1. Unit 6 Reproduction and Development Part 1 The Reproductive Systems
ZOOL Human Anatomy and Physiology

2. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

3. Introduction Purpose of sexual reproduction Fertilization Gynecology
Diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive diseases
Urology
Urinary system and issues with male reproductive system
Andrology
Male reproductive disorders

4. Female reproductive system
Gonads – ovaries
Uterine (fallopian) tubes or oviducts
Uterus
Vagina
External organs – vulva or pudendum
Mammary glands

5. Figure 28.11 Female organs of reproduction and surrounding structures

6. Figure 28.11 Female organs of reproduction and surrounding structures

7. Ovaries Paired glands homologous to the testes Produce
Gametes – secondary oocytes that develop into mature ova (eggs) after fertilization
Hormones including progesterone, estrogens, inhibin and relaxin
Series of ligaments hold ovaries in place
Broad ligament – part of parietal peritoneum
Ovarian ligament – anchors ovaries to uterus
Suspensory ligament – attaches ovaries to pelvic wall

8. Figure 28.12 Relative positions of the ovaries, the uterus, and supporting ligaments

9. Figure 28.13 Histology of the ovary

10. Histology of ovary Germinal epithelium – covers surface of ovary
Does not give rise to ova – cells that arise form yolk sac and migrate to ovaries do
Tunica albuginea
Ovarian cortex
Contains ovarian follicles and stromal cells
Ovarian medulla
Contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves

11. Ovarian Follicles
Ovarian follicles – in cortex; consist of oocytes in various stages of development
Surrounding cells nourish developing oocyte and secrete estrogens as follicle grows
Mature (graafian) follicle – large, fluid-filled follicle ready to expel secondary oocyte during ovulation
Corpus luteum – remnants of mature follicle after ovulation
Produces progesterone, estrogens, relaxin and inhibin until it degenerates into corpus albicans

12. Figure 28.13 Histology of the ovary

13. Oogenesis and follicular development
Oogenesis begins before females are born
Essentially same steps of meiosis as spermatogenesis
During early fetal development, primordial (primitive) germ cells migrate to ovaries
Germ cells then differentiate into oogonia – diploid (2n) stem cells
Before birth, most germ cells degenerate – atresia
A “few” develop into primary oocytes that enter meiosis I during fetal development
Each covered by single layer of flat follicular cells – primordial follicle
About 200,000 to 2,000,000 at birth, 40,000 remain at puberty, and around 400 will mature during a lifetime

14. Follicular Development – Primordial Follicles
Oogenesis begins in females before they are born
Oogonium  Primary oocyte (2n)
Primary oocyte enters and remains in prophase I of meiosis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by follicular and stromal cells – the primordial follicle

15. Follicular Development – Primary Follicles
Each month after puberty, several primordial follicles develop into primary follicles
Under control of FSH and LH
Primary oocyte grows in size and forms zona pellucida around itself
Follicular cells form granulosa cells
Stromal cells form theca folliculi

16. Follicular Development – Secondary Follicles
Primary follicles develop into secondary follicles
Theca interna secretes estrogen
Theca externa structural
Granulosa cells secrete follicular fluid in antrum
Innermost granulosa layer attaches to zona pellucida forming corona radiata

17. Follicular Development – Mature Follicles
Secondary follicle becomes mature follicle
Primary oocyte completes
meiosis I just before ovulation
First polar body is discarded
Secondary oocyte begins meiosis II and awaits ovulation

18. Follicular Development - Ovulation
Secondary oocyte expelled from ovary at ovulation
If fertilized by sperm, then secondary oocyte completes meiosis II
Second polar body is discarded
Ovum unites with sperm to form a zygote (2n)

19. Figure Oogenesis

20. Tuesday
Quickly review follicular development and clarify a few terms from yesterday.
Continue with uterine tube, uterus, mucus, vagina, vulva, perineum, mammary glands
Tomorrow – start the female reproductive cycle

21. Figure 28.13 Histology of the ovary
Germinal Epithelium
Tunica Albuginea
Ovarian Cortex
Follicles
Ovarian Medulla
Vessels

22. Review of Ovarian Follicles
Primordial, Primary and Secondary follicles
Contain oocytes in various stages of development
Surrounded by nourishing / hormone releasing cells:
One layer = follicular cells
Multiple layers = granulosa cells
External stromal cells  synthesize ECM + collagen
Mature (graafian) follicle
Large, fluid-filled follicle
Ready to expel secondary oocyte during ovulation
Corpus luteum (yellow body) – remnants of mature follicle
Produces progesterone, estrogens, relaxin and inhibin until it degenerates into corpus albicans (white body)

23. Outermost granulosa cells sit on basement membrane (BM)
Stromal cells become organized = theca folliculi
Zona pellucida (ZP) – clear glycoprotein layer dev. between primary oocyte and granulosa cells as follicle grows

24. Antrum – cavity fills with fluid secreted by granulosa cells
Innermost granulosa cells becomes firmly attached to ZP = corona radiate

25. Oogenesis Review Happens in ovaries each month.
The secondary oocyte took several months to mature.
If no fertilization occurs, ovulated cell degenerates.
If sperm present  meiosis II resumes and a zygote is hopefully formed.

26. Uterine (fallopian) tubes or oviducts
Provide a route for sperm to reach an ovum
Transport secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from ovaries to uterus
Parts (from ovary to uterus)
Fimbriae – “catches” ovum
Infundibulum
Ampulla – where fertilization often takes place
Isthmus – joins to uterus

27. Figure 28.16 Relationship of the uterine tubes to the ovaries, uterus, and associated structures

28. Histology of the Fallopian Tubes
Mucosa
Epithelium
Ciliated simple columnar cells  conveyor belt
Peg cells
Fluid = calcium, sodium, chloride, glucose, proteins, bicarbonates, and lactic acid
Lamina Propria
Areolar CT
Folds and papillae
Muscularis
Inner circular smooth muscle
Outer longitudinal smooth
Peristaltic contractions
Serosa

29. Fertilization Fertilization up to 24 hours after ovulation
Nuclei of sperm and ovum unite some hours after
Usually in ampulla – best enviro
Zygote (or oocyte) arrives in uterus 6-7 days after ovulation
Fertilization in the peritoneal cavity
Fimbriae didn’t sweep ooctye into lumen of tubes
Missing fallopian tube on ovulation side / hormonal imbalance.
Usually still results in an intrauterine pregnancy (meaning mechanisms other than just the action of the fimbriae act on transporting the oocytes)
Sometimes results in an ectopic pregnancy (implantation outside the uterus)

30. Uterus Size and shape of inverted pear Functions:
Nonpregnant / recently pregnany / menopause
Functions:
Pathway for spermatozoa
Site of implantation of fertilized ovum
Fetal development during pregnancy
Labor
Source of menstruation (if implantation absent)

31. Uterus Anatomy Fundus Body Isthmus Cervix (opens into vagina)
Uterine cavity
Isthmus
Cervix (opens into vagina)
Cervical canal
Normally anteflexed – anterior & superior over bladder
Ligaments maintain position – broad and round

32. Figure 28.16 Relationship of the uterine tubes to the ovaries, uterus, and associated structures

33. Figure 28.12 Relative positions of the ovaries, the uterus, and supporting ligaments

34. Uterus Histology – 3 layers Perimetrium (serosa) – outer layer
Simple squamous and areolar CT
Laterally becomes broad ligament
Myometrium – 3 layers of smooth muscle
Thickest in fundus, thinnest in cervix
Thicker middle layer = circular
Inner and outer layers = longitudinal or oblique
Contractions stimulated by oxytocin

35. Uterus Histology – 3 layers
Endometrium – highly vascularized inner layer
Three components
Lumen lining
Endometrial stroma
Endometrial glands
Two layers:
Stratum functionalis –lines cavity, sloughs off during menstruation
Stratum basalis – permanent, gives rise to new stratum functionalis after each menstruation

36. Figure 28.18 Histology of the uterus

37. Uterine Veins  Internal iliac veins
iliac arteries
Uterine arteries
Arcuate arteries
Radial arteries
Straight arterioles
Spiral arterioles
Uterine Veins  Internal iliac veins
Uterine Blood Supply
Supply blood to uterus
Myometrium
Supply stratum basalis
Help regenerate stratum functionalis
Supply stratum functionalis
Change markedly during menstruation

38. Figure 28.19 Blood supply of the uterus

39. Uterus Cervical mucus produced by cervix mucosa Cervix + mucus
Water, glycoproteins, lipids, enzymes, and inorganic salts
Thick or thin
Thick = cervical plug, impedes sperm penetration
Thin = ovulation - more hospitable to sperm, more alkaline
Supplements energy needs of sperm
Cervix + mucus
Sperm reservoir
Protect sperm from phagocytes
Protect sperm from hostile environment of tract
Capacitation

40. Wednesday
Notes on the vagina, vulva, perineum, mammary glands. Begin the female reproductive cycle.
Clarification from Jason on follicular anatomy:
theca follicula (theca interna / externa)
zona pellucida
stromal cells 
corona radiata
basement membrane
antrum
follicular cells to granulosa cells
Friday – lab period (maybe start lecture……….)
Reminder female and male repro labs + RYK are due at the end of class Friday
Monday – start our last topic

41. Vagina 4” tubular fibromuscular canal Lined with mucus membrane
Extends from exterior of body to uterine cervix
Functions:
Receives penis
Passageway for spermatozoa
Outlet for menstrual flow
Lower portion of birth canal

42. Vagina
Mucosa
Muscularis
Adventitia
Hymen

43. Vagina Mucosa Continuous with uterine mucosa
Decomposition of glycogen makes acidic environment hostile to microbes and sperm
Alkaline components of semen raise pH
Dendritic cells
Areolar CT
RUGAE

44. Vagina Muscularis Adventitia Hymen Smooth muscle
Outer circular layer & inner longitudinal layer
Stretchy
Adventitia
Superficial layer – areolar CT
Anchors vagina to adjacent organs
Hymen
Thin fold of vascularized mucous membrane

45. Vulva – External Female Genitalia
Mons pubis
Labia majora
Homologous to scrotum
Labia minora
Homologous to spongy (penile) urethra
Clitoris
Homologous to glans penis
Vestibule
External urethral orifice
Vaginal orifice
Homologous to intermediate urethra

46. Figure 28.20 Components of the vulva (pudendum)

47. Vulva – External Female Genitalia
Hymen
Paraurethral (Skene’s) gland
Homologous to prostate
Greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) gland
Homologous to bulbourethral glands
Lesser vestibular gland
Bulb of the vestibule
Homologous to corpus spongiosum and bulb of penis

48. Perineum
Diamond-shaped area medial to thighs and buttocks of males and females
Contains external genitalia and anus
Figure Perineum of a Female

49. Breasts Breasts – hemispheric projections
Anterior to pectoralis major & serratus anterior
Fascia
Nipple – pigmented projections
Openings of lactiferous ducts
Areola – pigmented area
Rough = Modified sebaceous glands
Suspensory ligaments

50. Mammary glands
Mammary gland – modified sudoriferous gland that produces milk
15-20 lobes separated by adipose tissue
Lobes divided into lobules
Lobules composed of alveoli
(milk-secreting glands)
Myoepithelial cells
Synthesis, secretion & ejection of milk = lactation
Prolactin (ant. pit.) & oxytocin (post. pit.)

51. Figure 28.22 Mammary Glands Within the Breast

52. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

53. The Female Reproductive Cycle
Typical duration days; assume 28 days
Two components:
Ovarian cycle – series of events in ovaries that occur during and after maturation of oocyte
Uterine (menstrual) cycle – concurrent series of changes in uterine endometrium preparing it for arrival of fertilized ovum
Hormonally regulated
Hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, ovaries

54. Female Reproductive Cycle Hormones
GnRH – Hypothalamus
Stimulates anterior pituitary release of LH and FSH
FSH
Initiates follicular growth
Stimulates ovarian follicles to secrete estrogens LH
Stimulates ovarian follicle development and estrogen secretion
Triggers ovulation
Promotes formation of corpus luteum (hence luteinizing)
Stimulates production/secretion of estrogens, progesterone, inhibin, relaxin

55. Female Reproductive Cycle Hormones
Estrogens – secreted by ovarian follicles
Promotes development/maintenance of female reproductive structures and secondary sex characteristics
Stimulates protein anabolism
Lowers blood cholesterol
At times, inhibits GnRH, LH, FSH
Progesterone - secreted mainly by corpus luteum
Prepares uterus for implantation
Prepares mammary glands for milk production
At times, inhibits GnRH and LH

56. Female Reproductive Cycle Hormones
Relaxin - produced by corpus luteum
Inhibits uterine contraction
Increases flexibility of pubic symphysis
Dilates uterine cervix
Inhibin – produced by follicles and corpus luteum
Inhibits secretion of FSH and LH

57. Figure 28.23 Secretion and physiological effects of hormones in the female reproductive cycle

58. Female Reproductive Cycle Phases
Menstrual phase Day 1-5
Preovulatory phase Day 6-13
Ovulation Day 14
Postovulatory phase Day 15-28

59. Menstrual Phase Day 1-5; first day of menstruation is day 1
Ovarian Events
Uterine Events
FSH stimulates primordial follicles to develop into primary follicles
Primary follicles develop into secondary follicles
Declining estrogen/progesterone levels stimulate ischemia in stratum functionalis
Stratum functionalis dies and is shed as menstrual discharge

60. Preovulatory Phase Day 6-13 Ovarian Events Uterine Events
Secondary follicles secrete estrogen and inhibin
One secondary follicle becomes dominant and develops into a mature follicle
Rising estrogen levels stimulate growth of stratum functionalis
Referred to as proliferative phase

61. Ovulation Day 14 Ovarian Events Uterine Events
High estrogen levels stimulate GnRH and LH surge
LH surge stimulates rupture of mature follicle and release of secondary oocyte into abdominal cavity
Stratum functionalis continues to grow
Still referred to as the proliferative phase

62. Figure 28.24 The female reproductive cycle

63. Figure 28.25 Hormonal Control of Ovulation
High levels of
estrogens from
almost mature
follicle stimulate
release of more
GnRH and LH
LH surge
brings about
ovulation
Ovulated
secondary
oocyte
Hypothalamus
Anterior pituitary
GnRH promotes
release of FSH
and more LH
Ovary
Corpus hemorrhagicum
(ruptured follicle)
Almost mature
(graafian) follicle LH
GnRH 1 2 3
Surrounded by zona pellucida and corona radiata

64. Postovulatory Phase Day 15-28 Ovarian Events Uterine Events
LH stimulates ruptured mature follicle to become corpus luteum
Corpus luteum secretes progesterone, estrogen, relaxin and inhibin
Also called the luteal phase
Rising progesterone/estrogen levels promote growth of stratum functionalis (SF)
Endometrial glands in SF secrete mucus (secretory phase)

65. What Happens if the Oocyte is NOT Fertilized?
In ovary
Corpus luteum lifespan = 2 weeks
Corpus luteum degenerates into corpus albicans
Progesterone and estrogen levels drop
GnRH levels rise
GnRH stimulates FSH/LH release; follicular growth resumes
A new cycle begins
In uterus
Decreased progesterone/estrogen levels stimulate ischemia of stratum functionalis; menstruation begins

66. What Happens if the Oocyte is Fertilized?
In ovary
Embryo secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
hCG stimulates corpus luteum to continue secreting progesterone and estrogen
Corpus luteum’s lifespan lasts until placenta takes over
hCG in urine = pregnancy test
In uterus
Continued secretion of progesterone and estrogen maintain thick stratum functionalis, stimulate endometrial glands to secrete glycogen and inhibit menstruation
Preparatory changes peak ~ 1 week after ovulation

67. Figure 28.26 Summary of Hormonal interactions in the ovarian and uterine cycles