Female Reproductive System Notes

Female Reproductive System

Function

  • Increase chances of fertilization.
  • Nourish conceptus from conception to delivery.
  • Nourish neonate beyond delivery.

Anatomy

  • Primary sex organs: Ovaries (gamete development via meiosis, produce haploid cells and hormones).
  • Secondary sex organs: Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, mammary glands.

Fallopian Tubes

  • Fimbriae sweep oocyte into infundibulum.
  • Passage for sperm.
  • Ampulla: usual site of fertilization.

Uterus

  • Endometrium: Innermost layer for blastocyst implantation.
    • Stratum Functionalis: Shed and rebuilt monthly.
    • Stratum Basalis: Regenerates Stratum Functionalis.
  • Myometrium: Middle, smooth muscle layer responsive to oxytocin.
  • Perimetrium: Outer connective tissue layer.

Cervix

  • Inferior part of uterus, allows sperm passage, dilates during labor, normally plugged with mucus.

Vagina

  • Copulatory organ.

Vulva

  • External genitalia: Clitoris, labia minora/majora, mons pubis.

Mammary Glands

  • Lobes divided into lobules with alveoli (milk production).
  • Prolactin prompts milk production; oxytocin prompts ejection.

Hormones

  • FSH and LH direct release of estrogen & progesterone.
  • Estrogen: Feminizing hormone (secondary sex characteristics, menstrual cycle).
  • Progesterone: Prepares endometrium for implantation, thickens cervical mucus.

Female Sex Cell Production (Oogenesis)

  • Oogonium (precursor cell).
  • Begins in fetal development.
  • Mature ovum formed only if fertilization occurs.

Folliculogenesis

  • Developing oocytes surrounded by supporting cells = follicle.
  • Follicle = oocyte + follicular/granulosa cells.

Female Reproductive Cycle

  • Ovarian Cycle:
    • Follicular Phase: Follicle development.
    • Luteal Phase: Post-ovulation; corpus luteum secretes progesterone/estrogen.
  • Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle:
    • Menses: Stratum Functionalis shed.
    • Proliferative Phase: Stratum Functionalis rebuilt.
    • Secretory Phase: Endometrium nourished by corpus luteum hormones.

Female Sexual Response

  • Arousal: Increased blood flow, parasympathetic response.
  • Orgasm: Sympathetic nervous system, rhythmic contractions of vagina/uterus.