Chapter 28 (Female)

Female reproductive system

Female reproductive system

• ovaries produce 2nd oocytes and hormones

• uterine tubes transport fertilized ova

• uterus where fetal development occurs

• vagina and external genitalia constitute the vulva

• mammary glands produce milk

Ovaries

• paired glands

• located in the upper pelvic cavity on either side of the uterus

Reproductive ligaments

broad ligament suspends uterus from side wall of pelvis

Regional histology

• tunica albuginea is capsule of dense connective tissue

• cortex is region just deep to tunica, containing follicles

• medulla is deeper region composed of connective tissue, blood vessels and lymphatics

• germinal epithelium is simple epithelial covering over the ovary

Oogenesis

• occurs in the ovaries

• it results in the formation of a single haploid secondary oocyte

• the sequences includes reduction division, equatorial division, and maturation

What hormone is looked for in pregnancy tests?

HCG

Follicular stages

• primordial

• primary

• secondary

• graafian

• ovulation

Corpus luteum

an ovulation wound filled in with hormone secreting cells

Corpus albicans

white scar left after corpus luteum degenerates (when not needed)

Corona radiata

granulosa cells attached to zona pellucida, still attached to oocyte at ovulation

Fallopian Tubes

• 4 in tube extends from ovary to uterus

• transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus and are the normal sites of fertilization

Infundibulum

open, funnel-shaped portion near the ovary

Fimbriae

moving finger-like processes

Ampulla

central region of fallopian tubes

Isthmus

narrowest portion joins uterus

Function of fallopian tubes

• fimbriae sweep oocyte into tube

• cilia and peristalsis move it along

• sperm reaches oocyte in ampulla, fertilization occurs within 24 hours after ovulation

• zygote reaches uterus about 7 days after ovulation

Divisions of the uterus

• fundus

• body

• isthmus

• cervix

Endometrium

• simple columnar epithelium

• stroma of connective tissue and endometrial glands

Stratum functionalis

shed during menstruation

Stratum basalis

replaces stratum functionalis each month

Myometrium

3 layers of smooth muscle

perimetrium

visceral peritoneum

Hysterectomy

• surgical removal of the uterus

• indications for surgery include ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and cancer of cervix, uterus or ovaries

Secretory cells of the mucosa of the cervix produce a ______

cervical mucus

Thin cervical mucus

more receptive to sperm

Thick cervical mucus

forms a cervical plug that physically impedes sperm penetration

Vagina

• functions as a passageway for spermatozoa and the menstrual flow, the receptacle of the penis during sexual intercourse, and the lower portion of the birth canal

• lies between urinary bladder and rectum

Vulva

the external genitalia

Mammary Glands

• modified sweat glands that produce milk

• amount of adipose determines size of breasts

• open by lactiferous ducts at the nipple

Breast cancer

second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

Mammography

ultrasound determines if lump is benign, fluid filled cyst, or solid and possibly malignant

Breast Cancer risks

• family history

• no children

• don’t breastfeed

• radiation

• alcohol/smoking

Treatment of breast cancer

• lumpectomy

• radical mastectomy

• radiation or chemotherapy

Functions of estrogens

• promotion of the development and maintenance of female reproductive structures, secondary sex characteristics, and the breasts

• increase protein anabolism and build strong bones

• inhibit release of GnRH by the hypothalamus and secretion of LH and FSH

Relaxin

used to relax the uterus by inhibiting contractions; relaxes pubic symphysis and helps dilate the uterine cervix to help with birth

Inhibin

inhibits secretion of FHS and GnRH and to a lesser extent, LH; important on decreasing secretion of FHS and LH towards the end of the uterine cycle

Ovulation

rupture of follicle and release of 2nd oocyte on day 14

Cause of ovulation

increasing levels of estrogen stimulate release of GnRH which stimulates anterior pituitary to release more LH

Signs of ovulation

• increase in basal body temp

• changes in cervical mucus

• cervix softens

time between ovulation and onset of next menstrual period

14 days

If fertilization does not occur

corpus albicans is formed; as hormone levels drop, secretion of GnRH, FSH and LH rise

If fertilization does occur

developing embryo secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which maintains health of corpus luteum and its hormone secretions