1. Female Reproductive System
Nestor T. Hilvano, M.D., M.P.H.

2. Learning Objectives
Describe the components and functions of the female reproductive system.
Identify the ligaments that support the female reproductive organs.
Describe the process of oogenesis.
Identify the phases and events of the ovarian and uterine cycles.
Describe the structure and function of the vagina.
Identify the external genitalia of the female.
Describe the structure of the breast.
Outline the phases of the monthly cycle showing the hormonal, ovarian, and uterine events of each phase.

3. Female Reproductive System
Functions:
Produce and deliver gamete (oocyte), produce hormones
Provide nutrition and room for fetal development
Give birth

4. Ligaments Broad ligament
= enclosed the ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus
Mesovarium
= supports and stabilizes the ovaries
Ovarian ligament
= attached to uterus
Suspensory (infundibulopelvic) ligament
= attached to pelvic wall

5. Ovary Almond-shaped, divided into ______ and ______.
Produces _____ and ____.
Each egg develops
in its own fluid-filled follicle and is released by _____.
Oogenesis- development of oogonium into matured ovum

6. Ovarian Cycle Follicular phase = under influenced of ______________
= Stimulates growth of ______________
Luteal phase
= Develops ______________
FSH LH
Ovarian follicles
Corpus luteum

7. Uterine Tubes Muscular tube lined with __________. Major portions
Infundibulum with fimbriae
Ampulla
Isthmus
Functions: ________.
Simple ciliated columnar
Simple columnar mucus secreting
Site of implantation
Site of fertilization

8. Uterus Thick-walled, pear-shaped organ
3 Parts _________, ___________, _________
Functions _____________________________
Suspensory ligaments of uterus= uterosacral ligaments, round ligaments, and cardinal (lateral) ligaments
a. ovulation b. fertilization c. implantation d. oogenesis

9. Uterine Wall ___ = external serosa layer ___ = middle muscular layer
* Importance_______
___ = inner, glandular layer
stratum functionalis – toward the uterine cavity
stratum basalis – adjacent to myometrium
What endometrial layer is exfoliated during menstruation? What is cervical cancer?

10. Uterine or Menstrual Cycle
Proliferative Phase
= rebuild endometrial tissue
mitosis occurs in stratum _________
result of estrogen from developing follicles
Secretory Phase
= further thickening of endometrium due to secretion and fluid accumulation
- due to progesterone stimulation of glands

11. Vagina Distensible muscular tube Functions = _____________
Outer adventitia, middle muscularis and inner mucosa
Epithelium = ___________________
bacteria ferment glycogen rich cells producing acidic pH

12. External Genitalia __________ - mound of fat covered by pubic hair
__________ - thick folds of skin
__________ - thin skin folds surround the vestibule (contains urethral and vaginal openings)
__________ - erectile, sensory organ
Greater and lesser vestibular and paraurethral glands –open into vestibule
a. Clitoris b. labia minora c. labia majora d. mons pubis

13. Mammary Glands Overlies pectoralis major conical body, nipple at apex
axillary tail contains many lymphatic vessels
Nipple surrounded by areola
Nonlactating breast = dominated by duct system
Lactating breast = multiple glandular lobes with secretory alveoli

14. Aging and the Reproductive System
Climacterium = midlife change in hormone secretion
- due to age related depletion of follicles (low estrogen)
Menopause = cessation of menstruation; age 45 – 55; results to
atrophy of uterus, vagina and breasts
skin becomes thinner, bone mass declines, and risks of cardiovascular disease increase
hot flashes (sudden dilation of cutaneous arteries)
HRT = hormone replacement therapy

15. Homework (Self-Review)
Define terms: ovulation, oogenesis, fertilization, implantation, ovarian cycle, climacterium, menopause, secondary oocyte, broad ligament, amenorrhea, vestibule, & suspensory ligament.
Describe the proliferative and luteal phases of ovarian cycle. Describe the proliferative and secretory phases of uterine (menstrual) cycle.
Identify female structure/organ associated with the following: release of oocyte and hormone production, infundibulum and fimbriae, squamous cells with glycogen deposits, mucus secretion lubricating vaginal canal, erectile sensory organ, lactiferous ducts and axillary tail.