FEMALE

REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
Functions of the Reproductive System

• Plays the role in the

development of the
structural and functional
differences between males
and females.
Functions of the Reproductive System
• Production of Gametes
• Fertilization
• Development and nourishment of a new individual
• Production of reproductive hormones
Formation of Gametes
• The reproductive organs in males and females produce gametes by
meiosis.
• Two consecutive cell divisions halve the chromosome number from
46 total chromosomes to 23 total chromosomes.
• Meiosis forms male and female gametes.
Female Reproductive System
• Consists of Ovaries, Uterine/Fallopian Tubes, Uterus, Vagina, External
Genitalia, and Mammary Gland
• A Group of ligaments holds the internal organs of the female
reproductive system within the pelvis.
• Broad Ligament spreads out on both sides of the uterus and attaches
to the ovaries and uterine tubes
Ovaries
• Females have two ovaries
• Is a small organ suspended in the pelvic cavity by the Suspensory
ligament—that extends from each ovary to the lateral body wall—and
Ovarian ligament—which attaches the ovary to the superior margin of
the uterus
• Mesovarium – a surface of the broad ligament by the folds of
peritoneum
Ovaries
• A layer of visceral peritoneum covers the surface of the ovary
• The inner part of the ovary is composed of loose connective tissue
where blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves are located
• The outer part of the ovary is composed of of dense connective tissue
that contains ovarian follicles
• Each ovarian follicles contains oocyte or egg
Oogenesis, Follicle Development, and
Fertilization
• The process of gamete production in females
• The cells from which the oocytes develop are called Oogonia
Oogenesis, Follicle Development, and
Fertilization
• By the fourth month of development, the ovaries contain 5 million
oogonia.
• By birth, many oogonia have degenerated, and for the remaining
oogonia meiosis has stopped in prophase I, causing them to become
primary oocytes.
• By puberty, 300,000 to 400,000 primary oocytes remain, of which
about 400 will be released from the ovaries.
• Ovulation is the release of an oocyte from an ovary. The first meiotic
division is completed, and a secondary oocyte is released.
Oogenesis, Follicle Development, and
Fertilization
• A sperm cell penetrates the secondary oocyte, the second meiotic
division is completed, and the nuclei of the oocyte and sperm cell are
united to complete fertilization.
• A primordial follicle is a primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer
of flat granulosa cells.
• In primary follicles, the oocyte enlarges, and granulosa cells become
cuboidal and form more than one layer. A zona pellucida is present.
• In a secondary follicle, fluid-filled vesicles appear, and a theca forms
around the follicle.
Oogenesis, Follicle Development, and
Fertilization
• In a mature follicle, vesicles fuse to form an antrum, and the primary
oocyte is surrounded by cumulus cells.
• During ovulation, the mature follicle ruptures, releasing the
secondary oocyte, surrounded by cumulus cells, into the peritoneal
cavity.
• The remaining granulosa cells in the follicle develop into the corpus
luteum.
• If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum persists. If there is no
fertilization, it degenerates.
Uterine Tubes • The ovarian end of
the uterine tube is
surrounded by
fimbriae.
• Cilia on the fimbriae
move the oocyte
into the uterine
tube.
• Fertilization usually
occurs in the
ampulla of the
uterine tube, which
is near the ovary.
 Uterus
• The uterus is a pear-shaped organ. The uterine cavity and the
cervical canal are the spaces formed by the uterus.
• The wall of the uterus consists of the perimetrium, or serous layer;
the myometrium (smooth muscle); and the endometrium.
Vagina
• The vagina connects the uterus (cervix) to
the vestibule.
• The vagina consists of a layer of smooth
muscle and an inner lining of moist
stratified squamous epithelium.
• The wall of the vagina produces
lubricating fluid.
• The hymen covers the vestibular opening
of the vagina in young females.
External Genitalia
• The vestibule is a space into which the vagina and the urethra open.
• The clitoris is composed of erectile tissue and contains many sensory
receptors important in detecting sexual stimuli.
• The labia minora are folds that cover the vestibule and form the
prepuce.
External Genitalia
• The greater vestibular glands produce a mucous fluid.
• The labia majora cover the labia minora, and the pudendal cleft is a
space between the labia majora.
• The mons pubis is an elevated area superior to the labia majora.
Clitoris - lined by keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium, without dermal appendages. Labia majora lined by keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium.
Mammary Glands
• Mammary glands are the organs of milk production
• .The mammary glands are modified sweat glands that consist of
glandular lobes and adipose tissue.
• The lobes connect to the nipple through ducts. The nipple is
surrounded by the areola.
• The female breast enlarges during puberty under the influence of
estrogen and progesterone.
Puberty in Females
• Puberty begins with the first menstrual bleeding (menarche).
• Puberty begins when GnRH, LH, and FSH levels increase.
 Menstrual Cycle
• Refers to series of
changes that occur in
sexually mature,
nonpregnant.
Menstrual Cycle
• The cyclical changes in the uterus are controlled by estrogen and
progesterone produced by the ovary.
• Menses (from day 1 to day 4 or 5): Menstrual fluid is produced by
degeneration of the endometrium.
• Proliferative phase (from day 5 to day of ovulation): Epithelial cells
multiply and form glands.
• Secretory phase (from day of ovulation to day 28): The endometrium
becomes thicker, and endometrial glands secrete. The uterus is
prepared for implantation of the developing blastocyst by day 21.
Menstrual Cycle
• Estrogen stimulates proliferation of the endometrium, and
progesterone causes thickening of the endometrium. Decreased
progesterone causes menses.
• FSH initiates the development of the follicles.
• Estrogen produced by the follicles stimulates GnRH, FSH, and LH
secretion, and FSH and LH stimulate more estrogen secretion. This
positive-feedback mechanism causes FSH and LH levels to increase
near the time of ovulation.
• LH stimulates ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum.
Menstrual Cycle
• Estrogen and progesterone inhibit LH and FSH secretion following
ovulation.
• If fertilization does not occur, progesterone secretion by the corpus
luteum decreases and menses begins.
• If fertilization does occur, the corpus luteum continues to secrete
progesterone and menses does not occur.
Menstrual Cycle - Endometriosis
• Condition in which endometrial tissue migrates from the lining of the
uterus into the peritoneal cavity, where it attaches to the surface of
organs.
Menstrual Cycle – Ectopic Pregnancy
• Results if implantation occurs anywhere other than the uterine cavity
• The uterine tube is the most common site of ectopic pregnancy
• It is fatal to fetus and can rupture the tube
Cervix
• 2-3 cm in length
• A narrow portion, or neck, of the uterus
• Allow fluids to pass between the uterus and vagina
• A common site for cell exchange that may indicate cancer
• Plays important role in menstruation, pregnancy, fertility, vaginal
delivery, and protecting the uterus.
• Cervix is narrow at both ends, and wider in the middle
• Internal OS: The opening that leads to uterus
• Endocervical canal or Endocervix: a tunnel that extends from your
internal OS to the ectocervix
• Ectocervix: Part of cervix that bulges onto the top of the vagina
• External OS: opening that leads to your vagina
Menopause
• The cessation of the menstrual cycle.
• Happens in females of 40s to 50s
• The whole time period from the onset of irregular cycles to their
complete cessation is called the female climacteric.
• Follicles that remain become less sensitive to stimulation by FSH and
LH, and fewer mature follicles and corpora lutea are produced.
Female Sexual Behavior and the Female Sex
Act
• Female sexual drive - hormone-reliant
• Factors affecting sexual behavior
• Testosterone-like hormones
• Estrogen
• Psychological factors
• Human Sexual Response Cycle - physiological events during
intercourse
• Excitement - tensing muscles and increasing heart rate and blood
pressure
• Erectile tissue swells with blood
• Mucous glands within the vestibule secrete small amounts of
mucus
• Larger amounts of mucus are excreted into the vagina through its
wall
• Mucus - acts as lubricant during sexual intercourse
• Plateau
• Rapid breathing
• Continuous muscle tension
• Vaginal contraction
• Clitoris retraction
• Orgasm
• Climax
• stimulation of the female’s genitals
• Not necessary for the occurrence of fertilization
• Resolution - sense of satisfaction
Control of Pregnancy
• Control of pregnancy
• Long-acting reversible contraception
• Permanent methods of birth control
• Hormonal methods of birth control
• Barrier methods of birth control
• Fertility awareness based method of birth control
• Emergency contraception
• Traditional methods of birth control
Infertility in Females
• Causes of infertility in females include malfunctions of the uterine
tubes, reduced hormone secretion from the pituitary or ovary, and
interruption of implantation.