1. The Reproductive System Lesson 1: The Female Reproductive System33
The Reproductive System
Lesson 1:
The Female Reproductive System

2. 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.

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

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

5. The Female Reproductive Organs: Lateral View5

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. Features of the Fallopian Tubes
Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum
Ostium
Fimbriae 10

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Ovaries 14

15. 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

16. Vagina 16

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

18. 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

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Structure of the Breast23

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

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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. Questions? 30