Ch 28 Female

Female Reproductive System Overview

• Functions:

  • Produces sex hormones and gametes

  • Protects and supports developing embryo

  • Nourishes newborn infant

• Main Organs:

  • Ovaries

  • Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes)

  • Uterus

  • Vagina

  • External genitalia (vulva)

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries:

  • Small, almond-shaped organs located in the pelvic cavity

  • Functions:

    • Produce oocytes

    • Secrete sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone, inhibin)

• Uterine Tubes (Oviducts):

  • Transport oocytes from ovaries to uterus

  • Three segments:

    • Infundibulum (close to ovary with fimbriae)

    • Ampulla (most common site for fertilization)

    • Isthmus (connects to uterus)

• Uterus:

  • Pear-shaped organ that supports embryo/fetus

  • Anatomy: Body (largest portion), Fundus (domed area), Cervix (narrow lower portion)

  • Has three layers:

    • Perimetrium (outer layer)

    • Myometrium (muscular middle layer, contracts during labor)

    • Endometrium (inner glandular layer, grows and sheds during menstruation)

• Vagina:

  • Elastic muscular tube that extends from cervix to vulva

  • Functions: passageway for menstruation, receives sperm, birth canal

• External Genitalia (Vulva):

  • Includes structures such as labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris

  • Covers and protects internal structures

Ovarian Cycle and Oogenesis

• Oogenesis:

  • Formation of oocytes (egg cells)

  • Begins before birth, resumes at puberty, and ends at menopause

  • Ovaries contain about 2 million primary oocytes at birth

• Ovarian Cycle Phases:

  1. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14):

     • Development of follicles and oocytes

  2. Ovulation (Day 14):

     • Release of the secondary oocyte into the pelvic cavity

  3. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):

     • Formation of the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones for potential pregnancy

Uterine Cycle

• Components of the Uterine Cycle (Menstrual Cycle):

  1. Menstrual Phase:

     • Shedding of the endometrial lining

     • Lasts 1-7 days

  2. Proliferative Phase:

     • Regeneration of endometrial lining

  3. Secretory Phase:

     • Endometrium is prepared for possible implantation of an embryo

Hormonal Regulation

• Hormones Involved:

  • GnRH: From hypothalamus, stimulates FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary

  • Estrogens: Promote growth of uterine lining, regulate menstrual cycle

  • Progesterone: Maintains endometrium for pregnancy during the luteal phase

Changes During Menopause

• Menopause:

  • Cessation of ovarian and uterine cycles, usually around ages 45-55

  • Symptoms include reduced estrogen production, which affects reproductive organs, bones, and vascular health

Common Female Disorders

• Amenorrhea: Lack of menstruation

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation

• Vaginitis: Inflammation of vagina, may be due to infections

• STDs: Include infections like chlamydia which can affect reproductive health

Summary

• The female reproductive system is a complex structure with defined roles in reproduction, hormone production, and support for fetal development. Understanding its anatomy and physiological processes is essential for comprehending female reproductive health and associated conditions.