Female Reproductive System 1

Ovaries Female gonads 2 small almond-shaped glands, located in the abdominal cavity, attached to the uterus by ligaments Contains thousands of small sacs called follicles Each follicle contains an immature egg or ovum Produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone Responsible for the secondary sex characteristics – breasts, hips widen, body hair 3

Ovulation The maturing and release of an egg Occurs every 28 days If egg is not fertilized, the body sheds the lining of the uterus and menstruation occurs 4

Fallopian Tubes 2 of them 5 inches in length Attached to the upper part of the uterus Function Move the ovum from the ovary to the uterus Cilia and peristalsis keep the ovum moving Site of fertilization, the union of the egg and sperm 5

Uterus Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ 3 parts Function Fundus – top Body – middle Cervix – narrow bottom Function Organ of menstruation Site where the blastocyst implants Allows for the development and growth of the fetus Contracts during birth to aid in the expulsion of the fetus 6

Vagina Muscular tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body Function Passageway for menstrual flow Receives sperm and semen from the male Female organ of copulation Birth canal during delivery of the infant 7

Bartholin’s Glands 2 small glands on either side of the vaginal opening Secretes mucous for lubrication during intercourse                                                       <> 9

Oviduct Ovary Uterus (Urinary bladder) (Rectum) (Pubic bone) Cervix LE 46-9a Oviduct Ovary Uterus (Urinary bladder) (Rectum) (Pubic bone) Cervix Urethra Vagina Shaft Glans Clitoris Bartholin’s gland Prepuce Labia minora Vaginal opening Labia majora

Vulva Collective name for the external female genitalia Includes Mons pubis - pad of fat Labia majora – outer folds of tissue Labia minora – inner folds of tissue Perineum – area between the vagina and anus 11

Breasts Mammary glands Contain lobes that surface at the nipples Function Secrete milk – lactate after childbirth 12

Female Reproductive System Diseases Female Reproductive System 14

Breast Tumors American Cancer Society recommends Self-Breast Examination every month for adult females at the end of menstruation 15

SBE 16

Breast Cancer (FYI) Most common malignancy of US women 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. Arises from epithelial cells of the ducts, small clusters of cancer cells grow into a lump in the breast from which cells eventually metastasize.

Risk Factors (FYI) Risk factors: early onset of menopause no pregnancies or first pregnancy late in life history of breast cancer silicone breast implants high estrogen concentrations cigarette smoking excessive alcohol intake hereditary defects 70% of women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors for the disease.

Early Warning Signals (FYI) Changes in skin texture Puckering Leakage from nipple Lumps in breast

Early Detection (FYI) Monthly self breast exam Mammogram x-ray that can detect cancer smaller than 1 cm, recommended every 2 years from women between 40-49 and then yearly from age 50.

Mammograms ACS recommends a baseline test between 35-40 21

Treatment (FYI) Radiation Chemotherapy Surgery followed by radiation or chemo Lumpectomy- only cancerous lump removed. Simple masectomy- removal of breast tissue only. Radical mastectomy- removal of entire affected breast, muscles, fascia, and lymph nodes.

Surgeries Lumpectomy - only cancerous lump removed. Simple mastectomy -removal of breast tissue only. Radical mastectomy -removal of entire affected breast, muscles, fascia, and lymph nodes. 23

Cancer of the Cervix Detected by a PAP smear Treatment Hysterectomy - removal of cervix and uterus 24

Endometriosis Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus 25

PMS Premenstrual Syndrome Group of symptoms that appear 3-14 days before menstruation Related to hormonal changes or biochemical imbalance 26

Oogenesis Production of ova in females Begins prior to birth

LE 46-11 Ovary Primary germ cell in embryo Differentiation Oogonium in ovary Oogonium Mitotic division Primary oocyte within follicle Primary oocyte Completion of meiosis I and onset of meiosis II Growing follicle Secondary oocyte First polar body Ovulation Entry of sperm triggers completion of meiosis II Mature follicle Ruptured follicle Second polar body Ovum Ovulated secondary oocyte Corpus luteum Degen- erating corpus luteum

Oogenesis differs from Spermatogenesis A start – stop process Begins prior to birth, stops, and then is completed at fertilization Spermatogenesis Continuous Begins during puberty