1. The Female Reproductive System: ovaries and Accessory Structures
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2. Reproductive Structures
Ovaries (endocrine function)
Duct system (exocrine function)
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Vagina
External genitalia
© 2015 Pearson Education, Inc.

3. Figure 16.8b The human female reproductive organs.
Uterine (fallopian) tube
Ovary
Infundibulum
Uterine tube
Fimbriae
Body of uterus
Ureter
Vagina
Cervix
(b)

4. Ovaries: Exocrine Function- egg production
Ovaries contain many ovarian follicles (sac-like structures)
These contain oocytes (immature eggs)
The lifetime supply of oocytes (about 1 million) is established by birth
At puberty oocytes undergo meiosis and become functional eggs cells
layers of supportive follicle cells surround the oocyte
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5. Stages of oocyte production and the Ovarian Cycle
Follicle Stimulating Hormone initiates the ovarian cycle:
The oocyte matures within the follicle
Luteinizing Hormone initiates release from the ovary
This is called Ovulation
Occurs about every 28 days
Penetration of the egg by a sperm will trigger completion of meiosis II thereby creating the haploid gamete
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6. Path of the Oocyte Released by the ovary
Fimbriae of the infundibulum sweep the oocyte into the uterine (fallopian) tubes
this is accomplished by way of cilia and peristalsis
Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube
The tubes empty into the uterus
A fertilized egg will implant here
© 2015 Pearson Education, Inc.

7. 8. Degenerating corpus luteum
Figure 16.7 Sagittal view of a human ovary showing the developmental stages of an ovarian follicle.
1. Primary follicle
2. Growing follicles
8. Degenerating corpus luteum
Blood vessels
3. Mature follicle
Germinal epithelium
7. Corpus luteum
6. Developing corpus luteum
5. Ruptured follicle
Ovulation
4. Secondary oocyte

8. The Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle: Endocrine Function
Changes in the mucosa of the uterus (endometrium) coincide with ovulation
Days 1-5: Endometrium is sloughed off
Days 6-14: Follicles grow, endometrium rebuilds
Stimulated by increasing estrogen released by follicles of ovaries
Days 15-28: Blood supply (carrying nutrients) to the uterus increases in preparation for implantation
Lack of implantation starts the cycle all over
The ruptured follicle transforms into a corpus luteum
Produces progesterone & estrogen until ovulation ceases
Disintegrates if no fertilization transpires

9. Uterine Layers (deep to superficial)
Endometrium:
Mucosal layer
Allows for implantation of a fertilized egg
Sloughs off if no pregnancy occurs (menses)
Myometrium: smooth muscle; contracts during labor
Perimetrium: (visceral peritoneum) outermost serous layer of the uterus
© 2015 Pearson Education, Inc.

10. Figure 16.8b The human female reproductive organs.
Suspensory ligament of ovary
Uterine (fallopian) tube
Fundus of uterus
Lumen (cavity) of uterus
Ovarian blood vessels
Ovary
Broad ligament
Infundibulum
Uterine tube
Fimbriae
Ovarian ligament
Round ligament of uterus
Body of uterus
Endometrium
Myometrium
Wall of uterus
Ureter
Perimetrium
Uterine blood vessels
Cervical canal
Uterosacral ligament
Vagina
Cervix
(b)

11. External Genitalia and Female Perineum
Vagina
from cervix to exterior of body
between urinary bladder and rectum
Clitoris
erectile tissue that corresponds to the male penis
Swollen with blood during sexual excitement
Greater Vestibular Glands
Produce mucus to lubricate the vagina during intercourse
Perineum
Diamond-shaped region between the anterior ends of the labial folds, anus posteriorly, and ischial tuberosities laterally
© 2015 Pearson Education, Inc.

12. Figure 16.9 External genitalia of the human female.
Labia majora
Clitoris
Urethral orifice
Vaginal orifice
Opening of duct of greater vestibular gland
Labia minora
Perineum
Anus

13. The Ovarian and Uterine Cycles
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