stimulates growth of male pattern and degeneration of female pattern

Internal Genital Development Both Wolfian and Mullerian ducts form With advent of functional testis and testosterone secretion; Wolfian ducts stimulated to develop; Mullerian ducts inhibited by AMH Without functioning testes, Wolfian ducts degenerate and Mullerian ducts develop female pattern

External Genitalia Development

Descent of Testes Begins at 7 months gestational The testes are attached at their inferior margin to the scrotal swelling by the gubernaculum Growth of the individual and retraction of the gubernaculum allow the testes to descend into the scrotum An extension of the parietal peritoneum (Vaginal process) maintains an opening into the scrotum and forms the inguinal canal

Reproductive Development Much of the system’s development occurs after birth –during adolescence Generation of functional sex cells and secondary characteristics dependent on fully functional gonads in both sexes

Menopause Cessation of reproductive function with age Occurs only in women (men slow down function but do not cease unless pathology occurs) Women see steep decline in pituitary and ovarian hormone production that eventually stops both ovarian and uterine cycles Woman said to complete menopause after one year without menses

STDs –sexually transmitted diseases Syphilis –bacterial (Treponema) Invades mucosae and abraded skin, can be transmitted at birth Incubation period from 2-3 weeks, then primary chancre develops This heals in a week, several weeks later the secondary lesion develops The secondary lesion (skin rash) disappears in 3-12 weeks Tertiary lesion (gummas) completely destructive lesions may erupt Treatable with penicillin

STDs –sexually transmitted diseases Gonorrhea Bacterial (Nisseria) Commonly called“the Clap” Infects mucosa layers, spreads by contact with genital, anal or oro-pharyngeal mucosae Symptoms vary but can include urethritis, whitish discharge, abnormal bleeding, sterility Treatable with antibiotics New strains have developed that are resistant to antibiotics

STDs –sexually transmitted diseases Warts –viral, human papillomavirus (HPV) Increases risk of certain cancers (penile, vaginal, cervical, and anal) Treatment is difficult

STDs –sexually transmitted diseases Herpes –viral (herpes simplex 2 and others) long incubation period (weeks to years) Flares up as painful, itchy blister like lesions Secretions from lesions are infectious Little threat to individual (though linked with cancers) Definite threat to fetus, triggering severe malformations New antiviral drugs helpful, but no cure Remain infected for life

STDs –sexually transmitted diseases Chlamydia –bacterial most common STD in US (4-5 million infected) women may be asymptomatic Incubation period is one week Symptoms: urethritis, painful urination, discharge, painful sex, abdominal pain, and sterility Can infect fetus causing eye and respiratory infections Treatable with antibiotics Pubic Lice (pediculosis)–arthropod (“Crabs”) Caused by Phthirus pubis, itching and small pale blue spots present Lives principally in hair of pubic region (but may inhabit facial hair), acquired through sexual relations, contaminated clothing, bedding or toilet seats

STDs –AIDS AIDS –viral (HIV), an RNA retrovirus Transmitted by exchange of infected cells between hosts Only antibody test available to determine exposure Incubations period measured in months to years (8-10 in some cases) Symptoms: severe weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, increase infections and cancer rates 100% fatal, 30 million infect worldwide Leading cause of death in Americans 25-44 years of age

Contraception Methods