A&P - Female Reproductive System

Ovary Structure

An almond-shaped organ

Attached to the back of the broad ligament by a peritoneal fold (mesovarium)

Medial end is attached to uterus by ligament of ovary

Lateral end is related to the fimbriae of the uterine tube

Cortex of Ovary

Outer region containing oocytes in various stages of development

Medulla of Ovary

Inner region containing blood vessels and nerves

Function of Ovaries

Production of female germ cells

Secretion of female sex hormones

Ovarian Follicles

Oocyte surrounded by follicle (granulosa) cells

Each month after puberty, several follicles develop further

Primordial → Primary → Secondary → Graafian

Follicle Development

Primary follicles mature, the follicular cells secrete estrogen, primarily in the form of estradiol

FSH from the pituitary gland stimulates these cells to produce estrogen, which helps the follicles grow and develop

Graafian Follicle

Mature follicle

Ovulation Steps

1. Stimulated by LH. The formation of the corpus luteum is primarily triggered by a surge of LH

2. An oocyte released into Fallopian tube

3. It is surrounded by the zona pellucida (E.C.matrix) and the corona radiata (granulosa cells)

4. If not fertilized → quickly deteriorates

5. If fertilized → completes meiosis: 23 chromosomes

Corpus Luteum

Temporary endocrine gland

Granulosa cells left after ovulation

Function of Corpus Luteum

Produce progesterone

Progesterone

Maintains uterine lining - implantation

Lifespan of Corpus Luteum

10 days (no fertilization)

3 months (fertilization)

Ovarian Cycle Span

Lasts ~28 days (21-40 days)

What day does Ovulation Occur?

Day 14 of Ovarian cycle

2 Phases of Ovarian Cycle

Follicular Phase

Luteal Phase

Follicular Phase

Days 1-14

Follicles develop

Luteal Phase

Days 15-28

Corpus Luteum develops

Hormonal Regulation of Ovarian Cycle

Involves the: hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, and ovaries (negative feedback)

Major Hormones of Ovarian Cycle

FSH

LH

Estrogen

Fallopian (Uterine) Tubes (Oviducts)

Receives ovulated oocyte

Fertilization site

Transport of fertilized ovum into the uterus

It is 10 cm long

Enclosed in the broad ligament of uterus

Major Regions of Fallopian Tubes

Fimbriae

Infundibulum

Ampulla

Isthmus

Intramural Part of Fallopian Tubes

Opening into the uterine wall

Isthmus of Fallopian Tubes

Narrowest part

Ampulla of Fallopian Tubes

Widest part

Infundibulum of Fallopian Tubes

Funnel-shaped end, has fimbriae, related to ovary

Fimbriae

Finger-like processes in infundibulum of fallopian tubes

Pelvic Peritoneum

Rectouterine (Douglas) Pouch

Uterovesical (Vesicouterine) Pouch

Broad Ligament of Uterus

Rectouterine (Douglas) pouch

Reflection of peritoneum from rectum to upper part of posterior surface of vagina

Uterovesical (Vesicouterine) Pouch

Reflection of peritoneum from uterus to upper surface of urinary bladder

Broad Ligament of Uterus

Extension of peritoneum from lateral wall of uterus to lateral wall of pelvis, encloses the uterine tubes

Layers of Uterus

Perimetrium

Myometrium

Endometrium

Perimetrium

Outermost layer of uterus

Myometrium

Middle, muscular layer of uterus responsible for contractions

Endometrium

Internal lining of uterus

Site for Implantation of fertilized egg

2 Layers of Endometrium

Stratum Basalis (Basal Layer)

Stratum Functionalist (Functional Layer)

Stratum Basalis (Basal Layer)

Closest to the myometrium and remains relatively unchanged during the menstrual cycle

Contains stem cells and is responsible for regenerating the stratum functionalis after menstruation

Stratum Functionalist (Functional Layer)

Outer, thicker part of the endometrium that thickens in response to hormones during the menstrual cycle

Provides the environment for implantation if pregnancy occurs, and it is shed during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur

Uterus

Hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ

3 Parts of Uterus

Fundus

Body

Cervix

Fundus of Uterus

Part of uterus above the level of uterine tubes

No cavity

Body of Uterus

Part of uterus from the level of uterine tube to the level of the isthmus of uterus

Cavity is triangular

Cervix of Uterus

Part of uterus below the level of the isthmus

Filled with cervical mucus - thins @ mid cycle

Cavity is fusiform, divided into 2

2 Parts of Cervix

Supravaginal part

Vaginal part

Internal OS

Opening between cavity of body of uterus & cavity of cervix (cervical canal)

External OS

Opening between cervical canal & cavity of vagina

External OS in a Nulliparous Woman

Appears circular

External OS in a Multiparous Woman

Appears as a transverse slit with an anterior & a posterior lip

Relations of Uterus:

FUNDUS + BODY + SUPRAVAGINAL PART OF CERVIX

Anterior: superior surface of urinary bladder

Posterior: sigmoid colon

Lateral: uterine artery

Relations of Uterus::

VAGINAL PART OF CERVIX

Anterior: anterior fornix of vagina

Posterior: posterior fornix of vagina

Lateral: lateral fornices of vagina

Uterine Artery

From the Internal Iliac Artery

Supplies Uterus and Fallopian Tubes

Ovarian Artery

From the Abdominal Aorta

Supplies Ovaries

Vaginal Artery

From the Internal Iliac Artery

Supplies Vagina

Anteverted Uterus

Long axis of whole uterus is bent forward on long axis of vagina

Anteflexed Uterus

Long axis of body of uterus is bent forward on long axis of cervix

Retroverted Uterus

Fundus & body of uterus are bent backward on the vagina and lie in recto uterine pouch

Retroflexed Uterus

Long axis of body of uterus is bent backward on long axis of cervix

Usual Position of Uterus

Anteverted + Anteflexed

Ligaments of Uterus

1. Ligaments at junction between fundus & body of uterus

2. Ligaments of cervix

Ligaments at Junction Between Fundus & Body of Uterus

At the level of uterine tube

Extends through inguinal canal to labium majus

Ligaments of Cervix

Extend from cervix to:

anterior (pubocervical)

lateral (transverse cervical or cardinal)

posterior (uterosacral or sacrocervical)

pelvic walls

Levator Ani Muscles

Form pelvic floor; separate pelvis from perineum

Form pelvic diaphragm; traversed by urethra, vagina & rectum

Support pelvic organs

Support of Uterus

Round ligament of uterus (maintains anteverted anteflexed position)

Ligaments of cervix (especially transverse cervical)

Levator ani muscles

Uterine Prolapse

Downward displacement of uterus due to damage of

Ligaments of uterus and Levator ani muscles

Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

Monthly events involving the endometrium

3 Phases of Uterine Cycle

1. Menstrual Phase

2. Proliferative Phase

3. Secretory Phase

Menstrual Phase

Days 1-5

Endometrium sloughs

Day 1 of the uterine cycle corresponds to the first day of menstrual bleeding

Also considered the start of the follicular phase

Proliferative Phase

Days 6-14

Endometrium rebuilds

Secretory Phase

Days 15-28

Endometrium maintained & ready for implantation

Vagina

3-4 inches long

Rugae

Acidic

Vaginal Orifice

Distal opening covered by hymen before first intercourse

Vaginal Fornix

Proximal end

Structure of Vagina

Fibro-muscular tube

Extent of Vagina

From external os, along pelvis & perineum, to open in the vulva, behind urethral opening

Length of Vagina

Anterior wall (7.5 cm) is shorter than its posterior wall (9 cm)

Function of Vagina

1. Copulatory organ

2. Birth Canal

Relations of Vagina

Anterior: Urinary bladder (in pelvis) & urethra (in perineum)

Posterior: Rectum (in pelvis) & anal canal (in perineum)

Lateral: ureters (in pelvis)

Vulva

External genitalia

Mons Pubis

Rounded region of adipose tissue over the pubic symphysis

Labia Majora and Minora

Tissue folds

Greater Vestibular Glands

Lubrication

Clitoris

Female erectile tissue

Prepuce

Mammary Glands

20 lobes around nipple; separated by fat & C.T

Suspensory Ligaments of Breast

Attach to muscle and dermis

Lobule

Small units within lobes that contain alveoli

Alveoli of Breasts

Milk producing glands

Lactiferous Duct

Transports milk to nipple

Lactiferous Sinus

Milk storage

Areola

Darkened region around nipple; sebaceous glands - lubrication

Effect of Sex Hormones on Non-Reproductive Organs - Male

Growth of body hair, ↑ bone & muscle mass, ↑ BMR

Effect of Sex Hormones on Non-Reproductive Organs - Female

Growth of body hair, breast growth, ↑ fat deposits, pelvis widens and lightens