Female Reproductive System (Part A-1) Module 10 -Chapter 12 Overview Female reproductive organs Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus and vagina Mammary glands Menstrual cycle Pregnancy Labor and childbirth Menopause Susie Turner, M.D. 1/9/13 Female Reproductive System Gonads Ovaries Accessory Reproductive Organs Uterus Ducts Glands External genitalia 1
Female Reproductive System Separated into internal & external organs of reproduction. Internal Organs Ovaries, fallopian (uterine) tubes, uterus, & vagina External Organs Collectively known as the vulva Mons pubis, labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, & Bartholin glands Produces ova Female reproductive cells Transports ova to site of fertilization Provides favorable environment for developing fetus Secrete female hormones Functions 2
Internal Genitalia Mostly within pelvic cavity Ovaries Primary reproductive organ of female Functions Exocrine Produces gametes Eggs or ova Endocrine Produces female sex hormones Progesterone & estrogen Accessory ducts Uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina Transport Serve the needs of the reproductive cells and fetus Estrogens & Progesterone Provide certain influences at critical times in female reproductive cycle. Contribute to secondary sex characteristics Breast development and body hair Female Hormones 3
Ovaries Paired; flank the uterus on each side Almond shaped but twice as large Held in place within the peritoneal cavity by several ligaments Broad Ligament Largest A peritoneal fold that tents over the uterus Supports the uterine tubes, uterus and vagina Ovarian Cortex Outer region made of highly vascular connective tissue Contains follicles (small sacs) Houses the forming gametes Ovarian Medullae Inner region Contains large blood vessels & nerves Ovaries 4
Ovarian Follicle Ovarian Follicles Many tiny sac like structures Embedded in the ovarian cortex Each contains one ovum (egg) Makes the hormone estrogen At maturity follicle is called a Vesicular or Graafian follicle Bulges from the surface of the ovary In mature women one of the ripening follicles ejects its oocyte from the ovary each month. Called Ovulation Causes a twinge of pain in some women. Ovarian Follicle 5
Corpus Luteum Name of the transformed ruptured follicle after ovulation. Small yellow mass of cells Secretes mainly progesterone. If egg is not fertilized, it degenerates. Female Hormones Many Functions of Estrogen & Progesterone Influence the menstrual cycle & menopause. Prepare uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg. Help to maintain pregnancy Promote growth of the placenta Ovaries also produces a little testosterone. Important for bone & muscle development and strength. Contributes to overall sense of well-being and energy level Enhances libido & sensitivity of the nipples & clitoris 6
Female Duct System Uterine tube or Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts) Extend from uterus on each side Functions Receives the ovulated oocyte Provides a safe site where fertilization can occur Fallopian (Uterine) Tube a. Isthmus Proximal constricted region b. Ampulla Extended distal end of each uterine tube as it curves around the ovary Where fertilization occurs c. Infundibulum End that contains an open, structure bearing ciliated finger-like projections called fimbriae. 7
Fimbriae Drape over the ovary At ovulation they stiffen and sweep the ovarian surface Create currents in the peritoneal fluid Act to carry the ovum into the uterine tube Uterus Inverted pear-shaped, hollow, muscular organ Located in the pelvis Usually bent forward Anteflexed Situated between the bladder & rectum Functions To receive, retain, and nourish the ovum 8
Parts of Uterus Body Main portion of the uterus. Fundus Rounded upper part Cervix Narrow neck, or outlet, which projects into the vagina inferiorly Cervical Canal Cavity of the cervix; Communicates with the vagina Opening here is called external os. Mucosa contains cervical glands Secrete a mucus Fills the cervical canal Covers the external os 9
Cervical Mucus Purpose is to; Block the spread of bacteria from the vagina into the uterus Block the entry of sperm Except at midcycle Becomes less viscous and allows sperm to pass through Pap Smear *Papanicolaou smear or cervical smear test Some of the epithelial cells at the cervical os are scraped away Then examined for abnormalities 10
Dilation & Curettage (D&C) 3 layers of 1. Perimetrium (Serosa) Outermost serous layer 2. Myometrium Bulky middle layer Made of smooth muscle 3. Endometrium Thick inner mucosal lining of uterus Contains numerous glands & blood vessels Uterine Wall 11
Endometrium It undergoes cyclic changes in response to blood levels of ovarian hormones Is shed during menstruation (approx. 28 day cycle) If fertilization occurs, the young embryo burrows (implants) here. Endometrial Biopsy 12
Vagina Long, highly distensible, elastic canal Lined with folds of mucous membranes ph is acidic Helps to keep it healthy & free of infection But host to sperm. Vagina Hymen Incomplete partition of vaginal orifice. Vascular and tends to bleed during first coitus 13