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

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 fibromuscular canl 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