1. Female Reproductive System
Biology 322 Human Anatomy I
Female Reproductive System

2. Human Reproductive System:
- Begins developing in 4th week of embryonic development.
- Remains “sexually indifferent” until 7th week in male
8th week in female

3. Male Female
7th & 8th Testes, penis, Clitoris, labia begin
weeks scrotum begin development
development
Both sexes: Gonads (ovaries & testes) remain inactive until puberty, when anterior pituitary stimulates maturation

4. Organs of adult female reproductive system - Midsagittal
Oviduct
Lateral to uterus
Ovary
Uterus
Clitoris
Labia
Vagina

5. Bladder
Rectum
Pubic Bone
Anus
Urethra

6. Organs of female reproductive system – Coronal from back
Oviduct
Uterus
Ovarian artery & vein
Ovary
Broad Ligament
Mesosalpinx
Vagina
Mesometrium

7. Broad Ligament: Parasagittal section

8. Ovary:
Located within pelvis, 2 – 5 cm lateral to uterus
~3 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm
Site of oocyte development & ovulation after puberty

9. Ovary
Cortex = outer region in which oocytes develop

10. Ovary
Cortex = outer region in which oocytes develop
Medulla = central region of connective tissue.

11. Ovary
Cortex = outer region in which oocytes develop
Medulla = central region of connective tissue.
Tunica Albuginea = dense irregular connective tissue, covered by visceral peritoneum

12. Vessels & nerves enter/leave ovary at Hilus
Cortex = outer region in which oocytes develop
Medulla = central region of connective tissue.
Tunica Albuginea = dense irregular connective tissue, covered by visceral peritoneum

13. Maturation of an oocyte is called oogenesis
Cell with 46 chromosomes (“2n”) divides twice, unevenly, to produce one large oocyte with 23 chromosomes (“n”) and two small polar bodies.
During oogenesis, oocyte surrounded by follicle composed of follicular cells or granulosa cells

14. The developing oocyte and its follicle: Four stages before ovulation
1. Primordial Follicles: All formed before birth – hundreds in each ovary Consists of oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flat follicular cells

15. The developing oocyte and its follicle: Four stages before ovulation
2. Primary Follicles: Develop only after puberty, a few each cycle Oocyte surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells which are now cuboidal

16. The developing oocyte and its follicle: Four stages before ovulation
3. Secondary Follicles: 1 or 2 primary follicles progress to this stage each cycle
Oocyte larger
Follicle grows larger as
follicular cells divide to
form many layers;
Spaces begin to develop
in center of follicle

17. The developing oocyte and its follicle: Four stages before ovulation
4. Mature or Vesicular Follicle Most follicles which made it to “secondary” will reach this stage Follicle is very large; Many layers of cells surrounding fluid-filled center called antrum.
Oocyte covered with
thick, clear membrane called zona pellucida;
pushed to one side in follicle and surrounded by
mass of follicular cells called cumulus oophorus

18. Ovulation:
Secondary oocyte, surrounded by zona pellucida and cumulus oophorus, released from surface of ovary, where it can be captured by the open end of the oviduct. The cumulus oophorus now called the corona radiata.

19. After ovulation, the empty follicle forms a corpus luteum, which eventually degenerate to form a mass of dense irregular connective tissue called a corpus albicans.

20. When oocyte released from surface of the ovary during ovulation, it is picked up by the oviduct, (also called “Fallopian tube”), a hollow muscular tube which leads from near the uterus to the ovaries.

21. Oviduct:
Lateral End: Wide opening, or infundibulum, surrounds surface of ovary. Edge surrounded by finger-like fimbria.
Middle Part: Wide
ampulla
Medial End: Narrow isthmus leads into uterus. Cavity of oviduct is continuous with cavity of uterus

22. Layers of Oviduct:

23. By mechanisms not completely understood:
The oviduct moves the oocyte toward the uterus The oviduct moves sperm away from the uterus
Fertilization occurs in ampulla of oviduct, forming the zygote, which goes through repeated mitotic cell divisions (“cleavage”) to form a morula, then a blastocyst, and eventually the embryo.

24. Uterus:
Anterior to rectum; Posterior & superior to bladder
Narrowed inferiorly to form cervix, which projects into vagina

25. Uterus: Three Layers
(inside)
Endometrium: Lots of glands & blood vessels Myometrium: Thick layer of smooth muscle Perimetrium: Visceral peritoneum over thin layer of C.T.
(outside)

26. Endometrium: Two layers
Basal layer:
Closer to myometrium; Remains after menstruation; Regrows functional layer.
Functional layer:
Closer to cavity;
Thickens every cycle; Embryo implants here during
pregnancy;
Dies and falls off during
menstruation

27. Vagina:
Thin-walled, tubular Inferior to uterus; Anterior to rectum Posterior to bladder & urethra
Receives penis and semen during sexual intercourse
Passage for delivery of fetus or menstrual flow

28. Layers of Vagina:
Mucosa: Non-keratinized statified squamous epithelium
over thin layer of loose connective tissue.
Muscularis: Smooth muscle
Adventitia: Fibro-elastic connective tissue;
Blends into surrounding connective tissue

29. External Genitalia:
Major (outer) labia Minor (inner) labia Vestibule Vaginal opening Clitoris
Note relationships with pubic hair and the openings of the urethra and the anus

30. The head, or glans, of the clitoris which is visible is only a small part of this organ.
Two shafts of erectile tissue extend backwards along the urethra and vagina.
These are the same erectile tissues located in the penis of a male, called corpora cavernosa