Female Reproductive System function and structure

ovary

gamete

resides within the ovarian follicle

Process of follicular development: at birth

all follicles are primordial follicles

(primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of squamous cells called follicular and or granulosa cells)

Process of follicular development at puberty

each month, a group of primordial follicles develop under stimulation of FSH

-primary follicle

-secondary follicle

-tertiary follicle

-graafian or mature follicle

Primary Follicle

follicular cells become cuboidal in shape

Secondary Follicle

follicular cells divide

giving rise to multiple layer of cells surrounding primary oocyte now will be called granulosa cells

development of a layer, zona pellucida, between the primary oocyte and granulosa cells

thecal cells surround follicle

Tertiary Follicle

appearance of fluid filled spaces, join to form a single cavity (antrum)

antrum enlarges and primary oocyte with a few layers of granulosa cells are seperated from the other layers of granulosa cells

outer layers of granulosa cells continue to secrete estrogen

Graafin or mature follicle

follicle is large and forms a bulge on surface of ovary

in preperation for ovulation, the primary oocyte complete the first meiotic division but stops at metaphase of the second meiotic divison

LH surge causes ovulation to occur, resulting in the release of the secondary oocyte

Following Ovulation

follicle after ovulation becomes corpus luteum

• granulosa cells fill with lipid and secrete progesterone under LH stimulation

• if fertilization does not occur, high progesterone levels act as negative feedback to LH secretion

• drop in LH levels result in degeneration of corpus luteum, and it eventually becomes a corpus albicans

• if fertilization occurs then corpus luteum persists under stimulation of placental hormones until the last few months of pregnancy

Primordial Follicle

primary oocyte, squamous follicular cells

primary follicle

primary oocyte, cuboidal follicular cells

secondary follicle

primary oocyte, granulosa cells, zona pellucida, thecal cells

tertiary follicle

primary oocyte, granulosa cells, zona Pellucida, thecal cells

graafian (mature) follicle

secondary oocyte, granulosa cells, zona Pellucida, corona radiata, cumulus oophorus

Uterine (fallopian) Tube

transports oocyte from ovary to uterus, site of fertilization

Infundibulum

funnel shaped opening near the ovary, fimbriae sweep the ovulated oocyte into the tube

Ampulla

widest and longest section, most common site of fertilization

isthmus

narrow region closest to the uterus, helps move the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity

Uterus

site of implantation and development of embryo/fetus

fundus

dome shaped top, important for pregnancy measurements

body

main part of the uterus where implantation occurs

cervix

lower, narrow portion opening into the vagina, produces muscus that changes consistency during the cycle

Layers of Uterus

perimetrum

myometrium

endometrium

basalis

functionalis

perimetrium

outer protective serous layer

myometrium

thick smooth muscle layer, contracts during labor and menstruation

endometrium

inner mucosal lining

basalis

permanent layer that regenerates after menstruation

functionalis

temporary layer that thickens, sheds during menstraution and supports embryo implantation

FUnction of Uterus layers

provide the environment for implantation, nourishment, and development of fetus

Vagina

muscular canal leading from cervix to outside body, passageway for menstrual flow, intercourse, serves as the birth canal

Vulva

protect internal reproductive organs, provide lubrication

vestibule

space between labia minora, contains urethral and vaginal openings

labia majora

outer folds, protect inner surfaces

labia minora

inner folds, protect vestibule have sebaceous glands

bartholin glands

secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina

clitoris and prepuce

erectile tissue, prepuce is the fold of skin covering the clit, highly sensitive, role in sexual arousal

Breast

produces and secretes milk

nipple

milk exit

areola

pigmented area around nipple, contain glands that lubricate nipple

lobes (lobules)

glandular tissue producing milk

lactiferous ducts

tubes that carry milk from lobules to nipple

lactiferous sinuses

enlarged areas of ducts beneath the nipple that store milk before release