Female Reproductive System Honors Anatomy & Physiology

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

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

Ovaries

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

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

Oogenesis

Fertilization

Once sperm nucleus enters 2° oocyte meiosis of ova nuclei continues

Fallopian Tubes

Animation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcVC3TFI7fQ

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

Uterus

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

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

Endometrial Glands = Endometrium highly vascularized 2 parts: stratum functionalis sloughs of in menstruation stratum basalis deeper permanent layer

Uterine Blood Supply

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

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

Hysterectomy surgical removal of uterus: most common gynecological operation partial hysterectomy: removal of body of uterus only complete hysterectomy: body of uterus & cervix removed

Vagina ~ 10 cm fibromuscular canl lined with mucous membrane functions: receptacle for penis during intercourse outlet for menstrual flow birth canal

Anatomy of the Vagina

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

Vulva external genitalia of females made up of: Pubis Labia Majora Labia Minora Clitoris vestibule &Vestibular Glands

Pubis aka mons pubis elevation of adipose tissue cushions pubic symphysis

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

Labia Minora medial to labial majora no pubic hair, few sudoriferous glands many sebaceous glands homologous to spongy urethra

Clitoris small cylindrical mass of erectile tissue & nerves Located at anterior junction of labia minora homologous to glans penis

Vestibule region between labia minora w/in it : external urethral orifice, vaginal orifice, ducts of vestibular glands

Skene’s Glands “minor” vestibular or paraurethral glands secrete mucus homologous to prostate

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

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