Module 17: Female Reproductive System

Function of the female reproductive system

Produces oocytes, hormones, supports fetus, facilitates childbirth.

Location of the female reproductive system

Primarily in pelvic cavity.

Primary sex organs

Gonads (ovaries in females), produce gametes/hormones.

Accessory sex organs

Uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, breasts.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (oocytes in females).

Trigger of puberty

Hormonal changes increasing sex hormone production.

Gonadal artery

Ovarian artery, supplies ovaries.

Ovaries

Female gonads, produce oocytes/hormones, ~2-3 cm.

Mesovarium

Peritoneal extension supporting ovaries.

Ovarian ligament

Connects ovary to uterus.

Suspensory ligament

Connects ovary to pelvic wall, contains ovarian vessels.

Ovarian artery

Supplies ovary, branches from aorta.

Ovarian vein

Drains ovary to inferior vena cava.

Germinal epithelium

Cuboidal epithelium covering ovary.

Tunica albuginea

Dense connective tissue beneath ovarian epithelium.

Ovarian cortex

Outer layer with follicles in stroma.

Ovarian medulla

Inner layer with blood vessels, nerves.

Ovarian follicles

Oocyte and supporting cells in cortex.

Uterine tubes

~10-12 cm, transport oocyte to uterus.

Mesosalpinx

Peritoneal fold supporting uterine tubes.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections catching oocyte.

Infundibulum

Wide distal end of uterine tube.

Ampulla

Middle region of uterine tube, fertilization site.

Isthmus (uterine tube)

Narrow medial end of uterine tube.

Uterine part

Connects uterine tube to uterus.

Uterus

Muscular organ, supports embryo, ~5x7 cm.

Uterine arteries

Supply uterus, from internal iliac arteries.

Fundus

Superior uterus, above tube openings.

Body (uterus)

Main middle section of uterus.

Isthmus (uterus)

Narrowing before cervix.

Cervix

Inferior uterus, projects into vagina.

Internal os

Deepest cervical opening, near uterus.

External os

Cervical opening into vagina.

Cervical canal

Region between internal/external os.

Broad ligament

Peritoneal fold supporting uterus to pelvic wall.

Endometrium

Inner uterine layer, sheds during menses.

Basal layer

Endometrium layer, persists during menses.

Functional layer

Endometrium layer, sheds during menses.

myometrium

Middle smooth muscle layer of uterus.

perimetrium

Outer serous layer of uterus.

vesicouterine pouch

Anterior peritoneal pouch, between uterus and bladder.

rectouterine pouch

Posterior peritoneal pouch, between uterus and rectum.

vagina

~10 cm muscular canal, entrance/exit for reproductive tract.

vaginal orifice

Opening of vagina in vestibule.

layers of the vagina

Adventitia (fibrous), smooth muscle, mucosal rugae.

vulva

Collective external female genitalia.

mons pubis

Fat pad over pubic bone, pubic hair post-puberty.

labia majora

Hair-covered skin folds, protect inner genitalia.

labia minora

Thinner, pigmented folds, protect urethra/vagina.

vestibule

Area enclosing vaginal/urethral openings.

greater vestibular glands

Secrete mucus to lubricate vestibule.

bulb of the vestibule

Erectile tissue flanking vaginal orifice.

clitoris

Sensory organ, corpora cavernosa, glans, no urethra.

breasts

Accessory organs, produce milk for lactation.

mammary glands

Modified sweat glands, produce milk.

nipple

Milk exit point during lactation.

areola

Pigmented area around nipple, deepens in pregnancy.

areolar glands

Secrete lubricating fluid during lactation.

lobes (breast)

15-20, contain lobules for milk production.

lobules

Clusters of alveoli in breast lobes.

alveoli (breast)

Milk-secreting cells in lobules.

lactiferous ducts

Extend from alveoli to lactiferous sinuses.

lactiferous sinuses

Store milk before nipple release.

suspensory ligaments (breast)

Connect breast tissue to dermis.

lactation

Milk production by mammary glands.

hymen

Thin membrane partially covering vaginal orifice.

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Bacterial infection scarring uterine tubes, risks infertility.

endometrial hyperplasia

Abnormal endometrial growth, increases cancer risk.

round ligament

Connects uterus to labia majora.

uterosacral ligament

Connects cervix to pelvic wall posteriorly.

fimbriae cilia

Beat to move oocyte toward uterus.

myometrium contractions

Facilitate sperm transport, labor, menstrual flow.

hormones affecting breast tissue

Estrogen, progesterone cause growth/swelling.

milk movement to the nipple

Myoepithelial cell contraction during suckling.