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.