The Reproductive System Lesson 1: The Female Reproductive System 33 The Reproductive System Lesson 1: The Female Reproductive System

Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to … Define and spell the terms to learn for this chapter. Identify the structures of the female reproductive system and briefly explain the function of each. Explain the menstrual cycle.

Overview of the Female Reproductive System Primary Organs Ovaries Accessory Organs Uterus Fallopian tubes Vagina Vulva Breasts 3

Critical Thinking Question What are the purposes of the female reproductive system? 4

The Female Reproductive Organs: Lateral View 5

The Uterus Hollow, pear-shaped organ Located in the anterior pelvic cavity between the sacrum and the symphysis pubis, above the bladder and in front of the rectum Three portions Body Isthmus Cervix 6

The Uterus Ligaments Function Hold uterus in place Broad ligaments (2) Round ligaments (2) Uterosacral ligaments (2) Function Cyclic discharge of blood (menstruation) in response to hormonal changes Nourishes and protects the developing fetus Contracts to expel fetus at birth 7

Layers of the Uterine Wall Perimetrium (outer layer) Myometrium (muscular middle layer) Endometrium (mucous membrane lining the inner surface) 8

Fallopian Tubes Also called uterine tubes or oviducts Functions Move ova from the ovaries to uterus Move sperm toward the ovary during fertilization Three layers Serous layer (outermost layer, made of connective tissue) Muscular layer (made of circular and longitudinal smooth muscle) Mucosa layer (inner-most layer, consisting of simple columnar epithelium) 9

Features of the Fallopian Tubes Isthmus Ampulla Infundibulum Ostium Fimbriae 10

Isthmus Constricted portion of the tube nearest the uterus Tube continues laterally from the isthmus to the ampulla Where it widens until it forms a funnel-shaped opening (the ostium) at the infundibulum (end of the tube) Each ostium is surrounded by fimbriae, finger-like processes that help propel the ovum toward the tube after it is discharged from the ovary

Ovaries Two ovaries Located on either side of the uterus Attached to uterus by the ovarian ligaments Functions Produce ova Produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone Controlled by hormones from the pituitary gland 12

Ovaries Microscopic Structure Cortex Medulla Outer layer Contains follicles which hold developing ova Medulla Inner layer Contains blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, connective and smooth muscle tissue 13

Ovaries 14

Vagina Musculomembranous tube Extends from the vestibule to the uterus Located between bladder and rectum Functions Organ of female copulation Passageway for the discharge of menstrual fluid Passageway for the birth of the fetus 15

Vagina 16

External Female Genitalia Five Organs of the Vulva Comprising the External Female Genitalia Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Vestibule Clitoris 17

External Female Genitalia Mons pubis Pad of fatty, triangular-shaped fatty tissue Covered with hair after puberty Rounded area over the symphysis pubis Labia majora Two lip-like folds of adipose tissue on either side of the vaginal opening Labia minora Two thin folds of skin within the labia majora enclosing the vestibule

External Female Genitalia Vestibule Cleft between the labia minora Four structures in the vestibule: Urethra (the external opening of the urinary system) Vagina Two excretory ducts of the Bartholin’s glands Clitoris Small organ of sensitive erectile tissue that is analogous to the penis of the male

External Female Genitalia Perineum Between the vulva and the anus Muscular area covered with skin Site of episiotomy during birth process 20

Breasts Also called mammary glands Composed of compound alveolar structures consisting of 12 to 15 glandular tissue lobes separated by septa of connecting tissue Areola is the dark, pigmented circular area of skin found on each breast Nipple is the elevated area in the center of the areola During pregnancy, the areola often becomes darker in color Areola is supplied with a row of small sebaceous glands that secrete an oil that keeps it resilient 21

Prolactin Hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary, stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk after childbirth During lactation, milk flows from the lobes of the mammary glands through lactiferous ducts in the areola to the suckling infant Other hormones that play a role in milk production are insulin and glucocorticoids 22

Structure of the Breast 23

Overview of the Menstrual Cycle Puberty and menarche: beginning of menstruation 28-day cycle Four phases Menopause: end of menstrual cycles 24

Overview of the Menstrual Cycle Phase 1: Menstruation Phase 2: Proliferation Phase 3: Luteal The Menstrual Cycle Phase 4: Premenstrual 25

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Phase 1: Menstruation Shedding of the endometrial layer Discharge of blood and fluid begins on day 1 Phase 1: Menstruation Phase 2: Proliferation Phase 4: Premenstrual Phase 3: Luteal The Menstrual Cycle 26

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Phase 2: Proliferation Thickening and vascularization of endometrium Maturation of the ovarian follicle Begins on day 5 and lasts until the eruption of the Graafian follicle, about day 14 Phase 1: Menstruation Phase 2: Proliferation Phase 4: Premenstrual Phase 3: Luteal The Menstrual Cycle 27

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Phase 3: Luteal or Secretory Continued thickening of endometrium Preparation for possible pregnancy Progesterone levels are high Estrogen levels decrease Phase 1: Menstruation Phase 2: Proliferation Phase 4: Premenstrual Phase 3: Luteal The Menstrual Cycle 28

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Phase 4: Premenstrual Endometrium shrinks Ends when menstruation begins Phase 1: Menstruation Phase 2: Proliferation Phase 4: Premenstrual Phase 3: Luteal The Menstrual Cycle 29

Questions? 30