Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

Ovaries

Female gonads producing ova and hormones.

Gametes

Reproductive cells; in females, ova.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone regulating reproductive functions.

Progesterone

Hormone preparing uterus for pregnancy.

Internal Genitalia

Structures located in pelvic cavity.

External Genitalia

Vulva; includes labia and clitoris.

Tunica Albuginea

Fibrous layer surrounding each ovary.

Germinal Epithelium

Outer layer of ovary, continuous with peritoneum.

Outer Cortex

Region of ovary housing developing gametes.

Inner Medulla

Region containing blood vessels and nerves.

Ovarian Follicles

Structures containing immature eggs in ovaries.

Primordial Follicle

Single layer of follicle cells plus oocyte.

Granulosa Cells

Multiple layers of cells surrounding oocyte.

Vesicular Follicle

Fully mature follicle with fluid-filled antrum.

Ovulation

Ejection of oocyte from mature follicle.

Corpus Luteum

Structure formed from ruptured follicle post-ovulation.

Uterine Tubes

Also called Fallopian tubes; site of fertilization.

Isthmus

Constricted area connecting uterine tube to uterus.

Ampulla

Distal end of uterine tube curving around ovary.

Infundibulum

Expanded end of uterine tube near ovary.

Fimbriae

Ciliated projections creating current to move oocyte.

Cervix

Narrow neck of uterus projecting into vagina.

Endometrium

Mucosal lining of uterus where fertilized egg implants.

Stratum Functionalis

Layer of endometrium shed during menstruation.

Stratum Basalis

Layer forming new functional layer post-menstruation.

Gametes

Reproductive cells; female gametes are ova.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone regulating reproductive system.

External Genitalia

Collectively called vulva; includes labia and clitoris.

Tunica Albuginea

Fibrous covering surrounding each ovary.

Germinal Epithelium

Outer layer of ovary, continuation of peritoneum.

Ovarian Follicles

Saclike structures containing immature eggs.

Primordial Follicle

Single layer of follicle cells surrounding oocyte.

Granulosa Cells

Multiple layers of cells surrounding oocyte in follicles.

Vesicular Follicle

Mature follicle with fluid-filled antrum.

Isthmus

Constricted area where uterine tube joins uterus.

Ampulla

Curved distal end of uterine tube.

Infundibulum

Distal expansion of uterine tube near ovary.

Fimbriae

Ciliated structures creating current to move oocyte.

Cervical Canal

Passageway between vagina and uterine body.

Stratum Basalis

Layer forming new functional layer after menstruation.

Vagina

Thin-walled tube serving as birth canal.

Gametes

Reproductive cells; in females, ova (eggs).

Internal Genitalia

Structures located in pelvic cavity, including ovaries.

Primordial Follicle

Earliest stage; single layer of follicle cells.

Ovulation

Release of oocyte from mature follicle.

Corpus Luteum

Structure formed after follicle rupture.

Isthmus

Narrow section connecting uterine tube to uterus.

Ampulla

Widest part of uterine tube, near ovary.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped end of uterine tube with fimbriae.

Fimbriae

Ciliated projections helping move oocyte into tube.

Uterus

Muscular organ for receiving and nourishing fertilized ovum.

Cervical Canal

Passage connecting vagina and uterine body.

Endometrium

Mucosal lining of uterus; site of implantation.

Stratum Basalis

Base layer forming new functional layer post-menstruation.

Vagina

Muscular tube serving as birth canal and menstrual passage.

Vagina

Organ of copulation, receives penis.

Urethra

Runs parallel to vagina anteriorly.

Vaginal Wall Layers

Includes fibroelastic adventitia and smooth muscle.

Mucosa

Stratified squamous with rugae, contains dendritic cells.

HIV Transmission

Dendritic cells in mucosa may facilitate HIV.

Vaginal Secretions

Acidic in adults, alkaline in adolescents.

Hymen

Incomplete partition that ruptures with intercourse.

Vaginal Fornix

Upper end of vagina surrounding cervix.

Mons Pubis

Fatty area overlying pubic symphysis.

Labia Majora

Hair-covered, fatty skin folds, male scrotum counterpart.

Labia Minora

Skin folds lying within labia majora.

Vestibule

Recess within labia minora.

Greater Vestibular Glands

Release mucus into vestibule for lubrication.

Clitoris

Richly innervated, sensitive to touch, becomes erect.

Glans of Clitoris

Exposed portion of the clitoris.

Prepuce of Clitoris

Hood covering the glans.

Bulbs of Vestibule

Engorge with blood during sexual stimulation.

Mammary Glands

Modified sweat glands for milk production.

Areola

Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.

Breast Cancer

Most common malignancy in U.S. women.

BRCA1 and BRCA2

Gene mutations linked to hereditary breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening

Recommended annually for women age 40 and over.

Mastectomy

Surgical removal of breast and underlying tissues.

Lumpectomy

Less invasive, excises only cancerous lump.

Partial Mastectomy

Removes only breast tissue, some lymph nodes.

Oogenesis

Production of female gametes over years.

Oogonia

2n ovarian stem cells multiplying by mitosis.

Primary oocytes

Oogonia that develop in primordial follicles.

Meiosis I

First meiotic division stalled in prophase I.

Lifetime supply

Female born with all primary oocytes.

Dominant follicle

Selected primary oocyte that resumes meiosis I.

Secondary oocyte

Large cell with most cytoplasm after meiosis I.

First polar body

Small cell with minimal cytoplasm after meiosis I.

Metaphase II

Stage where secondary oocyte arrests before ovulation.

Ovum

Functional gamete formed after sperm penetration.

Polar bodies

Degenerate cells produced during oogenesis.

Spermatogenesis

Process producing four viable sperm cells.

Functional gametes

Oogenesis yields one ovum; spermatogenesis yields four.

Error rate

Spermatogenesis: 3-4%; oogenesis: 20%.

Ovarian cycle

Monthly series of events for egg maturation.

Follicular phase

Days 1-14, vesicular follicle growth occurs.

Luteal phase

Days 14-28, corpus luteum activity occurs.

Cycle variability

Only 10-15% of women have 28-day cycles.

Follicle development

Primordial to primary, secondary, and vesicular follicles.

Granulosa cells

Follicular cells forming stratified epithelium around oocyte.