LL

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.