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Female Reproductive System. Ovaries. 2 structures (L & R) About 1.5 inches long Shape is similar to almonds but larger Produce what hormones? Primary follicles – at birth (around how many?) Only 300 – 400 become mature. Follicles. Graafian follicle – mature follicle
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Ovaries • 2 structures (L & R) • About 1.5 inches long • Shape is similar to almonds but larger • Produce what hormones? • Primary follicles – at birth (around how many?) • Only 300 – 400 become mature
Follicles • Graafian follicle – mature follicle • Atretic follicles – immature follicles that begin to deteriorate • Corpus luteum – ruptured follicle (released ovum for ovulation) & secretes progesterone & estrogen
Fallopian Tubes • About 4 inches long • Lateral end – ovaries • Medial end – uterus • Fimbriae– fringe – like projections that create currents in fluid to draw ovum into the tubes • Fertilization happens here (sperm & ovum meet) • What smooth muscle contraction moves the ovum through the tube?
Uterus • Shaped like an upside – down pear • Dimensions: 3 in x 2 in x 1 in • Superior to the bladder in which cavity? • Very muscular to stretch for a growing fetus • Layers: • Myometrium – smooth muscle of the outermost layer • Endometrium – inside layer; lining of the uterus • Functional layer – regenerated & lost during menstrual cycle
Anatomy of the Uterus • Fundus – upper portion above the fallopian tubes • (measured in pregnancy) • Body – large central part • Cervix – the opening from the vagina to body
Vagina • Muscular tube • 4 inches long • Posterior to the urethra & anterior to rectum • Hymen – covers the opening of the vagina • 3 functions: • Receive sperm from sexual intercourse • Provide exit for menstrual cycle • Provides a birth canal
Vagina cont. • Vaginal mucosa protects the female reproductive system from infection • Higher pH decreases bacterial growth • Normal flora – increases pH & prevent bacteria
External genitalia • Vulva • Labia Majora • Labia Minora • Clitoris • Bartholin’s glands
Mammary Glands • Produce mild for offspring • Anterior to pectoralis major muscles • Alveolar glands – produce milk • Areola – dark pigmented area around nipple • What hormone controls milk production? • Which hormone controls milk release (“let down”)?
Menstrual cycle • Hormones • FSH - • Leutinizing Hormone • Estrogen • Progesterone
3 phases • Menstrual phase – menses or menstruation occurs • Lasts 2 – 8 days • FSH increases; estrogen & progesterone decreases • Follicular phase – Ovarian follicles mature • LH slowly increases • Estrogen increases to increase the endometrium to regenerate the functional layer • Luteal phase – rupture of follicle to release ovum • Corpus luteum forms • Progesterone increases functional layer
Other hormones • Inhibin – decreases FSH production • Relaxin – inhibits contractions of the myometrium to increases chances of implantation
Causes of irregular menstrual cycles • Amenorrhea • Decreases fat • Vigorous exercise • Extreme emotional states • Anorexia • Endocrine disorders