Reproductive System Notes (Female)

CSEP421 - Reproductive System 2 (13.2)

Objectives – Part 2 (Female)

• Name selected components of the female reproductive system
• Briefly describe the functions of each component of the female reproductive system
• Briefly discuss yeast infections of the female reproductive system

Female Reproductive System Components

• Ovaries
  • Paired organs lateral to the uterus.
  • Produce secondary oocytes (eggs) within an ovarian follicle.
  • Secrete hormones: oestrogens and progesterone.
• Uterine Tubes (Fallopian tubes)
  • Two tubes that extend laterally from the uterus towards the ovaries.
  • End in finger-like extensions called fimbriae.
  • After ovulation (release of the secondary oocyte/egg from the ovary), the fimbriae sweep the oocyte into the uterine tube.
  • Oocyte or zygote (fertilised egg) are moved by cilia lining the inner wall of uterine tube.
• Uterus
  • Pathway for sperm as they move towards the uterine tubes.
  • Site of implantation of zygote.
  • Site of growth/development of embryo/foetus.
• Cervix
  • Narrow opening of the uterus into the vagina.
• Vagina
  • Extends from exterior of body to the uterine cervix.
  • Receptacle for penis during sexual intercourse.
  • Outlet for menstrual flow.
  • Passageway for childbirth.
• Vulva (external genitals of the female)
  • Mons pubis
    • An elevation of adipose tissue that cushions the pubic symphysis.
  • Labia majora and labia minora
    • Protective and secretory folds of skin.
  • Clitoris
    • Small cylindrical mass of erectile tissue.
  • Vestibule (between the labia minora) contains:
    • Hymen
    • Vaginal orifice
    • External urethral orifice
    • Ducts of several glands which secrete mucus.

Candidiasis (Thrush)

• An opportunistic fungal infection of any mucous membrane in the body but commonly affects the vagina and surrounding labia.
• Mostly caused by Candida albicans.
• Candida spp. are part of the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Abnormal growth of Candida albicans occurs when there is an imbalance in the environment, e.g., antibiotic use, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, impaired immune system, irritation of the vagina.
• C. albicans can form biofilms on living and non-living surfaces, such as mucosal membranes and catheters.
  • Biofilms form a protective shield around the fungal cells to ‘hide’ from immune system cells.
  • Biofilms prevent access of antifungal treatments to fungal cells.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

• Certain human papilloma virus (HPV) strains can trigger abnormal growth of epithelial cells in the cervix, leading to cervical cancers.
• Abnormal cells are detected by cervical smear tests.
• Cervical pap smear test
  • Epithelial cells are scraped from the cervix and analysed under a microscope to look for changes in cell morphology.
• HPV is spread by person-to-person contact during sexual activity.
• Another related sexually transmitted infection caused by HPV is genital warts.
• A vaccine has been developed to prevent infection by four of the most commonly transmitted HPV strains, including those associated with most cervical cancers.