1. Female Reproduction System

2. Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
Primary reproductive organs of a female
Size and shape of an almond
Internal

3. Ovarian Follicles Tiny saclike structures
Each follicle consists of an immature egg called an oocyte.
Surrounded by one or more layers of follicle cells.
A follicle matures, enlarges and develops a fluid-filled center call an Antrum.
At this stage the follicle is called:Vesicular or Graafian Follicle
Mature and egg is ready to be ejected
This event is called ovulation
Follicle is transformed into corpus luteum which degenerates

5. Duct System
Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
Initial part of the duct system
They receive oocyte and provide site for fertilization
Fimbriae-Fingerlike projections at distal end of Fallopian tubes
As oocyte is expelled, waving fimbriae creates fluid currents to carry oocyte to uterus
With or without fertilization

8. Uterus (Womb) Vagina Located in pelvis between bladder and rectum
Hollow organ that functions to receive, retain and nourish a fertilized egg. Implantation takes place here.
Vagina
Thin walled tube 8 to 10 cm long
Often call birth canal
Provides passageway for delivery of an infant and for menstrual flow to leave the body
Partially closed by a thin fold of mucosa called hymen

9. Female External Genitalia

10. External Genitalia – Vulva
Mons Pubis
Fatty rounded area
After puberty – covered with pubic hair
Labia Majora
Two elongated hair-covered skin folds
enclose the Labia Minora
Delicate hair free folds

11. Greater Vestibular Glands
Vestibule
Contains external openings of the urethra
Greater Vestibular Glands
Flank vagina on each side
Lubricates vagina during intercourse
Clitoris
Small protruding structure that corresponds to the male penis
Composed of sensitive erectile tissue that becomes swollen with blood during sexual excitement

12. Female Reproductive Functions and Cycles
Oogenesis & Ovarian Cycle
Total supply of eggs a female can release is already determined by the time she is born.
Female’s lifetime supply of primary oocytes are in place in ovarian follicle (2 million)

14. Cyclic changes that the endometrium goes through month after month
Menstrual Cycle
Cyclic changes that the endometrium goes through month after month
Cycles are about 28 days long
Ovulation occurring midway in cycles (about day 14)

15. Hormone Production by the Ovaries
Estrogen
Produced by follicle cells
Cause secondary sex characteristics
Enlargement of accessory organs
Development of breasts
Appearance of pubic hair
Increase in fat beneath the skin
Widening and lightening of the pelvis
Onset of menses

16. Hormone Production by the Ovaries
Progesterone
Produced by the corpus luteum
Production continues until LH diminishes in the blood
Helps maintain pregnancy

17. Ovarian and Uterine
Hormone Cycles

18. Structural
Changes in the ovaries and the uterus

20. Both sexes, but normally function only in females Biological role
Mammary Glands
Both sexes, but normally function only in females
Biological role
Produce milk to nourish a newborn
The mammary glands are contained within a rounded skin-covered breast

21. Areola
Pigmented center of breast
Surrounds a central protruding nipple
Internal:
Consists of 15 to 25 lobes which radiate around the nipple
Padded & separate from each other by connective tissue and fat
Lobules – smaller chambers
Contains clusters of Alveolar Glands
These produce milk when the woman is lactating