1. FEMale Reproductive System
Anatomy
FEMale Reproductive System

2. The Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
contain follicles which contain OOCYTES (eggs)

3. Follicle and oocyte development
Oogenesis
process of egg production

4. Before birth
oogonia – female stem cells produced - do not exist after birth
turn into primary oocytes & push into ovaries

5. After birth
These become primary follicles waiting for puberty (10-14 years) to undergo meiosis
at puberty FSH is released stimulating follicles to mature into oocytes (eggs)

6. Follicles
developing follicles secrete ESTROGEN & PROGESTERONE depending on needs of the egg cells
Ovulation
when egg is mature and follicle ruptures releasing oocyte

7. triggered by the release of lutenizing hormone (LH) by pituitary gland
note the progressive process

8. During ovulation the egg will burst from the follicle - then what is left of the follicle will become the corpus luteum.
estrogen and progesterone is released to assist in case of pregnancy

9. Uterine tubes
fallopian tubes, oviducts
used to conduct /guide the egg from the ovary to the uterus

10. fimbriae surround the opening of the tube
cilia sweep oocyte into the tube
fertilization occurs in the uterine tubes

11. Uterus
muscular organ where an embryo will implant and a fetus will grow

12. Endometrium
inner wall – mostly epithelial tissue
Myometrium
muscular wall – mostly smooth muscle

13. opening of uterus through which baby will pass – opens to 10cm
cervix
Vagina
receives sperm during intercourse
allows menstrual flow and childbirth

14. Mammary Glands
organs of milk production – located in breasts
external structure
nipple, areola
15 – 20 glandular lobes covered by adipose tissue
internal structure
within each lobe are alveolar glands that produce milk and send it through the lactiferous ducts