The Female Reproductive

System

Female Reproductive Anatomy

Female Reproductive System

Essential organs Gonads or ovaries

Accessory organs 1. ducts – including

oviducts, uterus, and vagina

2. sex glands – including the breasts.

3. external genitals

Ovaries Resemble large almonds

Attached to ligaments in the pelvic cavity on each side of the uterus

Ovarian follicles – contain an oocyte, which is an immature sex cell (about 1 million at birth)

About 350-500 mature follicles ovulate during the reproductive lifetime of most women

Function of the OvariesOogenesis – process of meiosis that produces

one ova and three smaller polar bodies that degenerate

Production of estrogen and progesterone

Estrogen causes development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics

Progesterone stimulates secretory activity of uterine epithelium and assists estrogen in initiating the menstrual cycle.

Reproductive DuctsThe fallopian tubes or “oviducts” are hollow

tubes connecting the ovary to the uterus. The developed egg will travel from the ovary to

the uterus through the fallopian tubes. They are lined with cilia that help move the egg through.

The fimbrae are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that surround the ovary.

Reproductive Ducts

The uterus is a strong elastic muscle. It is about the size of your fist, and will hold and nourish developing embryos/fetuses. Lies in the pelvic cavity just behind the urinary bladder.

Reproductive DuctsThe vagina is also commonly known as the

“birth canal.” It is a muscular and elastic passageway leading to the outside of the body.

Female Reproductive Anatomy The endometrium is the inner

lining of the uterus.

The cervix is the opening of the uterus.

Accessory (Supportive) Sex Glands1. Bartholin’s Glands or Greater Vestibular

Glands secrete mucus-like lubricating fluid

2. Breasts size determined by fat quantity more than

amount of glandular (milk-secreting) tissue

External Genitals (Vulva)Consists of the following: mons pubis, clitoris,

orifice of urethra, labia minora, hymen, duct of Bartholin’s gland, orifice of vagina, libia majora. Pg 507

Perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus

Episiotomy – is the cutting of the perineum during childbirth

The Female Reproductive SystemAs a female reaches puberty, hormones cause

egg cells to mature in her ovaries. Ovulation or Ovarian Cycle, the release of one mature egg cell each month, begins.

Like sperm, the egg contains the genetic material need to create new life, and consists of 23 chromosomes.

The Female Reproductive SystemOvarian Cycle:

The ovum is formed in a process called oogenesis.

During ovulation, the ovum is released into the fallopian tube. Ovulation usually occurs during day 14 of the cycle.

The ovum is usually fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation.

If the ovum is not fertilized, then menstruation will occur.

The Female Reproductive SystemMenstrual Cycle:

The endometrium thickens as the follicle matures. (Step 1 of the Ovarian Cycle)

If the ovum is fertilized, it will implant (or attach) itself into the endometrium.

If the ovum is not fertilized, menstruation- the shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining) out of the body, will occur.

The Female Reproductive SystemThe menstrual cycle is the sequence of event

in the reproductive system that occurs from one menstruation to another.

Menstruation itself usually lasts from five to seven days. A cycle usually lasts about 28 days, but it varies from one female to another.

Phases – Menses, Proliferative phase, and Secretory

FertilizationFertilization is the joining of male and female

reproductive cells to make the first cell of a new human.