1. Female Anatomy and Physiology 2
Anth/Soc 390
Sexuality and Gender Issues
Female Anatomy and Physiology 2

2. Internal Sex Organs The Vagina The tubular female sex organ
Menstrual flow and babies pass through it
Contains penis during intercourse
Extends 3-5 inches back and upward from vaginal opening
Has three layers
Inner lining (vaginal mucosa) (endometrium)
Middle layer (muscular) (myometrium)
Outer (deeper) layer (connects vagina to other pelvic structures) (perimetrium)
Few nerve endings, especially beyond the outer 1/3

3. Internal Sex Organs Vaginitis
Vaginal inflammation - inflammation (irritation, redness, and swelling caused by the presence of extra immune cells) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area, vaginal discharge, foul vaginal odor, discomfort or burning when urinating, pain/irritation with sexual intercourse
Infectious vaginitis accounts for 90% of all cases in reproductive age women:
Candidiasis albicans (a yeast),
Gardinerella (a bacterium).
Other less common infections are caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma, herpes, campylobacter or some parasites
Ways to prevent vaginitis
Wash vulva and anus regularly with mild soap
Wear cotton underwear
Avoid pants tight in the crotch
Be certain that sex partner’s genitals are clean or use a condom
Use only a water-soluble jelly, such as K-Y jelly, for lubrication
Avoid diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates
Keep track of general health

4. Internal Sex Organs The Cervix Lower end of the uterus Os Pap test
Opening in the middle of the cervix
About the width of a straw; allows passage of menstrual blood and sperm
Permits passage of baby from the uterus to the vagina during childbirth (expands to width of a fist – 10 cm)
Pap test
Sample of cervical cells that screens for cervical cancer and other abnormalities

5. Internal Sex Organs The Uterus
Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in which a fertilized ovum implants and develops until birth
Cervix is the opening to the uterus and connects it to the vagina
Fundus: Uppermost part of the uterus

6. Internal Sex Organs Layers of the Uterus Endometrium Myometrium
Innermost layer of the uterus
Endometriosis
A condition caused by the growth of endometrial tissue in the abdominal cavity or elsewhere outside the uterus, characterized by menstrual pain and, if untreated, may lead to infertility
Endometrial cancer
Myometrium
Middle, well-muscled later of the uterus
Perimetrium
Outer layer of the uterus, provides an external cover

7. Internal Sex Organs The Fallopian Tubes
Tubes that extend from the upper uterus toward the ovaries
Help nourish and conduct ova to uterus
Cilia (hairlike projections) help move ova through tube
Ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube
Risk increases with age, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal surgery, or the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs)

8. Internal Sex Organs The Ovaries
Almond-shaped organs that produce ova and female sex hormones
Estrogen
Female sex hormones that promote the development of female sex characteristics and regulate the menstrual cycle
Progesterone
Steroid hormone that stimulates development of the endometrium and regulates menstruation
Follicle
Capsule within an ovary that contains an ovum
Ovarian cancer

9. Internal Sex Organs Hysterectomy Surgical removal of the uterus
Complete hysterectomy
Surgical removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus
Partial hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus only
May be performed when women develop cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix and can relieve symptoms associated with various gynecological disorders
Many gynecologists believe that hysterectomies are performed too frequently (e.g., in the U.S., one woman in three by the age of 60).

10. Internal Sex Organs
The Female
Reproductive
System

11. Internal Sex Organs

12. Internal Sex Organs The Pelvic Examination Recommended once a year
External examination of genitalia
Internal exam
Speculum: instrument that holds vaginal walls open
Pap smear: sample of cervical cells taken
Internal palpations to examine position, size, and possible growths on internal organs

13. Internal Sex Organs
Pelvic Examination

14. The Breasts Secondary sex characteristics
Traits that distinguish women from men
Are not directly involved in reproduction
Mammary glands
Milk-secreting glands
Areola
Dark ring on the breast that encircles the nipple
Breasts sensitive to stimulation

15. The Breasts

16. The Breasts Breast Cancer Mammography Risk factors
A special type of X-ray test that detects cancerous lumps in the breast
Risk factors
Risk increases with age
Genetic factors linked with contraction and prognosis
Prolonged exposure to estrogen
Early onset of menstruation, late menopause, delayed childbearing or never giving birth, high amounts of fatty tissue
Heavy alcohol use

17. The Breasts Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is detected by having a lump in the breast, but most breast lumps are not cancerous.
Cysts: sac-like structures filled with fluid or diseased material
Benign tumors do little or no harm and are called fibroadenomas.
Malignant lumps are lethal, causing or likely to cause death.
Lumpectomy: surgical removal of a lump from the breast
Mastectomy: surgical removal of the entire breast

18. Breast Self Exam

19. The Menstrual Cycle Menstruation
Cyclical bleeding that stems from the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium)
Regulated by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luneinizing hormone, estrogen and progesterone
Divided into four phases
Averages about 28 days but variations are common
Can be influenced by psychological and physical factors

20. The Menstrual Cycle Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle Hypothalamus
Brain structure that regulates body temperature, motivation, emotion, and hormone production
Releases gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn-RH) which stimulates the pituitary to release gonadotropins
Pituitary hormones that stimulate the gonads

21. The Menstrual Cycle Pituitary gland Gland that secretes
growth hormone,
prolactin (stimulates milk production),
oxytocin (stimulates uterine contractions in labor and the ejection of milk during nursing), and
Gonadotropins (stimulate the ovaries)
Follicle-simulating hormone (FSH) (stimulates development of follicles in the ovaries)
Luteinizing hormone (LH) (helps regulate the menstrual cycle by triggering ovulation)

22. Hypothalamus and Pituitary Glands

23. The Menstrual Cycle Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
The Proliferative Phase (9-10 days)
The first phase during which the endometrium proliferates
Follicles develop and prepare for ovulation
The Ovulatory Phase
Second phase during which a follicle ruptures and releases a mature ovum

24. The Menstrual Cycle The Secretory (luteal) Phase The Menstrual Phase
Due to the influence of LH, the corpus luteum, the follicle that has released an ovum, secretes large amounts of progesterone and estrogen.
Hormones signal the secretion of nutrients to sustain an implanted ovum
The Menstrual Phase
If the ovum is not fertilized, estrogen and progesterone levels decline and the endometrium is removed from the body during menstruation.
Low estrogen levels result in the release of FSH, which starts the process of another proliferative phase.

25. Brain
Ovary
Uterus
Hormone
Levels

26. The Menstrual Cycle Menopause The cessation of menstruation
An event in the climacteric, the gradual decline in the reproductive capacity of the ovaries
Commonly occurs between the ages of 46 and 50
Perimenopause: the beginning of menopause, which is characterized by several months of irregular or missing periods
Involves a loss of estrogen, which may have unpleasant consequences

27. The Menstrual Cycle Symptoms that may result from estrogen loss
Night sweats and hot flashes
Headaches
Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual arousal
Osteoporosis, which is characterized by a decline in bone density; bones become porous and brittle

28. The Menstrual Cycle Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Synthetic replacement of estrogen and/or progesterone
Reduce symptoms of menopause
Associated risks:
Increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots
May make diagnosis of breast cancer more difficult

29. Chemical Structure of Human and Synthetic Estrogen

30. Menstrual Problems Dysmenorrhea Pain or discomfort during menstruation
Most common type of menstrual problem
Primary dysmenorrhea
Occurs in the absence of known organic problems
Secondary dysmenorrhea
Caused by identified organic problems
Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts
Menstrual cramps can be a cause of secondary dysmenorrhea – prostaglandins cause contractions

31. Menstrual Problems Amenorrhea The absence of menstruation
Primary amenorrhea
Lack of menstruation in a woman who has never menstruated
Secondary amenorrhea
Lack of menstruation in a woman who has previously menstruated
Is frequently associated with being underweight and/or with excessive exercise
Is a symptom of anorexia nervosa
Sometimes happens to female athletes

32. Menstrual Problems Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Physical and psychological symptoms that may afflict women during the four- to six-day interval that precedes menstruation
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A diagnosis used by the American Psychiatric Association to describe cases of PMS that are characterized by severe changes in mood and impaired functioning at work or school or in social relationships

33. Menstrual Problems Symptoms of PMDD:
Feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless
Tension, anxiety, feeling on edge
Frequent crying, significant mood changes
Irritability and anger, causing interpersonal conflict
Decreased interest in activities and relationships
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue, lethargy, lack of energy
Notable changes in appetite (increased, decreased, cravings)
Sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Other physical symptoms: headache, pain, weight gain