The Female Reproductive System Ovaries All three enclosed within broad ligament. Uterine tubes Uterus Vaginal canal and vagina External genitalia

Female Reproductive System

The Ovaries Ovaries -> eggs, estrogen and progesterone. Held in position by ovarian ligament and suspensory ligaments. Ovarian artery and vein enter at ovarian hilus. Covered by tunica albuginea. Ovarian cycle and follicular development. (dictates uterine cycle)

The Uterine Tubes Infundibulum with fimbriae Ampulla Isthmus Intramural portion that opens to uterine cavity Lined with ciliated and nonciliated simple columnar epithelium - aids in transport

ciliated and non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium

Gross Divisions of the Uterus Fundus Body (largest portion) Cervix External os Uterine cavity Cervical canal Internal os

Uterine Wall (Layers) Endometrium - innermost layer Contains endometrial (uterine) glands. Functional layer, top 1/3 (sheds). Basal Layer, bottom 2/3 (remains). Myometrium – muscular (thickest ~90%). Perimetrium – outermost (superficial).

The Uterine Wall Basic histology of the uterine wall. Figure 27.16b

The Vagina Elastic muscular tube from uterus to external genitalia (has rugae). Passageway: Forms lower portion of birth canal. Hymen partially blocks entrance to vagina. Lined by stratified squamous epithelium.

The External Genitalia Vulva (pudendum) Labia majora – outer (larger) Labia minora – inner (smaller) Clitoris – erectile tissue (spongiosum) - Prepuce (hood, foreskin of clitoris) Vestibule (created by labia minora) Greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) gland. Mons pubis

The Ovarian and Uterine Cycles 28 day menstrual cycle Begins with onset of menses Destruction of functional zone of endometrium Menstruation continues for 1-7 days Proliferative phase Functional zone undergoes repair and thickens Entire cycle begins at menarche (puberty) Continues until menopause