Female Reproductive System

1. Female Reproductive System • Functions of Female Reproductive System: Uterine (fallopian) tube Fimbriae Ovary Endometrium Wall of uterus Myometrium Perimetrium Uterus Cervix Vagina

2. Ovaries • Functions: • Structure: • Contain many saclike structures called • Each follicle consists of an • Ovulation – the Ovary

3. Uterine/Fallopian Tubes • Functions: • Structure: • The distal end of each tube have fingerlike projections called • Fimbriae create fluid currents which Fimbriae Fallopian Tubes

4. Ovary Uterine (fallopian) tube Fimbriae Uterus Cervix Urinary bladder Rectum Urethra Vagina

5. Uterus • Functions: • Structure: • Cervix – • Inner wall is composed of 3 layers. • Innermost layer is called the • This layer • The middle layer, called the

6. Vagina • Function: Serves as the • Structure: • 3-4 inch tube that extends from • Located posterior to the Uterus Vagina

7. Oogenesis • Oogenesis – • Takes place in a series of steps during which the gamete has the following names: • Primary Oocyte 

8. Oogenesis – Prenatal/Pre-Puberty Phases • During development of the female fetus, primary oocytes form in the ovaries • The oocytes are • At birth, there are approximately • Primary oocytes remain inactive until puberty, but • Of these, only approximately

9. Oogenesis – Puberty/Adult Phase • At puberty, the anterior pituitary releases • As many as twenty primary oocytes may begin maturing at any one time, but • The dominant primary oocyte • This process takes roughly

10. Oogenesis - Ovulation Uterine tube • An increase of • Ovulation – • The ruptured follicle cells Secondary Oocyte Ovary

11. Stages of Oogenesis Human Ovulation On Camera During a Hysterectomy Procedure http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7447942.stm

12. Oogenesis – Fertilization Phase • The secondary oocyte • If the secondary oocyte is not penetrated by a sperm, • If the ovulated secondary oocyte is penetrated by a sperm, • Once an ovum is formed, Oogenesis - http://wps.aw.com/bc_martini_eap_4/40/10469/2680298.cw/content/index.html

13. The Menstrual Cycle • Cyclic changes to the endometrium of the uterus in response to changing levels of ovarian hormones in the blood • The cycle is roughly • The menstrual cycle can be divided into 3 stages:

14. Menstrual Cycle Hormones, Ovulation Cycle, and Uterine Cycle

15. The Menstrual Cycle • Menstrual Phase (Days 1 - 5) • Low levels of progesterone and estrogen • Bleeding occurs • Average blood loss of ¼ to ½ cup • By day 5,

16. Proliferative stage (Days 6 – 14) • Estrogen levels • Rising estrogen levels cause • FSH causes the • A surge of LH

17. The Menstrual Cycle • Secretory stage (Days 15 – 28) • Levels of progesterone and estrogen • Endometrium readies for implantation of egg by • If fertilization does NOT occur: • If fertilization occurs: • Embryo produces a hormone called

18. Menstrual Cycle Hormones, Ovulation Cycle, and Uterine Cycle

19. Menopause • When a woman nears menopause, • When a woman stops having monthly menstrual cycles for 1 year (without being pregnant) she is said to be in menopause • Age of onset = • Estrogen and progesterone are no longer being secreted