1. Chapter 28 Male and “Female” Reproduction System1 1

2. Female Reproductive System
more complex than the males multiple functions:
produce and deliver gametes, provide nutrition and safe harbor for fetal development, gives birth, and nourish the infant
more cyclic, and female hormones secreted in a more complex sequence than the relatively steady secretion in the male

3. Introduction Female reproductive systems:
primary sex organs (gonads- ovaries) produce gametes-egg
secondary sex organs –
Ducts: uterine tubes transport
oocytes (eggs) and developing embryo
Uterus, and vagina receive sperm and harbor developing fetus
Accessory structures: mammary glands to nourish the newborn, secretes fluid, supports newborn
Gynecology: branch of medicine for diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive system
Obstetrics: branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, labor and after birth

5. Support Attachments “Ovarian Ligaments”
BROAD LIGAMENT
attaches UTERUS to the PELVIC WALL
covers entire reproductive system;
becomes continuous with parietal peritoneum
“Ovarian Ligaments”
Mesovarium - attaches OVARIES to BROAD LIGAMENT -stabilizes and supports position of the ovaries
Suspensory ligament – anchors OVARIES to PELVIC WALL; contains major blood vessels to the ovary
Ovarian ligament - anchors OVARIES to UTERUS

6. Uterus Pear-shaped - Usually tilts forward over the urinary bladder
Provides mechanical protection, nutritional support and waste removal for developing embryo (weeks 1–8) and fetus (week 9 through delivery); expels the fetus
Consists of fundus (dome shaped); body (main area); cervix
Cervix: opens into the vagina secretes mucus to plug opening during pregnancy
Cervical glands secrete mucus to prevents spread of microorganisms from the vagina to the uterus assist in the lubrication of the vagina
External os -external orifice of uterus leads into cervical canal-passageway opening to uterine cavity of body
Round ligament –Restrict posterior movements
Uterosacral – prevents uterine body from moving inferiorly and anteriorly
Cardinal ligaments- contains uterine artery and uterine vein; attaches cervix to pelvic wall; PREVENTS UTERUS FROM DROPPING INTO THE VAGINAL CANAL. Close proximity to URETERS, hysterectomy removes the uterus and during the binding/ligation of cardinal ligament ureters can become damaged

11. Ovarian Ligament
Round Ligament

12. Summary of Ligaments Broad ligament Round ligament
Suspensory ligaments
Ovarian ligament
Uterosacral ligaments
Cardinal ligaments

13. Wall of the UTERUS Endometrium
single layer of columnar epithelium resting on the layer of connective tissue that varies in thickness according to hormonal influences
10% of uterine mass
Inner layer: functional and basilar zones.
Myometrium – middle smooth muscle layer;
Constitutes almost 90% of the mass of the uterus
Arranged into longitudinal, circular, and oblique layers
Provides force to move fetus out of uterus into vagina
Perimetrium – outer serosa layer; continuous with peritoneal lining covers fundus and posterior surface of uterine body and isthmus

15. Vast numbers of UTERINE glands that synthesize, transport and/or secrete substances essential for survival and development of the embryo or fetus open onto the endometrial surface and extend deep into the lamina propria, almost to the myometrium. Under the influence of estrogen, the uterine glands, blood vessels, and epithelium change with the phases of the monthly uterine cycle.
1 Single-layered epithelium
2 Basal lamina
3 Uterine glands
4 Connective tissue
5 Blood vessels

16. Uterus Endometrium The FUNCTIONAL zone Outer layer
Contains uterine glands
dramatic changes in thickness and structure during menstrual cycle due to sex hormone levels
Sheds during menstruation
The BASILAR zone
REGENERATES INNER LAYER; embryo implantation occurs in this layer
Attaches endometrium to myometrium
Remains relatively constant

17. A medical condition where endometrial-like cells move through oviduct (fallopian tube) and proliferate OUTSIDE the uterine cavity, usually on the ovaries, bladder and intestines influenced by estrogen and progesterone during menstrual cycle.
Typically seen during reproductive years occurs in approx. 5%-10% of women.
Primary symptoms are pelvic pain
Often seen in women with infertility issues
Endometriosis

18. - -OVARIES Pair of oval organs
Descend into the pelvic region during the 3rd month of FETAL development
Secrete female sex hormones (estrogens, progestins)
Secrete inhibin involved in feedback control of pituitary FSH
Have a depression (hilus) on one side where blood vessels enter/exit
OVARIAN FOLLICLES -sac-like structures w/developing gametes produce immature female gametes (oocytes)
Contains: germinal epithelium (visceral peritoneum) that covers the surface of the ovaries - Stroma:
ovarian cortex contains different stages of follicular development; location of gamete production
ovarian medulla central part of the ovary that has blood vessels

19. Uterine tube / Fallopian Tube / Oviduct
Site for fertilization and early embryo development
Transports embryo to the uterus
Hollow, muscular tubes about 13 cm (5.2 in.) long
Infundibulum - expanded funnel near ovary contains fimbriae that extend into pelvic cavity
Inner surfaces lined with cilia beat toward middle segment
Ampulla - Middle segment ; smooth muscle layers in wall become thicker approaching uterus
Isthmus - short segment between ampulla and uterine wall
HISTOLOGY:
Mucosa – ciliated, simple columnar epithelium; Contains scattered mucin-secreting cells and peg cells that provides nutrients for spermatozoa and any developing zygote
Muscularis – circular and longitudinal smooth muscles peristalsis initiated a few hours before ovulation
Serosa – serous membrane

20. Mucosa of fallopian tube

21. Vagina
Elastic, muscular tube; passageway for sperms and menstrual flow; birthing canal
Low pH inhibits microbial growth; epithelium rich in glycogen that is fermented into lactic acid; acidity neutralized by sperm
Two bulbospongiosus muscles extend along sides of vaginal entrance; contribute to clitoral erection and orgasm, closes vagina.
VAGINAL WALL contains network of blood vessels; layers of smooth muscle
Has no internal secreting glands normal lubrication and lubrication during arousal result of:
TRANSUDATION –“vaginal sweating” - serous fluid moving through vaginal walls (due to a difference in hydrostatic pressure)
Mucosal secretions produced by branched glands in the mucosa of the cervix directly above it
External greater vestibular glands at R/L of opening moisten the labia
Wall has folds (rugae) lined by stratified squamous epithelium. Provide for expansion of vagina during sexual activity; childbirth

22. Bulbospongiosus muscles
Vagina
Bulbospongiosus muscles

23. Pelvic Floor Muscles Wrap around vagina and anus.
“KEGEL” Exercises strengthens pelvic floor muscles, which supports all pelvic organs. Improves control over urinary and bowel functions. Stronger muscles help to reduce urinary incontinence. Also, known to enhance sexual sensations.

24. External Genitalia Collectively called the vulva
mons pubis - mound of fat over pubic symphysis bearing MOST of the pubic hair
labia majora – pair of thick folds of skin and adipose tissue; sebacious/sudoriferous glands
labia minora –thin hairless folds
space between folds forms vestibule which contains urethral and vaginal openings; vestibular glands secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina; homologous to bulbourethral glands in males.
hymen- elastic mucous epithelial fold at vaginal orifice partially blocks entrance to vagina
Has 1 or more openings to allow for menstrual flow
Ruptured by medical exams, tampons, strenuous exercise, sexual activity
Collectively called the vulva

25. Female Sexual Function
Clitoris - erectile, sensory organ primary center for erotic stimulation; structure like penis - pair of corpus cavernosa
Clitoris estimated to have around 8,000 sensory nerve endings, 2xs the glans of the penis and more than any other part of the human body
Parasympathetic activation leads to: engorgement of erectile tissues- corpus cavernosum
Blood vessels in vaginal walls fill with blood
Fluid moves from underlying connective tissues to vaginal surfaces
Vestibular bulbs- masses of erectile tissue that are an internal part of the clitoris; lie beneath bulbospongiosus muscles

26. Breasts Mound of adipose/collagenous tissue overlying pectoralis major
Most of the time contains very little mammary gland
Size of the breast – determined by the amount of the adipose tissue
Nipple surrounded by circular colored zone the areola- contains modified SWEAT glands called areolar glands –
Gland secretions protect the nipple from chapping and cracking during nursing
Mammary glands: modified sweat glands  produce milk (lactation); system of ducts bring milk to the nipple
– develops within the breast during pregnancy
15 to 20 lobes around the nipple
lactiferous duct drains each lobe
dilates to form lactiferous sinus which opens into the nipple
atrophies when a woman ceases to nurse
Hormonal regulation:
Estrogen – for the development of the breast
Prolactin – production of milk
Oxytocin – release of milk

28. Female Reproductive System – Disorders
Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation
Menstrual cramps: breakdown of endometrium  inflammatory process  prostaglandin production  affects smooth muscle contraction in uterus  cramps
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): hormonal changes  changes in mood
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS): Staphylococcus bacterial infection high
fever, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle ache followed by hypotension
(low blood pressure), which may eventually lead to shock and death. In
some cases there may be a sunburn-like rash with skin peeling.
Breast cancer: risk factors (family history, radiation exposure, smoking,
alcohol intake, excessive fat, genetic); detected through mammogram,
ultrasound and CT scan; treated with surgery (lumpectomy or
mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Fibrocystic breast: benign changes in the breast – cysts, increased
connective tissue, or hyperplasia of the ducts; round or oval fluid- filled
lesions which are. Extremely common in up to 1/3 of women mid-30s
to 50 year old
Cervical cancer: due to viral infection or genetic disposition: detected by Pap smear (removal of a sample of cervical cells exam)

29. http://www. breast-cancer

31. PAP Smears and Cervical Cancer
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.
(a) Normal cells
Best protection against cervical cancer is early detection by PAP smear
cells removed from cervix and vagina; microscopically examined
Cervical cancer common among women 30-50
smoking, early age sexual activity, STDs ,and human papilloma virus
usually begins in epithelial cells in lower cervix

32. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Bacterial infections
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) -infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries. Same bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea -one of oldest known STDs cannot live outside the body for longer than a few minutes; survives only on moist surfaces vagina, the cervix, urethra, bladder, back of the throat, rectum. Untreated can lead to pelvic inflammation, arthritis, premature birth, infertility.
Chlamydia- similar to gonorrhea; most common treatable bacterial STD’ causes pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility
Syphilis- bacterial organism called a spirochete produces an ulcer. Develops in 4 stages. Latent stage can lead to stroke, blindness, deafness. Tertiary stage can occur up to 15 years after initial exposure.
Viral infections
HIV/AIDS- compromised immunity (AIDS indicated by a CD4 –Helper T-cells count <200 / normal count )
Genital Herpes -viral infection - virus enters the linings or skin through microscopic tears. Once inside, the virus travels to the nerve roots near the spinal cord and settles there PERMANENTLY. The outbreak of herpes is closely related to the functioning of the immune system. Increases in times of stress, illness, etc.

33. Oogenesis and Sexual Cycle
Oogenesis – egg production
produces haploid gametes by means of meiosis
distinctly cyclic event that normally releases one egg each month
Eggs develop within ovarian follicles (immature primordial, follicles progresses to primary, secondary, mature)
IN UTERUS fetus produces 6-7 million EGGS (oogonium) in primordial follices by 5th month of development; arrested till birth
AT BIRTH approximately 2,000,000 primordial follicles remain in the ovary. They degenerate or fail to develop in a process known as atresia.
By PUBERTY 200,000 oocytes in follicles remain in each ovary (400,000 total)
a lifetime supply
Will ovulate around 500 times
40 years later few follicles are present

34. Female Reproductive System- Oogenesis
Formation of an egg/ovum by meiosis -
Process BEGINS in the fetus
CEASES prior to birth
RESUMES after puberty
Oogonium in “FETUS” produces primary oocyte - diploid 44XX
In 3rd to 7th month of FETAL development primary oocyte BEGINS MEIOSIS I stops at PROPHASE 1 can remain in the stage for up to 50 years!!; diploid 44 XX
AT “PUBERTY” SELECTED follicles complete MEIOSIS I and the primary oocyte forms 2 haploid cells (22X each):
 secondary oocyte + first polar body (non-functional cell)
 Secondary oocyte begins meiosis II reaching the metaphase II stage of meiosis II and is released during ovulation
At “SYNGAMY” (fusion with sperm), the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II to form: ) A MATURE FUNCTIONAL OVUM ) second polar body

35. The ovum is released during ovulation in at this stage
Primary oocyte develops 3-7 mos. Initiates Meiosis 1 Prophase 1
44XX
At puberty, Meiosis I finishes and forms a secondary oocyte – it begins Meiosis II but stops at Metaphase II
The ovum is released during ovulation in at this stage
22X
The release secondary oocyte will not complete Meiosis II until the sperm and egg join. Once fertilization occurs the oocyte completes Meiosis II

36. http://classconnection. s3. amazonaws

37. Fertilization meiosis II complete mature ovum
Phases of Meiosis
Fetus - 50 years
Primary oocyte
Ovulation Secondary
oocyte released
At and after Puberty
Secondary
oocyte produced
Fertilization meiosis II complete mature ovum

38. Sexual cycle OVARIAN CYCLE - events IN OVARIES divided into 2 phases:
Sexual cycle are events that recur every month when pregnancy does not intervene. Consists of two interrelated cycles controlled by shifting patterns of hormone secretion
OVARIAN CYCLE - events IN OVARIES divided into 2 phases:
A) Follicular phase (pre-ovulatory) first ½ of the cycle
Follicles ovary mature; ends with ovulation- release of oocyte
Hypothalamus secretes GnRH stimulating the release of FSH from the anterior pituitary
FSH secretion begins to rise in the last few days of the previous menstrual cycle; highest and most important during the first week of the follicular phase– stimulates estrogen secretions
B) Luteal phase (post-ovulatory) second ½ of the cycle
BEGINS each month after puberty. Rising estrogen levels stimulate the hypothalamus to secrete GnRH
GnRH stimulates anterior pituitary to release LH
Under the influence of the pre-ovulatory LH surge, the first meiotic division of the oocytes is completed
MENSTRUAL CYCLE - PARALLEL changes IN UTERUS

39. Under the influence of pre-ovulatory LH the first meiotic division of the oocytes is completed

40. Ovarian Cycle - FOLLICULAR Phase

41. Ovarian Cycle (OC) - events in OVARIES
FOLLICULAR PHASE (PRE-ovulatory)
Primordial follicle development
Primary follicle development
Secondary follicle development
Tertiary follicles/Graafian Mature Follicles
Ovulation

43. Ovarian Cycle = Follicular phase - Primordial follicle
In 3 month “FETUS”, oogonia divide by mitosis
Form diploid PRIMARY OOCYTE surrounded by 1 layer of flat squamous GRANULOSA follicular cells that support the oocyte. PRIMORDIAL FOLLICLE; accounts for 90 – 95% of follicles in fetus.
Primary oocytes begin meiosis I but stop at prophase I
The ovarian cortex surrounding the primordial follicles consists of collagen fibers and fibroblast-like stromal cells.
Each month after puberty, FSH and LH stimulate development of primordial follicles into primary follicles.
Primordial follicle – primary oocyte

44. Ovarian Cycle = Follicular phase - Primary follicles
The layer of follicular granulosa cells in the PRIMARY FOLLICLE surrounding the oocyte CHANGE from squamous to cuboidal.
As the follicle grows, microvilli from the granulosa cells interact with microvilli from the surface of the oocyte to form a layer of
Primary follicle primary oocyte
glycoprotein gel called the zona
pellucida BETWEEN the oocyte and the granulosa cells.
Contains vital enzymes that assist in fertilization.
regulates interactions between ovulated eggs and free- swimming sperm during and following fertilization.

45. “OC” Follicular phase-Secondary Follicles
Primary follicles continue to grow around maturing larger oocytes
Oocyte secretions draw connective tissue theca cells that surround the follicle's outermost layer form 2 layers: theca externa and interna.
theca externa – outer fibrous capsule blood vessels / collagen fibers
theca interna –HORMONE secreting layer producing Androstenedione, pre-cursor for synthesis of estrogens and androgens; absorbed by granulosa cells then converted to estrogens.
Estrogen is the driving force of OVARIAN cycle inhibiting the release of LH that would trigger ovulation. Nearing the END of the ovarian cycle, FSH stimulates GnRH to increase levels of LH on granulosa cells; estrogen drops off dramatically.
Collectively the mass of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte are called the cumulus oophorus (co) and begin to secrete follicular fluid which builds up in a cavity called the antrium in the center of the secondary follicle. The innermost layer of cells separates from the “co” and becomes firmly attached to the zona pellucida; now called the corona radiata
SECONDARY follicle – PRIMARY oocyte

47. CO secrete fluid antrium
Secondary follicles
Secrete androstenedione
CO secrete fluid antrium

48. Ovarian Cycle = Follicular phase- Secondary
1-Primary follicle
2- granulosa cells
3- oocyte
4- zona pellucida
5- nucleus
9- theca folliculi 5

49. Ovarian Cycle Follicular phase
Tertiary follicles/Graafian Mature Follicles
Secondary follicle becomes larger maturing into a Graafian (mature) follicle with larger antrum/cavity
Graafian follicles can attain a tremendous size that is hampered only by the availability of FSH
Rise in LH stimulates primary oocyte to complete meiosis I; forms SECONDARY oocyte [receives most of the cytoplasm] and non-functional polar body [packet of discarded nuclear material].
Once secondary oocyte is formed, begins meiosis II but stops at metaphase II. Will not complete meiosis II until fertilized.
Mature graafian follicle soon ruptures and releases is secondary oocyte – a process known as Ovulation.
Tertiary follicle – secondary oocyte
Animation-oogenesis:

50. Rise in LH initiates primary oocyte to complete meiosis I forming secondary oocyte

52. Ovarian Cycle Ovulation
Graafian follicle (mature) secretes hormones
LH stimulates proteolytic enzymes and inflammation weaken follicular walls resulting in rupture = ovulation
secondary oocyte (surrounded by zona pellucida and corona radiata (the inner most layer of granulosa cells) is released from the ovaries
The oocyte and “layers” moves into the peritoneal cavity-cilia of the fimbriae sweep it into fallopian tube(estrogen activates fimbriae causing it to swell with blood and hit the ovary in a gentle sweeping motion)
Normally takes 3-4 days for an oocyte to travel to uterine cavity from the infundibulum
Surface of ovaries in older women are scarred and pitted, evidence of multiple ovulations

54. Ovarian Cycle Follicular / Luteal Phase

55. Ovarian cycle - events in OVARIES
LUTEAL PHASE (post-ovulatory) second ½ of the cycle

56. Ovarian Cycle LUTEAL Phase
During Luteal phase GnRH stimulates LH more than FSH
High LH levels trigger Ovulation - only spikes for hrs
Follicular jacket made of THECA CELLS with LH receptors remains in the ovaries and continues to secrete hormones to support potential / early pregnancy – becomes CORPUS LUTEUM
Corpus luteum secretes PROGESTERONE
progesterone thickens the uterus lining (stimulates uterine glands) in anticipation of potential implantation–impregnation
10X INCREASE IN PROGESTERONE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE LUTEAL PHASE
Rise in progesterone; decline in estrogen “SUPPRESSES” GnRH “No FSH and LH secretion”- in expectation of pregnancy
Unless pregnancy occurs, corpus luteum begins to degenerate after 12 days and becomes the corpus albicans
Progesterone levels decline; Ovarian cycle begins again
Contraceptive pills - progesterone & estrogen combination  negative feedback on the anterior pituitary & hypothalamus  prevents secretion of FSH & LH  no follicular development or ovulation  no possible pregnancy

57. Follicular jacket made of theca cells
Animation Ovulation:

58. Ovarian Cycle – Luteal Phase
Follicular Animation:

60. Uterine Tube and Fertilization
For fertilization to occur secondary oocyte must meet spermatozoa during first 12–24 hours
Fertilization typically occurs:
Near boundary between ampulla and isthmus
Peg cells in the uterine tube provides nutrient-rich environment in a fluid secretion that helps to complete capacitation of sperm and supplies nutrients for the spermatozoa and developing pre-embryo

61. Fertilization If Secondary oocyte is fertilized
Secondary oocyte completes meiosis II
Zygote is formed and undergoes early cleavage divisions
Embryonic cells secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by day 9 after fertilization occurs - signals the CORPUS LUTEUM (remains of the follicle following ovulation) to continue progesterone secretion, maintaining endometrium of uterus and providing an area rich in blood vessels where the zygote(s) can develop
Embryo implants in the uterus
Placenta is established and secretes large amounts of hormones (estrogens, progesterone, relaxin, inhibin, hCG)
hCG produced in placenta; large amounts secreted in urine; indication of pregnancy
Hormones support pregnancy and inhibit hypothalamus

63. Hormonal Regulation -CNS
Theca cells secrete androstenedione – an estrogen precursor which is absorbed by granulosa cells.
FSH stimulates growth of the follicle and synthesis of androstenedione estrogen.
LH stimulates ovulation to release secondary oocyte  follicular jacket becomes corpus luteum
Theca follicular cells have receptors for LH, which stimulates growth of the corpus luteum after ovulation
hCG supports corpus luteum

64. Hormonal Regulation - Ovaries
Estrogen 3 types: estradiol (abundant),estrone, and estriol
Maturation of female sex organs and breast
Thickening of uterine lining-endometrium
Sexual drive, vaginal lubrication
Bone and muscle growth
Distribution of adipose tissue and hair
Increase HDL; decrease LDL
Instrumental in blood clotting mechanisms
Progesterone
Breast development during pregnancy
Maintenance of uterine lining during pregnancy
Retards uterine movements; inhibits spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
Inhibin
FSH stimulates inhibin secretions which inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH- allows for cyclic hormone levels.

65. MENSTRUAL CYCLE: Parallel Uterus changes
Unfertilized secondary oocyte degenerates; Embryo not formed
No hCG to support corpus luteum it degenerates to form corpus albicans. Estrogen and progesterone levels go down
In the ABSENCE of progesterone, the spiral arteries supplying blood to the functional layer CONSTRICT, reducing blood flow, O2, and nutrients. Without nutrient and O2 support weakened arterial walls rupture releasing blood, serous fluid and endometrial tissue into connective tissues of functional zone  menstruation
Spiral arteries only temporary blood supply during luteal phase.
Functional zone affected; basilar zone supplied by straight arteries
The sloughing off of tissue is gradual, and at each site repairs begin almost at once; Occurs in patches
Process of endometrial sloughing is termed menstruation
Hypothalamus no longer inhibited  cycle restarts  GnRH secretion begins  release of FSH and LH
Ovaries usually alternate from month to month

68. Uterine Cycle (MENSTRUAL CYCLE)
Repeating series of changes in endometrium from 21 to 35 days; Average 28 days
Approx 40 mL (1.35 oz.) of blood and 35 mL of serous fluid lost in 5 days; fluid contains fibrinolysin so the blood does not clot
Divided into (3) phases that respond to hormones of ovarian cycle
MENSES during OVARIAN FOLLICULAR phase - the degeneration of functional zone
PROLIFERATIVE PHASE during OVARIAN FOLLICULAR phase
rebuilding and restoration of the endometrial tissue following menstruation stimulated and sustained by ESTROGEN secreted by the developing ovarian follicles
SECRETORY PHASE during OVARIAN LUTEAL phase (0vulation); making preparations for potential implantation
progesterone stimulation of uterine glands causes the thickening of endometrium
Activities peak approximately 12 days after ovulation
Ends as corpus luteum stops producing hormones
New cycle begins with onset of menses.

70. Ovarian Cycle Menstrual Cycle
FOLLICULAR
Primordial -primary oocyte - 1 layer of squamous follicular cells
Primary - primary oocyte - layer of granulosa cells, zona pellucida, theca folliculi
Secondary- primary oocyte - cumulus oophorus (granulosa cells), zona pellucida, corona radiata, external and internal folliculi, antrium
Tertiary/Graafian - secondary oocyte -cumulus oophorus (granulosa cells), zona pellucida, corona radiata, external and internal folliculi, larger antrium
LUTEAL- Ovulation, corpus luteum, corpus albicans
FERTILIZATION
Menstrual Cycle
Menses
Proliferative Phase during ovarian follicular phase
Secretory Phase during ovarian luteal phase

71. Blood and Nerve Supply
Uterine arteries/ arise from branches of internal iliac arteries
Ovarian arteries arise from abdominal aorta; located in the suspensory ligament
Anesthetic procedure (epidural) used during labor - target spinal nerves T10–L1

73. Female Reproductive System – Puberty and Menopause
Puberty: Begins at age 7 or 8 years
Surge of adrenal androgens (adrenarche)  growth of pubic and axillary hair
Increases in GnRH, LH, FSH
stimulate ovaries (primary follicles transform to 2nd follicles)
development of secondary female characteristics (breast, figure)
first menses (menarche)….age 12
first ovulation – about 6-9 months later
Menopause: best estimate years but can begin at any age
LAST MENSES
Due to decrease in LH and FSH RECEPTORS in the ovaries
follicular development stops
decrease in ovarian hormones (estrogens, progesterone)
infrequent menses/ menstrual periods
hot flashes, headaches, hair loss, weight gain, emotional instability, insomnia, muscular pain

74. Sterilization Procedures
Female Sterility:
Hysterectomy: surgical removal of uterus and/or ovaries and ducts
Physiological effect on hormone secretions
Tubal ligation
Oviduct is cut, folded back and tied
 access to secondary oocyte is blocked for the sperms
 ovaries continue to develop follicles and hormones
 secondary oocytes degenerate in the oviduct
 No major effect on the physiology

75. Aging of Female Reproductive System
As she enters her late 30s, the number of oocytes—and fertility—dips precipitously. By the time she reaches early 50s, original ovarian supply of about 1 million cells drops virtually to zero.
Only a small proportion of oocytes—about 500—are released via ovulation during the woman’s reproductive life. The remaining 99.9 % are eliminated by the woman’s body, primarily through cellular suicide, a normal process that prevents the spread or inheritance of damaged cells.

76. Life’s a journey - Make the most of it!