Female Reproductive System

1. Female Reproductive System Honors Anatomy & Physiology

2. Functions of the Female Reproductive System • Ovaries produce 2° oocytes & hormones (E, P, inhin, & relaxin) • Uterine tubes transport 2° oocyte uterus; sites of fertilization • Uterus site of implantation of fertilized ovum, development of fetus during pregnancy & labor • Vagina receives penis during intercourse; birth canal • Mammary glands synthesize, secrete, & eject milk for nourishment of newborn

3. Ovaries • paired female gonads • homologous to testes (same embryonic origin) • produce: • Gametes • 2° oocytes that develop into mature ova after fertilization • Hormones • E, P, inhibin, relaxin

4. Ovaries

5. Histology of the Ovary: Layers for Outermost Inward • Germinal Epithelium • simple epithelium that covers ovary • Tunica Albuginea • dense irregular CT just under epithelium • Ovarian Cortex • consists of ovarian follicles surrounded by dense irregular CT with scattered smooth muscle • Ovarian Medulla • loose CT, blood & lymphatic vessels, nerves

6. Ovarian Follicles • consist of oocytes in various stages of development • follicular cells: single layer of cells surrounding oocyte • granulosa cells: multiple layers of cells surrounding oocyte later in development • mature (Graafian) follicle: large fluid-filled follicle ready to rupture & expel a 2° oocyte; called ovulation • corpus luteum: remnants of Graafian follicle after ovulation; produces E, P, inhibin, relaxin until it degenerates into a corpus albicans

10. Oogenesis

11. Fertilization

13. Once sperm nucleus enters 2° oocyte meiosis of ova nuclei continues

14. Fallopian Tubes

15. Animation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcVC3TFI7fQ

16. Uterine Anatomy • Fundus: dome-shaped superior portion • Body : tapering central portion • Cervix: inferior narrow portion • Internal Os: uppermost, opening into uterine cavity • External Os: lower edge of cervix, opening into vagina, site of Pap smears • Uterine Cavity: interior of body of uterus

17. Uterus

18. Histology of the Uterus • 3 layers of tissue: • Perimetrium • visceral peritoneum of uterus • simple squamous epithelium 2. Myometrium • 3 layers of smooth muscle/ thickest in fundus • Endometrium • innermost layer

20. Endometrium • 3 layers • innermost layer: simple columnar epithelium: ciliated with Goblet cells • underlying/ thick lamina propria of areolar CT • endometrial glands: develop as invagination of luminal epithelium almost to depth of myometrium

22. Endometrial Glands = Endometrium • highly vascularized • 2 parts: • stratum functionalis • sloughs of in menstruation • stratum basalis • deeper permanent layer

24. Uterine Blood Supply

25. Cervix • connects body of uterus to vagina • exit route for menstrual flow from endometrial lining • internal & external os • Cells: • squamous cells • ectocervix • columnar cells with glands • line endocervical canal • secrete mucus

27. Cervical Mucus • mixture of water, glycoproteins, lipids, enzymes, inorganic salts • ~20 – 60 mL /day • @ ovulation: cervical mucus most hospitable to sperm (less viscous, more alkaline) • @ other times, viscous mucus forms mucus plug which impedes sperm motility • may have role in capacitation (functional changes sperm undergo once in female reproductive tract

29. Hysterectomy • surgical removal of uterus: most common gynecological operation • partial hysterectomy: removal of body of uterus only • complete hysterectomy: body of uterus & cervix removed

30. Vagina • ~ 10 cm fibromuscularcanl lined with mucous membrane • functions: • receptacle for penis during intercourse • outlet for menstrual flow • birth canal

31. Anatomy of the Vagina

32. Hymen • thin fold of vascularized mucous membrane that forms a border around & partially closes the inferior end of the vaginal opening to the exterior • imperforate hymen: completely or partially closes off the orifice

33. Vulva • external genitalia of females • made up of: • Pubis • Labia Majora • Labia Minora • Clitoris • vestibule &Vestibular Glands

35. Pubis • aka mons pubis • elevation of adipose tissue • cushions pubic symphysis

36. Labia Majora • 2 longitudinal folds of skin extending inferiorly & posteriorly from mons pubis • covered by skin & pubic hair • contain: adipose tissue, sebaceous (oil) & apocrine (sweat) glands • are homologous to the scrotum

38. Labia Minora • medial to labial majora • no pubic hair, few sudoriferous glands • many sebaceous glands • homologous to spongy urethra

40. Clitoris • small cylindrical mass of erectile tissue & nerves • Located at anterior junction of labia minora • homologous to glans penis

41. Vestibule • region between labia minora • w/in it : external urethral orifice, vaginal orifice, ducts of vestibular glands

42. Skene’s Glands • “minor” vestibular or paraurethral glands • secrete mucus • homologous to prostate

43. Bartholin’s Glands • either side of vaginal orifice • “greater” vestibular glands • produce small amt mucus during sexual arousal providing lubrication • homologous to Cowper’s glands

44. Mammary Glands • Nipples • Areola : circular, pigmented area around each • Lactiferous Ducts: closely spaced openings where milk emerges • Suspensory Ligament: strands of CT between skin & deep fascia that support the breast • Mammary Gland: modified sudoriferous (sweat)glands separated by adipose • surrounded by myoepithelial cells (smooth muscle): contraction  milk let down