1. Female Reproductive System
Chapter 8
Female Reproductive System

2. Female Reproductive System
Sexual reproduction is the union of the nuclei of the female sex cell (ovum) and the male sex cell (sperm) that results in the creation of a new individual
Sex cell is called a gamete
Gametes are produced in special organs call gonads. (female=ovaries; male= testes)
An ovum leaves the ovary and travles down the fallopian tubes. If coitus (sexual intercourse) occurs and sperm cells are present in the fallopian tubes, fertilization may take place. The embryo then will begin a 40 wk gestation/ pregnancy in the uterus

3. Ovaries Ovary= (oophor/o or ovari/o) Ovary=Female gonads or sex glands
Located in the pelvic cavity and attached to the uterus by ligaments
Graafian Follicles: small sacs in the ovaries containing immature ovum. When the ovum matures, the follicle releases the ovum and ovulation occurs
Bilateral Oophorectomy: (oophor/o=ovary; -ectomy= removal); female castration; removal of both ovaries
Bilateral Salping-oophorectomy: (salping/o=fallopian tubes; removal of both the fallopian tubes and ovaries
Pelvic exenteration- removal of internal and external organs in the region of the hip

4. Fallopian Tubes
Adnexa Uteri- (adnexa=accessory); fallopian tubes and ovaries are considered accessory organs
Fallopian Tubes; (salping/o)
Two tubes attached to the upper part of the uterus
Lateral ends located above the ovaries but no direct connection
Fimbriae: finger-like projections help move the ovum from the ovary to the fallopian tube
Passageway for ovum as it moves from the ovary to the uterus
Fertilization typically takes place in the fallopian tubes
Ectopic pregnancy: (ec-=outside; top=place/position; -ic= pertaining to); pregnancy outside the uterus often occurring in the fallopian tubes
Pyosalpinx- Py/o= pus; pus (infection) in fallopian tubes

5. Organs of the female reprodutive system (anterior view).
Fig. 8-3.
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6. Uterus Uterus: (metr/o; metr/i; uter/o)
Hollow, muscular , pear-shaped organ
Located behind urinary bladder but in front of the rectum in pelvic cavity
Three parts:
Fundus- top section
Corpus- body of organ
Cervix- (neck) bottom section that attaches to the vagina
Pap Smear- test for cervical cancer

7. Uterus Functions: Organ of menstruation
Allows for the development and growth of the fetus
Contracts to aid in expulsion of fetus during birth
Three Layers:
-Endometrium- (endo=in, within; metri/i=uterus) epithelial mucosa of uterus; layer that sloughs off during menstruation
-Myometrium- (my/o=muscle; metr/i=uterus) the middle, muscular layer
-Uterine Serosa: outer, membranous tissue layer

8. Female Reproductive parts
Vagina- (colp/o); muscular tube that connects cervix of uterus to the exterior of the body (PH acidic)
Coloposcopy- visual exam of the vagina
Vulva- (vulv/o); external female genitalia
- Bartholin’s glands= two small glands on either side of vaginal opening that secretes mucous for lubrication
Labia Majora= outer lips of vagina
Labia Minora= smaller, inner lips of vagina
Clitoris= sensitive, erectile tissue
Perineum= region b/w vaginal orifice and anus
Episiotomy- (episi/o=vulva; -tomy= incision) incision of perineum during childbirth

9. Breasts or Mammary Glands
Located in the upper anterior region of chest
Contain lobes separated into sections of connective and fatty tissues
Milk ducts (lactiferous) located in tissue on surface of nipple
Aerola- dark pigment around the nipple
Mammary papilla- nipple of the breast
Gynecomastia- (gyn/o=women); abnormal development of breast tissue in a MALE

10. Organs of the female reprodutive system (lateral view).
Fig. 8-1.
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11. Organs of the female reprodutive system (anterior view).
Fig. 8-3.
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12. Views of the breast (A: sagittal; B: frontal).
Fig. 8-4AB.
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13. Menstruation
Menarche= the beginning of menstruation at the time of puberty
Menstruation- monthly discharge of blood from the lining of the uterus
Metrorrhagia- excessive flow b/w periods
FSH- _______________________________
Produced by the endocrine gland located below the brain
LH-_________________________________

14. Menstruation and Pregnancy
Menstrual cycle is divided into 28 days and 4 intervals
Day 1-5= shedding of uterine lining and bleeding is discharged through vagina (menstruation); FSH causes follicles to enlarge and secrete estrogen (begins endometrial repair) and sm amounts of progesterone
Day 6-12= endometrium begins to repair itself as the hormone estrogen is released by the graafian follicle in the ovary; surge of LH and the follicle ruptures and expels ovum leading to ovulation
Day 13-14= ovulatory period (graafian follicle ruptures and the egg leaves the ovary to travel down the fallopian tube
Day 15-28= Estrogen and progesterone (hormone needed to sustain pregnancy and stimulates FSH & LH to shut off) are released and stimulates the building up of the endometrium in anticipation of fertilization; without fertilization FSH &LH shut down, estrogen and progesterone drop and endometrium begins process of sloughing off again
***Days 12-15= Most likely to become pregnant during coitus

15. The menstrual cycle. Back MENU Forward Fig. 8-5.
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16. Pregnancy
If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg (zygote) travels to the uterus
Implantation occurs in endometrium
Placenta= vascular organ now forms within the uterine wall
Fetus is surrounded by amnion and amniotic fluid
Placenta produces a hormone called HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin); this is the hormone tested for in pregnancy tests
Pregnancy lasts for 9 months (gestation)
Fetus is delivered with uterine contractions and this stimulates the cervix to dilate (widen)
Placenta is delivered and known as “afterbirth”

17. Terms Neonatology- (neo=new; nat/i=birth;
-logy=study of); study of and treatment of newborns
Parturition= the act of giving birth
Dystocia= painful labor and deliver
Oxytocia= rapid labor
Cephalic Version- turning the fetus during delivery
Hysterectomy: (hyster/o=uterus, womb);
Surgical removal of uterus
-parous= to bring forth or bear
-gravid/o= pregnancy

18. Contraception
Birth Control Pills: works on negative feedback mechanism; decreases FHS and LH from the anterior pituitary gland and thus no ovulation occurs=no fertilization
Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a thin rubber dome with a springy and flexible rim. It is inserted into the vagina, fits over the cervix and is held in place by vaginal muscles. A diaphragm holds spermicide in place over the cervix (opening to the uterus). Spermicide kills sperm, preventing fertilization. After intercourse, it should be left in place for 6-8 hours. Diaphragms are 86-94% effective as birth control.

19. Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
IUD: Intra-Uterine Device; plastic or copper wire placed in uterus for long period of time; can cause PID

20. Contraception
Norplant- sub-dermal implants containing estrogen and progesterone can be effective up to 5 years
Condom- latex covering over the
tip of the penis and traps the sperm
- Tubal Ligation- surgical sterilization to present the passage of the ovum
-Rhythm Method- temporary abstinence; avoiding intercourse during 4 days before ovulation and 3 days after ovulation

21. Contraception
Mini-Pill - Unlike the pill, the mini-pill only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin. Taken daily, the mini-pill thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus (womb). The mini-pill also can decrease the flow of your period and protect against PID and ovarian and endometrial cancer. A back-up method of birth control is needed if you take the pill more than three hours late.

22. Contraception
The Female Condom – Worn by the woman, this barrier method keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is made of polyurethane, is packaged with a lubricant, and may protect against STDs, including HIV. It can be inserted up to 24 hours prior to sexual intercourse. Female condoms are 79 to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. There is only one kind of female condom, called Reality.

23. Contraception
Depo-Provera – With this method women get injections, or shots, of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. Women should not use Depo-Provera for more than 2 years in a row because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density that increases the longer this method is used. The bone does start to grow after this method is stopped, but it may increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis if used for a long time. It is 97% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The Patch (Ortho Evra) –This is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks, and then do not wear a patch during the fourth week in order to have a menstrual period. The patch is 98 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but appears to be less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds. It does not protect against STDs or HIV.

24. Contraception
Contraceptive Sponge - This is a barrier method of birth control that was re-approved by the Food and Drug Administration in It is a soft, disk shaped device, with a loop for removal. It is made out of polyurethane foam and contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Before intercourse, you wet the sponge and place it, loop side down, up inside your vagina to cover the cervix. The sponge is 84 to 91% effective at preventing pregnancy in women who have not had a child and 68 to 80% for women who have had a child.
The Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing) – The NuvaRing is a ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. You squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert it into your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring. The ring is 98 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and ischemic strokes are some of the side effects being associated with NuvaRing.

25. Contraceptive sponge

26. Nuva Ring

27. Pathological Disease & Conditions
Carcinoma of the cervix- malignant cells within the cervix
Conization- cone-shaped section of the cervix removed
D & C- Dialation and Curettage- may be used to detect endometrial cancer
Cryocaurterization- freezing of tissue for removal/biopsy
Cervicitis- inflammation of the cervix
Leukorrhea (whitish discharge)
Carcinoma of the endometrium- malignant tumor of the uterus
Endometriosis- endometrial tissue is found in abnormal locations; including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, supporting ligaments or small intestines
Fibroids- benign tumors in the
uterus

28. Pathological Disease & Conditions
Ovarian Carcinoma- malignant tumor of the ovary
Ovarian cysts- collections of fluid within a sac in the ovary
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)- inflammation in the pelvic region
Carcinoma of the breast (breast cancer)- malignant tumor or the breast arising from milk glands and ducts
Fibrocystic Disease- small sacs of tissue and fluid in the breast

29. Carcinoma of the cervix.
Fig
(From Damjanov I: Pathology for the Health-Related Professions,
Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1996, page 381.)
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30. Pathological Disease & Conditions
Abruptio Placentae- premature separation of the implanted placenta
Choriocarcinoma- malignant tumor or the pregnant uterus
Ectopic Pregnacy- implantation of the fertilized egg in any site other than the normal uterine location
Placenta Previa- placental implantation over the cervical os or in the lower region of the uterine wall
Preeclampsia- a condition that occurs during pregnancy or shortly afterwards and is marked by high blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema. If seizures occur, the condition is known as eclampsia or toxemia

31. A) Implantation. B) Placenta and membranes.
Fig. 8-6AB.
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32. Neonatal Conditions
Down Syndrome- chromosomal abnormality results in mental retardation, stunted growth, flat face with short nose, low-set ears and slanted eyes
Erythroblastosis Fetalis- hemolytic disease in the newborn caused by a blood group (RH factor) incompatibility between the mother and the fetus
Hyaline Membrane Disease- respiratory problem primarily in the premature neonate; lack of protein in the lining of the lung tissue causes collapse of lungs
Hydrocephalus- accumulation of fluid in the spaces of the brain
Kernicterus- high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream of a neonate; leads to brain damage and mental retardation
Pyloric Stenosis- the narrowing of the opening of the stomach to the duodenum

33. Obtaining a sample for a Pap smear.
Fig
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