NATS 1675 18.1 LNs

Female Reproductive System - Structures and Ovaries

Functions of the female reproductive system

1. Produce and maintain oocytes = gametes

2. Transport oocytes to site of fertilzation and implantation

3. Produce and secrete female sex hormones

4. Prodivide nutrition and safe environment for fetal dvlpmt

5. Give birth

Female reproductive systems function is a more “cyclic” way than males

• Females secrete hormones in a complex cyclic sequence (highs and lows)

• Males secrete hormones at steadily level

• Females have gonads (2 ovaries)

  • produce hormones (estrogen/progesterone) and eggs though oogenesis

Uterus STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

A pear-shaped organ that houses & nourishes the developing baby (the embryo and later the fetus) until birth

Uterine wall STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

Layers of smooth muscle that stretches to accommodate the developing baby; contract during childbirth to deliver the baby

Endometrium STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

The lining of the uterus that is built up and lost each month as menstrual flow; usual site of implantation

Cervix STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

The opening of the uterus that extends into the vagina

Vagina STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

A muscular tube (smooth muscle) that receives the penis during sexual intercourse; the birth canal

Oviduct STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

1 of 2 ciliated tubes that conduct the egg toward the uterus; the usual site of fertilization

Ovary STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

1 of 2 glands that produce eggs and female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone)

Clitoris STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

A small organ that is rich in sensory nerves for sexual arousal

Labium majora STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

1 of the 2 “outer” skin folds of the external genitalia (plural, labia)

Labium minora STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

1 of the 2 “inner” skin folds of the external genitalia (plural, labia)

Epithelial tissue in Female Reproductive System

Uterus, uterine tubes, and vagina; produces oocytes in ovaries; forms external surface of umbilical cord

Connective tissue in Female Reproductive System

Makes up walls of ovaries, uterus and vagina

Nervous tissue in Female Reproductive System

Clitoris contains secretory nerve fibers and nerve endings; hypothalamus secretes hormones that affect the anterior pituitary

Muscle tissue in Female Reproductive System

Smooth muscle surrounds uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina

Ovary Structure

• Tunica albuginea capsule covers surface

• divided into 2 regions

  • ovarian medulla → outer region

  • ovarian cortex → inner region

• each egg dvlps in own follicle-fluid

Ovarian medulla → ovary outer region

• mostly composed of loose connective tissue

• contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibres

Ovarian cortex → ovary inner region

• where germ cells (gametes) dvlp

• mostly composed of compact tissue

• granular appearance due to ovarian follicles

Suspensory ligament

attaches ovary to pelvic wall. has blood vessels and nerves.

Ovarian ligament

attaches ovary to uterus

Broad ligament

attaches oviduct and uterus to walls/floor of pelvis