1. Reproductive System- Female

2. Female Reproductive System
A. Ovaries
B. Duct System
1. Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
2. Uterus
3. Vagina
C. External genitalia

3. A. Ovaries
Composed of ovarian follicles (liquid-filled sac-like structures)
Each follicle consists of
Oocyte (immature egg)

4. Support for Ovaries Ligaments
secure ovary to lateral walls of the pelvis
attach ovary to uterus

5. B. Duct System
1. Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
2. Uterus
3. Vagina

6. 1. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
Receive the ovulated oocyte
Provide a site for fertilization (egg + sperm)
Attach to the uterus
Little or no contact between ovaries and uterine tubes

7. About the Fallopian Tubes
*Fimbriae
Finger-like projections at the distal end of the uterine tube
Receive the oocyte from the ovary

8. About the Fallopian Tubes
*Cilia
Located inside the uterine tube
Slowly move the oocyte towards the uterus (takes 3–4 days)
Fertilization occurs inside the uterine tube
Oocytes lives about 24 hours

9. 2. Uterus Located between the urinary bladder and rectum Hollow organ
Functions of the uterus
Prepares for possible pregnancy
Receives a fertilized egg
Retains the fertilized egg
Nourishes the fertilized egg

10. Support for the Uterus Ligaments attached to the pelvis
anchored anteriorly
anchored posteriorly

11. Regions of the Uterus
Body—main portion
Fundus—superior rounded region above where uterine tube enters
Cervix—narrow outlet that protrudes into the vagina

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
Perimetrium (visceral peritoneum)—outermost serous layer of the uterus
(see text for diagram)

13. 3. Vagina Extends from cervix to exterior of body
Located between bladder and rectum
Serves as the birth canal
Receives the penis during sexual intercourse
Hymen—partially closes the vagina until it is ruptured

14. 4. External Genitalia (Vulva)
A. Mons pubis
B. Labia
C. Greater vestibular glands
D. Clitoris
E. Orfices

15. A. Mons Pubis Fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis
Covered with pubic hair after puberty

16. B. Labia Labia—skin folds Labia majora—hair-covered skin folds
Labia minora—delicate, hair-free folds of skin

17. C. Vestibule and Greater Vestibular Glands
Enclosed by labia majora
Contains external openings of the urethra, vagina
Greater vestibular glands
One is found on each side of the vagina
Secretes lubricant during intercourse

18. D. Clitoris Contains erectile tissue
The clitoris is similar to the penis in that it is
Hooded by a prepuce
Composed of sensitive erectile tissue
Becomes swollen with blood during sexual excitement

19. E. Orfices
Vaginal orfice
Urethral orfice

20. External Genitalia (Vulva)
Figure 16.9