1. The Reproductive System
The Female Reproductive System

2. Female Reproductive Anatomy

3. The Ovaries
Paired organs on each side of the uterus held in place by several ligaments
About the size & shape of almonds
Embedded in the ovary are follicles

4. The Ovaries

5. Follicles Each follicle consists of an immature egg called an oocyte
Oocytes are surrounded by layers of follicle cells, which will mature – because of FSH released from pituitary
When follicle is mature, the developing egg (ova) will be released (ovulation) – stimulated by LH released from pituitary
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle is called a corpus luteum, which eventually degenerates

6. A picture of ovulation, as captured during a hysterectomy surgery!

7. A note about oocytes…
Females are born with approximately 700,000 oocytes at birth combined in the two ovaries… this is the lifetime supply, and no more will develop
The number already decreases down to 400,000 by puberty, and only about 500 eggs will be released during a woman’s lifetime
This is different than in the males, where sperm continue to be produced throughout the reproductive lifetime

8. Ovaries / Follicles

9. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
Each tube is about 10 cm long and 1 cm in diameter
Allows egg (ova) to travel from ovary to uterus
Usually the site of fertilization
End of tube near the ovary expands to form a funnel-shaped infundibulum, which has finger-like extensions (fimbriae)

10. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
The uterine tubes have no contact with the ovaries and the ovulated ovais cast into the peritoneal cavity
Beating cilia on the fimbriae create currents to carry the ova into the uterine tube
The ova is carried toward the uterus by peristalsis and ciliary action

11. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

13. Ectopic Pregnancy
While ova get fertilized in the uterine tubes, the egg should not implant here!
If the egg is implanted anywhere other than the uterus, this is called an ectopic pregnancy
98% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the uterine tubes
Most will resolve themselves naturally through a miscarriage, but sometimes surgery is required to remove the fetus or internal bleeding can occur

15. Uterus
Hollow, thick-walled organ located in the pelvis anterior to the rectum and posterosuperior to the bladder
Where implantation of fertilized ova occurs
About the size and shape of a pear
Body – major portion of the uterus
Fundus – rounded region superior to the entrance of the uterine tubes
Cervix – narrow neck which projects into the vagina inferiorly

16. Uterus

17. Uterine Wall Wall composed of three layers
Perimetrium – outermost serous layer; the visceral peritoneum
Myometrium – middle layer; interlacing layers of smooth muscle; contracts during childbirth
Endometrium – mucosal lining of the uterine cavity

18. Uterine Wall

19. Endometrium
If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg burrows into the endometrium and resides there for the rest of development
When a woman is not pregnant, the endometrial lining sloughs off periodically (approximately every 28 days) in response to hormone levels

20. Vagina
Thin-walled tube about 3 to 4 inches long extending from the cervix to the exterior of the body
The urethra is embedded in the anterior wall
Provides a passageway for male penetration, birth, and menstrual flow
The labial folds protect the vaginal opening and the urethral opening

21. Vagina

22. Vagina

23. External Genitalia Clitoris (homologous to the penis)
Erectile tissue that become swollen with blood during sexual excitement
Greater vestibular glands
Secretions lubricate the distal end of the vagina during intercourse

24. Vagina

25. Monthly Female Cycles
Include the Ovarian Cycle and the Menstrual Cycle

26. Ovarian Cycle
Monthly series of events associated with the maturation of an egg
Follicular phase – period of follicle growth (days 1–14) – due to FSH; causes production of estrogen
Ovulation occurs midcycle due to LH
1-2% of ovulations release more than one ova, which if both fertilized, results in fraternal t
Luteal phase – period of corpus luteum activity (days 14–28)

27. Ovarian Cycle

28. Luteal Phase The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogen
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates in 10 days and levels of progesterone and estrogen will decrease
If pregnancy does occur, the corpus luteum continues to produces hormones until the placenta takes over that role (at about 3 months)

29. Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
Series of cyclic changes that the uterine endometrium goes through each month in response to ovarian hormones in the blood

30. Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
Days 1-5: Menstrual (Menses) Phase – uterus sheds all but the deepest part of the endometrium
Days 4-14: Proliferative (Follicular) Phase – endometrium rebuilds itself due to rising estrogen levels (released from growing follicles)
Days 15-28: Secretory (Luteal) phase – endometrium prepares for implantation of the embryo by increasing blood flow and nutrients due to rising progesterone levels (released from corpus luteum)

31. Menses
If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels fall, depriving the endometrium of hormonal support
Arteries in uterine wall kink and go into spasms and endometrial cells begin to die
This causes the layer to disintegrate and slough off, opening up blood vessels to allow blood flow
Average blood loss during this period is 50 to 150 mL (about ¼ to ½ cup, but can vary from woman to woman)

33. Secondary Female Characteristics
Development of breast tissue
Increased deposition of fat in hip and breast areas
Widening and lightening of the pelvis
Growth of armpit and pubic hair
All are due to estrogen and progesterone levels

38. 8 weeks of development