Female Reproductive System

Broad Ligament:

A wide peritoneal fold that supports the uterus, ovaries, and uterine tubes.

Mesovarium

Portion of the broad ligament that attaches to the ovary.

Rectouterine Pouch

Space between uterus and rectum.

Vesicouterine Pouch

Space between bladder and uterus.

What are the 3 functions of the Ovaries?

1. Produce oocytes (eggs)

2. Secrete estrogen & progesterone

3. Secrete inhibin (regulates FSH)

Ovarian Ligament

Anchors ovary to uterus.

Suspensory Ligament

Attaches ovary to pelvic wall; contains blood vessels.

Tunica Albuginea

Outer fibrous capsule of ovary.

Cortex

Outer layer of ovary containing follicles.

Medulla

Inner region of ovary with blood vessels and nerves.

When does oogenesis begin, accelerate, and end?

Begins before birth, accelerates at puberty, ends at menopause.

When does mitosis occur in oogenesis?

Before birth (3rd–7th month of fetal development).

What do mitotic divisions produce in females?

Primary oocytes.

Where are primary oocytes arrested?

Prophase I of meiosis until puberty.

What hormone initiates the ovarian cycle?

Rising FSH.

How many oocytes are present at birth vs puberty?

~2 million at birth → ~400,000 at puberty.

How many cycles occur in a lifetime?

~500.

What is the sequence of oocyte development?

Primary oocyte (diploid) → Secondary oocyte (haploid) → Ovum (haploid) + polar bodies.

Ovarian cycle

Monthly cycle of follicle development (puberty → menopause) (Length: ~28 days)

Ovarian Follicles

Structures of ovaries that contain developing oocytes.

Where are primary oocytes located?

Inside ovarian follicles.

Primordial Follicle

Primary oocyte + single layer of cells.

Follicular Phase (Days 1–14)

• Primordial → primary → secondary → tertiary (Graafian) follicle

• ~Day 8–10: early follicle growth

• ~Day 10–14: Graafian follicle forms

What happens when LH rises?

Completion of meiosis I → secondary oocyte + polar body.

Luteal Phase (Days 14–28)

• Empty follicle → corpus luteum

• Secretes progesterone

• Prepares uterus for pregnancy

What happens if pregnancy does not occur?

Corpus luteum degenerates → estrogen & progesterone drop.

Fimbriae

Fingerlike projections of fallopian tubes that capture the oocyte.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped opening of fallopian tubes near ovary.

Ampulla

Widest region of fallopian tubes; most common site of fertilization.

Isthmus

Narrow region of ovaries leading to uterus.

Uterus Structure

Body – Main portion
Isthmus – Narrow region
Cervix – Lower portion

Cervical Os

Opening of cervix

• External os (to vagina)

• Internal os (to uterus)

Cervical Canal

Passage through cervix

Uterine Cavity

Hollow interior of uterus

Endometrium

Inner lining of uterus; sheds during menstruation.

Myometrium

Smooth muscle layer of uterus (Contracts during labor).

Perimetrium

Outer serous layer of uterus.

Round Ligament

Maintains uterine position.

How long is the Uterine Cycle?

~28 days

Menarche

First menstrual cycle

Menses Phase (Days 1–7)

Shedding of endometrium (menstruation).

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation.

Proliferative Phase (Days 8–14)

Endometrium rebuilds (Driven by estrogen).

Secretory Phase (Days 14–28)

Endometrium thickens for implantation (Driven by progesterone).

Menopause

End of reproductive cycles.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation.

What are the functions of the vagina?

• Passage for menstrual flow

• Receives penis/sperm

• Birth canal

Fornix

Recess around cervix in vagina.

Hymen

Thin membrane partially covering vaginal opening.

Labia Majora

Outer folds of external genitalia with hair.

Labia Minora

Inner folds of external genitalia without hair.

Clitoris

Erectile tissue of external genitalia; highly sensitive.

Vestibular Glands (Bartholin’s glands)

Secrete lubrication of external genitalia.

Lactation

Milk production.

Areola

Pigmented area around nipple.

Nipple

Opening for milk release.

Lactiferous Ducts & Sinuses

Transport and store milk.

GnRH hormone

Stimulates FSH & LH release.

FSH hormone

Stimulates follicle development

LH hormone

Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Estrogen hormone

• Develops female secondary sex characteristics

• Rebuilds endometrium

Progestins (Progesterone) hormone

• Maintains uterine lining

• Prepares for pregnancy

Inhibin hormone

Inhibits FSH (negative feedback).

What is the most common STD in women?

Chlamydia (Often asymptomatic → can cause infertility if untreated).