1. Tony Serino, Ph.D. Biology Department Misericordia University
Reproduction: Female
Tony Serino, Ph.D. Biology Department Misericordia University

2. Female Reproduction Gonad: Ovary Gametes: Ova Duct System:
Transport ovum from ovary to uterus
Site of fertilization;
Receive and transport sperm to ovum
Capacitate sperm
House and support fetus
Deliver fetus
Supporting Structures
Sensory and protective functions

3. Female Anatomy
(oviduct or Fallopian tube)
Vulva

4. Oogenesis *
* First polar body may not divide to form others.

5. Development of Ovum and Follicle

6. Developing follicles

7. Graffian Follicles

8. Ovulation
Secondary oocyte
Zona Pellucida
Corona Radiata

9. Oviduct (Uterine or Fallopian tube)
Ampulla
Isthmus

10. Oviducts: Anatomy
Functions: transportation of ovum, sperm and zygote -capacitation of sperm -site of fertilization

11. Oviduct: three layers mucosa –composed of ciliated simple columnar epithelium muscularis -smooth muscle layer, undergoes peristaltic and segmentation contractions serosa –same as visceral peritoneum

12. Uterus: houses and supports fetus

13. Uterine Layers
Perimetrium

14. Layers of Endometrium
Functional Zone (stratum functionalis) -contains endometrial glands and spiral arteries -is shed each month
Basilar Zone (stratum basale) -regenerative layer that creates functional zone

15. Endometrial changes during cycle3 1 2 4

16. Female External Genitalia
Perineum

17. Vaginal lining
(many elastic fibers)

18. Female Hormones Hypothalamus secretes GnRH
Anterior Pituitary secretes FSH and LH
Theca cells of ovary secrete estrogens
Granulosa cells secrete inhibin
Luteal cells (modified granulosa cells) secrete progesterone

19. Ovarian and Uterine Cycles

20. Female Sexual Response
Arousal
Triggered by:
Touching of genital skin and other areas of skin
Mechanical stimulation of pressure receptors in clitoris
Erotic sights, sounds, and smells
Thoughts and memories
Increased myotonia throughout body, BP, breathing and HR
Sexual stimulation leads to accumulation of blood in vaginal tissues, labia minora, clitoris, and breasts (including areola and nipple)
Vestibular glands secrete lubricating fluid into vestibule and mucous is secreted into vagina
The vagina may expand its width and some of its length
Plateau
Increased swelling of vagina and labia minora, and become more sensitive
Clitoris may withdraw into its hood (prepuce)
Orgasm
Pleasurable rhythmic contractions of uterus, vagina and clitoris
Followed by relaxation but no refractory period

21. Development of Reproductive System
Gonads of embryo are sexually indistinguishable
Two sets of ducts present: Mullerian (female) and Wolfian (male)
Female pattern will develop as default
If XY, then testes develop and secrete testosterone
Testosterone stimulates growth of male pattern and degeneration of female pattern

22. Internal Genital Development
Both Wolfian and Mullerian ducts form
With advent of functional testis and testosterone secretion; Wolfian ducts stimulated to develop; Mullerian ducts inhibited by AMH
Without functioning testes, Wolfian ducts degenerate and Mullerian ducts develop female pattern

23. External Genitalia Development

24. Descent of Testes Begins at 7 months gestational
The testes are attached at their inferior margin to the scrotal swelling by the gubernaculum
Growth of the individual and retraction of the gubernaculum allow the testes to descend into the scrotum
An extension of the parietal peritoneum (Vaginal process) maintains an opening into the scrotum and forms the inguinal canal

25. Reproductive Development
Much of the system’s development occurs after birth –during adolescence
Generation of functional sex cells and secondary characteristics dependent on fully functional gonads in both sexes

26. Menopause Cessation of reproductive function with age
Occurs only in women (men slow down function but do not cease unless pathology occurs)
Women see steep decline in pituitary and ovarian hormone production that eventually stops both ovarian and uterine cycles
Woman said to complete menopause after one year without menses

27. STDs –sexually transmitted diseases
Syphilis –bacterial (Treponema)
Invades mucosae and abraded skin, can be transmitted at birth
Incubation period from 2-3 weeks, then primary chancre develops
This heals in a week, several weeks later the secondary lesion develops
The secondary lesion (skin rash) disappears in 3-12 weeks
Tertiary lesion (gummas) completely destructive lesions may erupt
Treatable with penicillin

28. STDs –sexually transmitted diseases
Gonorrhea
Bacterial (Nisseria)
Commonly called“the Clap”
Infects mucosa layers, spreads by contact with genital, anal or oro-pharyngeal mucosae
Symptoms vary but can include urethritis, whitish discharge, abnormal bleeding, sterility
Treatable with antibiotics
New strains have developed that are resistant to antibiotics

29. STDs –sexually transmitted diseases
Warts –viral, human papillomavirus (HPV)
Increases risk of certain cancers (penile, vaginal, cervical, and anal)
Treatment is difficult

30. STDs –sexually transmitted diseases
Herpes –viral (herpes simplex 2 and others)
long incubation period (weeks to years)
Flares up as painful, itchy blister like lesions
Secretions from lesions are infectious
Little threat to individual (though linked with cancers)
Definite threat to fetus, triggering severe malformations
New antiviral drugs helpful, but no cure
Remain infected for life

31. STDs –sexually transmitted diseases
Chlamydia –bacterial
most common STD in US (4-5 million infected)
women may be asymptomatic
Incubation period is one week
Symptoms: urethritis, painful urination, discharge, painful sex, abdominal pain, and sterility
Can infect fetus causing eye and respiratory infections
Treatable with antibiotics
Pubic Lice (pediculosis)–arthropod (“Crabs”)
Caused by Phthirus pubis, itching and small pale blue spots present
Lives principally in hair of pubic region (but may inhabit facial hair), acquired through sexual relations, contaminated clothing, bedding or toilet seats

32. STDs –AIDS AIDS –viral (HIV), an RNA retrovirus
Transmitted by exchange of infected cells between hosts
Only antibody test available to determine exposure
Incubations period measured in months to years (8-10 in some cases)
Symptoms: severe weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, increase infections and cancer rates
100% fatal, 30 million infect worldwide
Leading cause of death in Americans years of age

33. Contraception Methods