1. OBJECTIVES Describe the role of female reproductive organs
Compare and correlate the ovarian and uterine cycles

2. Female overview

3. Female purpose: Produce sex cell Nourish developing baby
How is this different from males?

4. Vagina Copulatory organ, birth canal, menstrual flow canal
Collect sperm and holds it near the cervix

5. Ovaries Primordial follicles produced before birth
Ovulation: hormone spike releases oocyte
Oocyte sweeps to oviduct, ultimately transplanted to the uterus

6. Ovarian cycle: getting the egg
Producing and releasing an egg
~28 days
Follicular phase
Ovulation
Luteal phase

7. Ovarian Cycle
Follicular phase: primordial follicle continues but does not complete meiosis to become egg (FSH influence)
Ovulation: ovary wall ruptures and expels egg
Coupled with spike in ICSH
Luteal phase: corpus luteum forms and produces progesterone and estrogen
In 10 days CL is dissolved
If fertilization occurs placenta takes over hormone role

9. Uterus: nourishing embryo
Retains and nourishes embryo
Mucous lining protects
More slippery at ovulation
Cervix expands at childbirth
Cervical plug

10. Uterine cycle Make endometrium ready for implantation
Menstrual phase days 1-5
Proliferative phase days 6-14
Secretory phase

11. Uterine Cycle Menstrual phase: Proliferative phase: Secretory phase:
CL degenerates -> Loss of lining of endometrium, lowest hormone levels
Proliferative phase:
Estrogen production -> endo buildup
Progesterone receptors form in endo lining
Ends at ovulation
Secretory phase:
Preparing for implantation
CL producing progesterone to maintain endo
Why keep endometrium?

12. Female sexual response
Similar to male
Blood engorgement, mucous production
No ejaculation or refractory period