Female Reproductive System

Production of eggs, providing location for fertilization, and providing location of and support for embryonic development

Role of the female in reproduction

Gonads- Ovaries

Gametes- Ova (eggs)

Female gonads are called?

Female gametes are called?

Produce estrogens and progesterone

What is the endocrine function of the ovaries?

Produce eggs (ova)

What is the exocrine function of the ovaries?

Female external genitalia

Consists of mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethral orifice, and vaginal orifice

Mons pubis

Fat overlying the pubic symphysis

Labia majora

Homologous to the scrotum

Paired

Run inferiorly and posteriorly from the mons pubis

Pigmented and hair-covered skin folds

Labia minora

Smaller hair-free folds enclosed by labia majora

Enclose the vestibule which contains the clitoris, urethral orifice, and vaginal orifice

Clitoris

Homologous to the male penis

Composed of erectile tissue

Urethral Orifice

Outlet for urinary system, no reproductive function in females

Vaginal Orifice

Outlet for vagina

Perineum

Diamond shaped region that is medial to the thighs and buttocks of both males and females

Contains external genitals and anus

Bounded anteriorly by the pubic symphysis, laterally by the ischial tuberosities, and posteriorly by the coccyx

Vagina

Female copulatory organ

Birth canal

Passageway for menstrual flow

Uterus

Between the bladder and rectum

Muscular organ

Where fertilized egg implants

Houses embryo/fetus during development

Cervix

Narrow end of the uterus

Directed inferiorly

Body of the uterus

Major portion

Myometrium is the muscle

Endometrium is the lining that is shed during menstruation

Fundus

The superior rounded region above the entrance of the uterine tubes

Uterine or Fallopian tubes

Extend from an area around the ovaries and enter the uterus

Infundibulum

The portion of the uterine tubes closest to the ovary (number 3 in picture)

Funnel shaped and have fimbriae (finger like projections)

Ampulla

Middle portion of uterine tubes

Number 2 in the picture

Where fertilization usually takes place

Isthmus

The portion of the uterine tubes closest to the uterus (number 1 in the picture)

Peritoneal cavity

The egg is released into the

Broad ligament

Encloses the uterus and uterine tubes

Double layer

Secures to lateral wall

Helps hold the ovary in place

Suspensory ligament of the ovary

Peritoneum folding over ovarian vessels, nerves, lymphatics

Round ligament of the uterus

Found in inguinal canal

Fold over connective tissue

Indicates tract that ovaries would have taken if they were testes

Fuses with tissue of the labia majora