1. The Reproductive System
“The female”

2. The Functions Produce female gametes to pair with the male’s
To provide protection and nourishment to developing offspring for several years
Secondary sex characteristics
Hip/waist ratio of .7
Development of breasts

3. Female Organs Essential Organs Gonads in female are the ovaries
Female gametes are the ova, oocyte
Accessory Organs
Uterine (fallopian) tubes
Uterus
Vagina
Vulva (external genitals)
Mammary glands

4. Perineum
Is in danger of being torn in childbirth which can lead to many complications
An episiotomy is sometimes done to prevent the damage caused by tearing

5. The Ovaries Puckered almond-like shape
Anchored to the uterine wall by mesovarian ligaments
The distal portions of the uterine tubes cup the ovaries

6. Oogenesis
Beneath the epithelial layer of the ovaries are ovarian follicles
Each ovarian follicle contains an immature sex cell called an oocyte
Oocytes are surrounded by hormone releasing follicular (granulosa) cells
The oocyte goes through various stages until it is released as a mature ovum
Oogenesis results in only one viable ovum and 3 polar bodies

7. Functions of Ovaries
Ovary functions result in ovulation, release of ovum into the uterine tube
Ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone, these regulate reproductive functions
Ovulation alternate between ovaries each month

8. Uterus Pear-shaped in a woman who has never been pregnant
The top, wide part is referred to as the body
The bottom, neck part is referred to as the cervix
The bulge on top of the body is called the fundus

9. Uterus Layers Endometrium
The inner lining that secretes mucus that acts as a barrier to sperm except during ovulation when it becomes slippery to facilitate sperm movement
Two upper layers are shed during menstruation and after delivering a baby
Myometrium
Thick, smooth muscular layer
Smooth muscle is blended with connective tissue to give it elasticity and strength
Parietal peritoneum
External layer that partially covers the uterus

10. Uterus
Position
Normal position is anterior to rectum and posterior to bladder
The body normally rests superior to the bladder meeting the vagina at a right angle
Retroflexion is a backward tilt that can result in a prolapsed uterus

11. Uterine Functions
If fertilization occurs, the developing cell implants in the uterus (womb)
Specialized glands nourish the offspring until a placenta can develop
The placenta allows for the exchange of nutrients between mother and offspring
The myometrium contracts during childbirth
If no fertilization occurs then endometrium will shed during menstruation

12. Uterine Tube Also called fallopian tubes or oviducts
There are three divisions
Isthmus extends out from uterus
Ampulla is the intermediate portions
Infundibulum is fringe-like projection that cups ovaries and opens into the peritoneal cavity, finger-like projections (fimbriae) collect the ovum
Uterine tubes are the site of fertilization
Tubal ligations prevent ovum from entering the oviducts

13. Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus

14. Vagina
Tubular organ that lies anterior to rectum and posterior to the bladder and urethra
It is approximately 7 to 8 cm long and capable of great distention
It is collapsible, lined with mucus membranes arranged in rugae

15. Vaginal Functions Receptacle for sperm Lower portion of birth canal
Transport of blood and tissue shed during menstruation

16. Vulva Refers to external genitalia
Mons pubis- skin-covered layer of fat over the symphysis pubis
Labia majora- “large lips”, contain sweat and sebaceous glands, are homologous to the scrotum
Labia minora- “small lips” located medial to labia majora, the area between labia minora is referred to as the vestibule
Clitoris- homologous to the glans in the penis and is also covered by a prepuce
Urinary meatus- urinary opening situated between the clitoris and vaginal opening

17. The Breasts
Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of mammary ducts and secreting cells during puberty
Secreting cells are arranged in grape-like clusters whose ducts converge at the nipple
The ducts enlarge slightly into lactiferous sinus before reaching the nipple
The areola is the dark pigmented area around the nipple that contains many sebum glands

18. Self-Breast Exams
Should be done monthly a few days after the menstrual cycle
Look for unusual changes in appearance and color, especially dimpling or puckering of skin
Feel the breast using a pattern so that you cover all the areas
Sometime to the shower makes it easier to detect changes
Second most common cancer is young women, second most deadly

19. Lactation
Estrogen during pregnancy acts permissively on progesterone to prepare the breasts for lactation
Estrogen inhibits the function of prolactin
Shedding of placenta cuts off estrogen which stimulates the release of prolactin
Suckling of a baby stimulates prolactin and oxytocin
Milk secretion begins on the third or fourth day after delivery
Colostrum is yellowish secretion that is released before milk
Oxytocin stimulates the ejection of milk into the ducts

21. Benefits of Lactation
Perfect proportions of proteins, fats, calcium, vitamins and other nutrients
Passive immunity is conferred through mother’s antibodies in milk and colostrum
Enhances emotional bond between mother and child as well as further psychological development
Has been linked to
decreased allergies later in life
increased IQ
decreased risk of obesity

22. Ovarian Cycle Before birth precursor cells undergo partial meiosis
After birth the female has many primary follicles each containing a oocyte
Once a month normally one oocyte migrates to the surface of the ovary and is released during ovulation
The ruptured follicle, called to corpus luteum, swells and begins to release estrogen and progesterone for 7 to 8 days
This process occurs 14 days before the next menstrual cycle

23. Menstrual Cycle Day 1-5 Day 6-13 Day 14 (28 day cycle) Day 15-28
Menses or menstrual period
Day 6-13
Post menstrual, post ovulatory phase
Increased estrogen levels cause mucus to become elastic
Day 14 (28 day cycle)
Ovulation occurs
There is a decrease in basal body temp right before ovulation
Day 15-28
Luteal phase or secretory phase
Corpus luteum secretes hormones during this phase

25. Menarche and Menopause
Menarche, menstration, usually begins around age 13
Menses last for approximately 3 decades
Menopause begins between ages 45-50
Follicular cells are no longer responsive to estrogen