1. Chapter 16 The Reproductive System

2. Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
Duct System
- Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
- Uterus
- Vagina
External genitalia

3. Ovaries Surrounded by a fibrous tunica albuginea
Two poorly defined regions
Cortex: ovarian follicles
Medulla: large blood vessels and nerves

4. Ovarian Follicle Stages
Primary follicle –immature oocyte
Graafian (vesicular) follicle – growing follicle; maturing oocyte
Ovulation – follicle ruptures when egg is mature
~ every 28 days
Ruptured follicle transformed into corpus luteum

5. Ovaries Held in place by several ligaments
Ovarian ligament: anchors ovary medially to the uterus
Suspensory ligament: anchors ovary laterally to the pelvic wall
Broad ligament: supports the uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina

6. Support for Ovaries

7. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
Receive oocyte
Site of fertilization
Attaches to uterus
Does not attach to ovary
Supported by broad ligament

8. Uterine Tube Function
Fimbriae – finger-like projections at end; receive oocyte
Cilia inside uterine tube slowly move oocyte towards uterus (takes 3–4 days)
Fertilization occurs inside uterine tube
Video

9. Uterus Between bladder and rectum Hollow organ Functions Receives
Retains
Nourishes fertilized egg

10. Support for the Uterus Broad ligament – attached to pelvis
Round ligament – anchored interiorly
Uterosacral ligaments – anchored posteriorly

11. Regions of the Uterus Body – main portion
Fundus – area where uterine tubes enter
Cervix – narrow outlet that protrudes into the vagina
Cat
Fundus

12. Walls of the Uterus Endometrium
- Inner layer
- Allows for implantation of a fertilized egg
- Sloughs off if no pregnancy occurs (menses)
Myometrium – middle layer of smooth muscle
Serous layer – outer visceral peritoneum

13. Vagina From cervix to exterior Behind bladder; in front of rectum
Birth canal
Receives penis during intercourse
Hymen – partially closes the vagina until it is ruptured

14. External Genitalia (Vulva)
Mons pubis
- Fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis
- Covered with pubic hair after puberty
Vestibule
Enclosed by labia majora
Contains opening of urethra and vestibular glands (produce mucus)
Clitoris
erectile tissue
Corresponds to penis
Labia – skin folds
- Labia majora
- Labia minora

15. Oogenesis Total supply of eggs are present at birth
Ability to release eggs ~ begins at puberty ~ ends at menopause
Oocytes - matured in developing ovarian follicles

16. Oogenesis Oogonia – female stem cells Mitosis produces primary oocytes
Primary oocytes -surrounded by cells that form primary follicles
Oogonia no longer exist by birth

17. Oogenesis
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes some follicles to mature
Meiosis starts inside maturing follicle
Produces secondary oocyte and first polar body
Meiosis is completed after ovulation only if sperm penetrates
Two additional polar bodies are produced