CH 28 Learning Objectives: Female Reproductive System

Describe the structure of the ovary.

Outer cortex: follicles + oocytes

Inner medulla: blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves.

Covered by germinal epithelium + tunica albuginea.

trace the female reproductive tract and describe the gross anatomy and histology of each organ.

Includes: ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, external genitalia.

Uterine tube: infundibulum, ampulla (fertilization), isthmus.

Uterus: perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium.

Vagina: stratified squamous, no glands.”

Identify the external genitalia of the female.

Vulva = mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, vestibular glands.

Clitoris = erectile tissue.

Name the hormones that regulate female reproductive function, and state their roles.

GnRH (from Hypothalamus) → FSH, LH (from anterior pituitary). FSH → follicle + estrogen. LH → ovulation + corpus luteum. Estrogen → endometrium + feedback. Progesterone → maintains endometrium. Inhibin → inhibits FSH.

Describe the process of egg production (oogenesis).

Before birth: oogonia → primary oocyte (prophase I arrest).

Puberty: meiosis I → secondary oocyte + polar body. Ovulation: metaphase II arrest.

Meiosis II only if fertilized.

Describe changes in the ovarian follicles (folliculogenesis) in relation to oogenesis.

Primordial → primary → secondary → tertiary (antral) → mature (Graafian). Granulosa cells: estrogen. Antrum forms. One dominant follicle ovulates, others = atresia.

Describe the hormonal events that regulate the ovarian cycle.

Follicular phase: FSH → follicle growth, estrogen ↑ → inhibits FSH. LH surge → ovulation.

Luteal phase: corpus luteum → progesterone + estrogen → inhibit FSH + LH.

No pregnancy → corpus luteum degenerates.

Describe how the uterus changes during the menstrual cycle.

Proliferative: estrogen → rebuild endometrium.

Secretory: progesterone → secretion for implantation.

Premenstrual: progesterone ↓ → ischemia.

Menstrual: stratum functionalis shed.

Construct a chart of the phases of the monthly sexual cycle (see Figure 28.13)

Ovarian: Follicular (FSH ↑), Ovulation (LH surge), Luteal (progesterone).

Uterine: Menstrual, Proliferative (estrogen), Secretory (progesterone).

List the major hormones that regulate pregnancy and explain their roles.

hCG → maintains corpus luteum.

Progesterone → suppresses contractions.

Estrogen → uterine + mammary growth.

hCS → mobilizes nutrients.

Relaxin → loosens ligaments.

Describe the methods of contraception discussed in Deeper Insight 28.5.

Barrier: condoms, diaphragm.

Hormonal: pills, patches, rings (inhibit LH/FSH).

IUDs: prevent implantation.

Plan B: delays ovulation.

Sterilization: tubal ligation, vasectomy.