Female Reproductive Anatomy - Lecture Notes

Introduction to Female Reproductive Anatomy

• Series of lectures focused on female reproductive anatomy.
• The discussion culminates in explaining hormonal progressions during the female reproductive cycle.

Key Organs of the Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries: Paired female gonads.
  • Almond-shaped, homologous to male testes.
  • Functions:
  • Production of gametes (oocytes).
  • Production of hormones (progesterone, estrogen, inhibin, relaxin).
• Uterine Tubes (Oviducts/Fallopian Tubes): Facilitate the transport of eggs.
• Uterus: Organ for fetal development.
• Vagina: Birth canal and female copulatory organ.
• Pudendum: External genitalia (discussed later).
• Mammary Glands: Dual role in reproduction and integumentary system.

The Ovaries

• Ligaments Supporting Ovaries:
  • Broad Ligament: Attaches uterus to walls of the pelvis; appears like bat wings.
  • Mesovarium: A double fold of peritoneum connecting ovaries to the broad ligament.
  • Ovarian Ligament: Direct connection between the uterus and ovaries.
  • Suspensory Ligament: Connects ovaries to pelvic wall.
• Position of Ovaries: Held securely by ligaments, oriented laterally to the uterus.

Anatomy of the Ovary

• Germinal Epithelium:
  • Covers the surface, consists of simple cuboidal or squamous epithelium.
  • Misleading name; germ cells originate from yolk sac during embryonic development.
• Tunica Albuginea:
  • Whitish capsule of dense irregular connective tissue under the germinal epithelium.
• Ovarian Cortex:
  • Dense tissue containing ovarian follicles at various developmental stages.
  • Rich in collagen and stromal cells.
• Ovarian Medulla:
  • Inner region; contains loosely arranged connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Ovarian Follicles

• Consist of oocytes and surrounding cells:
  • Initially single-layered follicular cells; develop into multilayered granulosa cells.
• Functions of Follicular/Granulosa Cells:
  • Nourishing oocyte.
  • Secreting estrogen.
• Positive feedback loop of estrogen production, stimulating follicle growth leading to ovulation.

Ovulation and Corpus Luteum

• Ovulation: Process of the mature follicle bursting and releasing the secondary oocyte into the fallopian tube.
• Corpus Luteum:
  • Endocrine structure remaining post-ovulation.
  • Secretes estrogens, relaxins, inhibins, and progesterone.
  • Degenerates after a few weeks into the Corpus Albicans (scar tissue, non-functional).

Summary of Follicular Development

• Linear progression of follicles from formation to ovulation.
• Corpus luteum's temporary existence prior to degeneration into corpus albicans.
• Next lecture will cover stages of oogenesis.