1. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

2. INTERNAL STRUCTURES
OVARIES- (2)- are the primary reproductive organ of the female
Function-
Produce ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE
Produce the female gamete (OVA)

3. OVARIES CHARACTERISTICS- ALMOND size and shape
They are filled with tiny saclike structures called ovarian follicles.
Each follicle contains OOCYTES (immature eggs) that are surrounded by special layers FOLLICLE CELLS

4. ANATOMY OF THE OVARIES (CONT.)
Mature follicles are called vesicular or Graafian follicles.
Developing egg is then ejected from the ovary in an event called ovulation.
Empty follicle transforms into different looking structure called a corpus luteum, which eventually degenerates.

5. OVULATION

6. DUCT SYSTEM The uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina form
the duct system of the female reproductive
tract.

7. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
The uterine or fallopian tubes are the beginning of the duct system.
They receive and transport the ovulated oocyte and provide a site where ovulation can occur.
The distal end of each uterine tube expands as the funnel-shaped infundibulum, which has fingerlike projections called fimbriae that partially surround each ovary. The fimbriae capture released oocytes to be channeled through the fallopian tubes.

8. FIMBRIAE
The fimbriae capture released oocytes to be channeled through the fallopian tubes.

9. FALLOPIAN FUNCTION
Oocytes are carried to the uterus by a combination of peristalsis and the rhythmic beating of cilia.

10. UTERUS Characteristics-
Located in the pelvis between the bladder and the rectum
Nourishes the fertilized egg

11. 3 sections of the uterus
FUNDUS- region near the entrance of the Fallopian tubes
BODY- large central portion
CERVIX- narrow outlet leading to the vagina

12. 3 layers of uterus
ENDOMETRIUM- inner lining that is removed during menses
MYOMETRIUM- middle layer of smooth muscle
PERIMETRIUM- outer serous layer

13. VAGINA- “birth canal” 3-4 inches long
GREATER VESTIBULAR GLANDS- that secrete lubrication during intercourse

14. EXTERNAL GENITALIA
MONS PUBIS- rounded area overlying the pubic symphysis
LABIA MAJORA- large outer skin folds
LABIA MINORA- small hairless inner skin folds

15. CLITORIS
Small protruding structure with many nerve endings and swells during excitement- corresponding to the male penis
PREPUCE- covers the clitoris

16. MENSTRUAL CYCLE- approx 28 days
DAYS MENSES- removal of the endometrial lining- average blood loss mL
Very low levels of ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE

17. MENSTRUAL CYCLE
DAYS PROLIFERATIVE STAGE- growing levels of estrogen due to growing follicles of the ovaries- endometrium regenerating

18. MENSTRUAL CYCLE
DAY SECRETORY STAGE- CORPUS LUTEUM- secretes high levels of PROGESTERONE causing a large increase in endometrium lining
If no fertilization, progesterone and estrogen levels drop and menses begin.

19. MAMMARY GLANDS Specialized sweat glands that produce milk
EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
NIPPLE is surrounded by a pigmented area called the AREOLA

20. INTERNAL STRUCTURES
lobes of ALVEOLAR GLANDS produce milk and pass it to the nipple via
LACTIFEROUS DUCTS