Female Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

  • Reproductive Role: Female reproductive role is more complex due to pregnancy.

  • Gonads:

    • Ovaries: Produce ova (eggs) and secrete hormones:
    • Estrogen (types include estradiol, estrone, estriol)
    • Progesterone

  • Major Female Reproductive Organs:

    • External genital organs
    • Mammary glands
    • Vagina
    • Uterus
    • Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)

External Genitalia (Vulva)

  • Mons Pubis: Fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis
  • Labia Majora: Hair-covered, fatty skin folds homologous to the male scrotum
  • Labia Minora: Skin folds lying within labia majora
  • Clitoris:
    • Located anterior to vestibule
    • Homologous to the penis; contains erectile tissue
  • Greater Vestibular Glands:
    • Homologous to bulbo-urethral glands
    • Release mucus for lubrication during intercourse
  • Perineum: Diamond-shaped region between pubic arch and coccyx; is clinically significant during childbirth.

Uterus, Vagina, and Supporting Structures

  • Uterus Structure:

    • Hollow, muscular organ serving to receive, retain, and nourish the fertilized ovum.
    • Regions:
    • Fundus: Rounded superior region
    • Body: Major portion of the uterus
    • Cervix: Projects into vagina
    • Cervical canal connects uterus with vagina (opening = external os and internal os)

  • Uterine Tube Structure:

    • Three layers:
    • Outer serosa
    • Middle muscular layer
    • Inner mucosa (ciliated columnar epithelium)
    • Parts:
    • Infundibulum: Funnel-shaped projection
    • Fimbriae: Finger-like projections that help capture the oocyte
    • Ampulla: Site of fertilization
    • Cilia move oocyte/embryonic mass towards uterus

  • Supporting Ligaments:

    • Broad ligament
    • Suspensory ligament
    • Ovarian ligament

Oogenesis and Follicle Development

  • Oogenesis:

    • Process of producing secondary oocytes in ovaries. Begins in fetal life, where oogonia divide to produce primary oocytes.
    • Primary oocytes become surrounded by granulosa cells, forming primordial follicles.
    • Follicle development stages:
    1. Primordial follicle
    2. Primary follicle
    3. Secondary follicle
    4. Graafian follicle

  • Hormonal Regulation:

    • GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates pituitary to release FSH and LH.
    • FSH stimulates follicle growth, while LH triggers ovulation.

Uterine Cycle

  • Phases:
    1. Menstrual Phase: Shedding of endometrium (menses)
    2. Proliferative Phase: Regrowth of endometrium under estrogen influence
    3. Secretory Phase: Preparation of endometrium for potential implantation

Major Reproductive Hormones and Their Effects

  • GnRH: Stimulates release of FSH and LH
  • FSH: Follicle development
  • LH: Triggers ovulation; stimulates corpus luteum formation
  • Estrogen: Promotes endometrial proliferation/secondary sexual characteristics
  • Progesterone: Prepares uterus for embryo, maintains pregnancy
  • hCG: Maintains corpus luteum during early pregnancy

Pregnancy and Changes

  • Physical changes in hormonal levels, primarily through hCG, estrogen, and progesterone throughout pregnancy.
  • Menopause: Cessation of menstrual cycles, elevated LH and FSH, lowered estrogen and progesterone.

Birth Control Methods

  • Long-lasting Reversible Contraception: IUDs, birth control implants
  • Permanent Methods: Tubal ligation for females, vasectomy for males
  • Hormonal Methods: Pills, patches, injections
  • Barrier Methods: Condoms, diaphragms
  • Emergency Contraception: Morning-after pills or IUD insertion post-intercourse

Female Sexual Behavior

  • Influenced by hormones and psychological factors; includes physical responses like engorgement and secretion during arousal, orgasm, and resolution.