female reproductive system

ovaries

produce eggs as well as key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone

fallopian tubes

where fertilisation occurs, ciliated lining along with active contractions to help egg move towards uterus

uterus

hollow muscular organ where implantation of zygote and development of fetus occurs

endometrium

innermost, epithelial layer that thickens during menstruation cycle

myometrium

smooth muscle layer which is essential for labour and delivery of baby

perimetrium

outermost, smooth serous layer which reduces friction and helps the uterus move in the pelvic and abdominal cavity

cervix

opening of uterus to vagina which is tightly closed during pregnancy, and also accommodates mucous plug

vagina

somewhat acidic and hollow tube receiving penis and makes delivery possible during pregnancy

perineum

region between vagina and anus that is important for micturition, defecation, sexual intercourse and childbirth

ovarian cortex

contains ovarian follicles and is where oogenesis takes place

primordial follicle

smallest, accommodating immature egg cell surrounded by layer of flat cells

primary follicle

outer layers become cuboid

secondary follicle

two more layers forms (granulosa cells)

theca cells

capsule surrounding follicle

theca interna

rounded cells that secrete androgens that granulosa cells convert to estrogen

theca externa

spindle-shaped cells providing support to follicle

graafian follicle

mature follicle where egg is ejected from

ovarian medulla

contains connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels as well as nerves

corpus luteum

remnant of graafian follicle after ovulation that becomes hormone factory during first trimester of pregnancy

corpus albicans

converted from corpus luteum if no pregnancy occurs, which eventually becomes scar on ovary

estrogen

hormone that prepares female body for intercourse and conception. essential for development of sex organs, follicular development, regeneration and proliferation of endometrium etc

progesterone

prepares female body for pregnancy and helps maintain gestation. also stimulates endometrial secretions, decreases uterine motility and necessary to produce breast milk

pre-ovulatory phase (follicular)

day 1-13 driven by FSH - multiple follicles developing and maturing ending with LH surge for ovulation

post-ovulatory phase (luteal)

phase with large progesterone and estrogen concentrations inhibit both LH and FSH productions, and ends with fall of progesterone and estrogen

menses

day 1-5 of menstrual cycle - endometrium sloughed off (period). caused by low estrogen and progesterone

proliferative phase

day 6-14 - functional layer of endometrium is regenerated and proliferation occurs in preparation for implantation. caused by increased estrogen

secretory phase

day 15-28 - preparation for fetus so uterine glands enlarge and produce large amounts of secretum. caused by presence of estrogen and progesterone. if no pregnancy, goes back to day 1

premenopause

woman’s regular menstrual cycle

perimenopause

duration from last regular period to last ever period (from age 40 approx.)

menopause

no more ovulation, follicular development or menstruation for duration of 12 months after last menstruation

postmenopause

after 12 month period of no menstruation

capacitation

fluids in female reproductive tract prepare sperm for fertilisation

fertilisation

sperm burrows through corona radiata and zona pellucida due to acrosomal reaction

human choriogonadotropin (hCG)

hormone produced by placenta which stimulates corpus luteum and ensures it doesn’t die so it can produce hormones for first trimester

placenta

exchanges material between mothers and baby via blood, connected by umbilical cord

stages of labour

dilation, expulsion, placental stage

mammary glands

develop during pregnancy to enable production of milk to nourish baby after birth. is controlled by prolactin and oxytocin

colostrum

rich in proteins and high in antibodies with much smaller fat and sugar content

milk

thin and rich in fat and sugar but less protein

prolactin

stimulates milk secretion and is produced by anterior pituitary gland

oxytocin

stimulates milk ejection and evokes contractions of cells that surround mammary gland to release milk. released from posterior pituitary gland