Female Reproductive System

Ovaries

paired glands (supported by ligaments)

function of Ovaries

• produces eggs (secondary oocyte)

• produces hormones (E, P, I, R)

Ovarian Cortex

Oocytes + surrounding Granulosa cells

= Ovarian Follicles

Ovarian Medulla

deeper region

• C.T.

• blood/lymphatic vessels

• nerves

Uterine Tubes

extends Uterus to Ovary = pathway

function of Uterine Tubes

pathway:

• Sperm → Secondary oocyte

• Secondary oocyte (fertilized Ovum) → Uterus

Regions of the Uterine Tubes

1. Infundibulum

2. Ampulla

3. Isthmus

1. Infundibulum

funnel-shaped opening (UT) near the Ovary

Fimbriae

finger-like projections connected to Infundibulum

• sweeps OVULATED Secondary oocyte into UT

2. Ampulla

top region (UT)

• site of fertilization

3. Isthmus

narrow region (UT) connected to Uterus

Lining of the Uterine Tubes

1. Mucosa

2. Muscularis

3. Serosa

1. Mucosa

simple ciliated columnar epithelium

• contains Cilia → propels fertilized Ovum towards the Uterus

2. Muscularis

peristaltic contractions → propels fertilized Ovum towards the Uterus

Uterus (“womb”)

size/shape of inverted pear (supported by ligaments)

function of the Uterus

• menstruation

• transports sperm

• implants fertilized Ovum

• develops Fetus

• LABOR

Regions of the Uterus

1. Fundus

2. Body (inside: Uterine Cavity)

3. Cervix (inside: Cervical canal or int./ext. Os)

Histology of the Uterine Wall

1. Endometrium

2. Myometrium

3. Perimetrium

1. Endometrium (innermost layer)

1. stratum Functionalis: sheds during period

2. stratum Basalis: grows new SF every month

2. Myometrium (middle layer)

• 3 layers of smooth muscle

• responds to Oxytocin = contractions

Uterine Arteries

branches of the int. Iliac artery → SUPPLY BLOOD:

• regrowth of SF

• implantation of fertilized Ovum

• Placenta development

Cervical Mucus

secretory cells of cervix

• Ovulation → mucus is less vicious & acidic for Sperm

Why is Cervical Mucus acidic and thick?

exposed Cervix (opening) = more prone to pathogens

• mucus kills/traps

Vagina

fibromuscular canal (extends from Cervix to Exterior)

function of the Vagina

• receives Penis

• outlet for period flow

• passage for BIRTH

Vaginal Fornix

upper arch of Vaginal Canal

• provides flexibility

• posterior VF: holds semen after ejaculation

Vaginal Rugae

ridges/folds of the Mucus membrane that lines the Vaginal Canal

• provides elasticity

Vulva

external genitalia

1. mons pubis (cushions pubic symphysis)

2. labia majora/minora

3. glans clitoris

4. vestibule

Mammary Glands

modified Sweat Glands

• produce/eject milk

Birth Control

prevents conception

Surgical sterilization

Males:

• VASECTOMY: removes part of the Ductus Deferens = sperm cannot reach exterior :(

Females:

• TUBAL LIGATION: ties/cuts the Uterine Tubes = sperm cannot reach oocyte

Progestins

thickens the Cervical Mucus = harder for sperm to enter uterus

Intrauterine devices (IUD)

small object made of plastic/copper → inserted into Uterine Cavity

• blocks sperm from entering UT = no fertilization

• good for 10 years

Spermatocides

chemical substances (ex. foam, jelly) that kills sperm upon contact

• used w/ barrier device too

Barrier methods

blocks sperm from entering Uterine cavity + tubes

Periodic abstinence

• Rhythm method: avoid sex when yk ovulation is gunna occur

• Sympto-Thermal method: noticing temperature changes + mucus texture/color