The Female Reproductive System

Riami
Lab.Anatomi FK UHT
 The PELVIC INLET (BRIM)
extends from promontory of
the sacrum, arcuate line of
the ilium, pectineal line
(pecten of pubis) and pubic
crest. Some people divide
the pelvis into a greater (or
false) pelvis and lesser (or
true) pelvis. They are
separated by using the
pelvic brim as the limiting
line. The false pelvis is
located above the pelvic
brim and the true pelvis
below the brim.
 THE PELVIC DIAPHRAGM
The PELVIC DIAPHRAGM consists of:
Pubococcigeus, Iliococcigeus, and
Ischiococcigeus (or Coccigeus)
muscles.

All structures above the pelvic

diaphragm are called PELVIC
STRUCTURES (autonomic NS)
All structures below the pelvic
diaphragm are called PERINEAL
STRUCTURES (somatic NS)

The UROGENITAL DIAPHRAGM is a

perineal structure
THE FEMALE PERINEUM
PERINEUM: The perineal region is the part
of the trunk below the pelvic diaphragm. In
the lithotomy position it is a diamond-
shaped space whithin has the same
boundaries as the outlet of the pelvis.

a. UROGENITAL TRIANGLE:
- pubic arch, pubic symphysis, arcuate lig.
- inferior rami of ischiopubic bones
- ischial tuberosity
b. ANAL (ANORECTAL) TRIANGLE:
- iscihial tuberosity
- sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligs.
- tip of the coccyx
 Organs of Female Reproductive
System
External genitalia :Vulva

Internal genetalia :
 Ovaries
 Fallopian tubes
 Uterus
 Vagina
External Genitalia,
collectively called
Vulva:
Mons Pubis
 fatty, rounded
area over the
pubic area
 During adolescence
sex hormones
trigger the growth
of pubic hair on
the mons pubis
 Labia Majora
 2 fatty skin folds
(homologous with
scrotum)
rima pudendi
/pudendal cleft
 “Outer lips” – darker
pigmentation
 Are covered with hair
and sebaceous glands
 Commisura anterior
 Commisura posterior
Labia Minora
 “Inner lips”
 smaller folds covered with
mucosa and richly supplied
with sebaceous glands
 Located inside the labia
majora
 Praeputium clitoridis
 Frenulum clitoridis

vestibulum vaginae
 orificium vagina
 orificium urethra ext
 lesser vestibular
glands/vest m (Skene
gland) lateral to the
urethral orifice
 greater vestibular glands/
vest M( Bartholini gland)
lateral to the vaginal
orifice.
Clitoris
 Contains erectile
cavernous tissue like the
penis
 Housed in a hood of
tissue (prepucium)
formed by the junction
of labia minora
 Highly sensitive organ
composed of nerves,
blood vessels, and
erectile tissue
 2 crura
clitoridis/r.inf.os.ischii
M.ishiocavernosus-
>corpora cavernosa c.
corpus.cgland.clitoris
 Lig.suspensorium clitoris
: c-- symp.pubis,crura c
 Hymen at distal end
(external opening)
there may be an
extension of the
mucosa partly or
completely covering
the vaginal orifice
 highly vascular
-LABIALIS MAJOR/MINOR
A .LABIALIS ANT (A.PUDENDA
EXT)
A.LABIALIS
POST(A.PUDENDA.EXT)

-CRURA / CORPORA CAVERNOSA

CLITORIDIS
A.PROFUNDA CLITORIDIS

-GLAND.CLITORIDIS
A.DORSALIS CLITORIDIS

P.LIMFE G.EXT-
Lnn. INGUINALIS SUPERF.
• LABIA MAJOR / MINOR
N. LABIALIS ANT
N.LAB.POST
.
BULBUS VESTIBULI
PLEX.UTERO VAGINALIS

CLITORIS N.DORSALIS
CLITORIS
Internal
genetalia :

 Uterus
 Tuba Fallopii
 ovarium
 Vagina
The Uterus

• Is pear-shaped,
7.5 cm long, 5 cm
diameter, weighs
30–40 g
• Normally bends
anteriorly near
base :anteflexi-
anteversi
The Fundus
 Is rounded portion of
uterus body:
 superior to
attachment of
tuba uterina
The Uterine Body
 Also called corpus
 Is largest portion of
uterus
 Ends at isthmus
The Cervix
 Is inferior portion of
uterus
 Extends from isthmus to
vagina
 Distal end projects
about 1.25 cm into vagina
• Cervic uteri
– Portio
supravaginalis
– Canalis cervicis
– Portio vaginalis
3 Suspensory Ligaments of Uterus
1.Uterosacral ligaments
and extend from
uterus to sacrum.

2.Round ligaments
/lig.teres uteri
extend through
inguinal canal, end
in connective
tissues of external
genitalia.

1. 3.Lateral (cardinal)
ligaments extend
from base of
uterus and vagina
to lateral walls of
pelvis
Relations
 Anteriorlyuterovesical
pouch of peritoneumn
superior surface of the
bladder or on coils of
intestine.
 The supravaginal cervix
is related directly to
bladder, separated only
connective tissue.
 Posteriorly—>pouch of
Douglas, << intestine
 Laterally—the broad
ligament and its contents
(see below); the ureter
lies
12 mm lateral to the
supravaginal cervix
 Posteriorly—>pouch of
Douglas, << intestine
 Laterally—the broad
ligament and its contents
(see below); the ureter
lies
12 mm lateral to the
supravaginal cervix
 The Cervix uteri
 Orificiun uteri int
 Canalis cervicis
 orificium uteri ext
 Porxio vaginalis
 Porxio
supravaginalis
nulliparous external os 
circular
after childbirthatransverse slit
non-pregnant consistency of
the nose
Pregnandsoft consistency of
the lips.
Blood supply
 the internal iliaca
the base of the broad
ligament
 cervix and branches to
the upper vagina.
internal iliac veins, but
they also communicate
via the pelvic plexus with
the veins of the vagina
and bladder.
Nerves of
 Autonomic fibers from
hypogastric plexus
(sympathetic)
 Sacral segments S3 and S4
(parasympathetic)
Lymph drainage
Fundus,cranial corpuslnn
lumbalis/Ao/para Ao
Caudal corpuslnn iliaca
ext
Cervixlnn iliaca ext,iliaca
int, sacralis
Near tuba uterina,lig.teres
uteri lnn inguimalis
superf
The broad ligament contains
or carries :
 the Fallopian (uterine) tube
in its free edge;
 the ovary, attached by the
mesovarium to its posterior
aspect;
 the round ligament;
 the ovarian ligament,
crossing from the ovary to
the uterine cornu
 the uterine vessels and
branches of the ovarian
vessels;
 tuba uterina /tuba fallopii

 Are hollow, muscular

tubes about 13 cm
long
 Transport oocyte
from ovary to
uterus
 3 Segments of the Uterine Tube
Pars uterina tubae/intersti
Isthmus
Ampula
Infundibulum:
 an expanded
funnel near ovary
 fimbriae extend
into pelvic cavity
 Inner surfaces
lined with cilia
that beat toward
middle segment
ostium abdominalis
tubae
Blood supply
r.Tubarius A
uterina
R.Tubarius
A.ovarica
Lnn
---.>lnn lumbalis/Ao

Inn
plex.ovaricus
Plex. Hypogastricus
inf
 The Ovaries
• Are small, almond-
shaped organs:
– near lateral walls
of pelvic cavity
– 5 cm long, 2.5 cm
wide, 8mm thick
– weigh 6–8 g

FUNCTION
1. Production of immature female gametes
(oocytes)
2. Secretion of female sex hormones
(estrogens, progestins)
3. Secretion of inhibin:
 feedback control of pituitary FSH
 Ovary Support
• Mesovarium
• Lig.ovarii proprium
(Ovarian ligament):
– extends from
uterus to ovary
• Lig.Suspensorium
ovarii:
– extends from
ovary to pelvic
wall
– Contains major
blood vessels of
ovary
 The Vagina

• Is an elastic,
muscular tube that
xtends between
cervix and
vestibule

• 7.5–9 cm long and

highly distensible

• Fornix:
– is shallow recess
surrounding cervical
protrusion
 Vaginal Muscles
 2 bulbospongiosus muscles:
 along either side of vaginal entrance

 cover vestibular bulbs

Vestibular Bulbs
 Are masses of erectile tissue:
 on either side of vaginal entrance

 Have same embryological origins as corpus spongiosum of

penis
Blood supply
internal iliac artery via
its vaginal, uterine, internal
pudendal and middle rectal
branches.
Avenous plexus drains via
the vaginal vein into the
internal iliac vein.

Lymphatic drainage (s
◊Upper third  external
and internal iliac nodes.
•◊Middle third  internal
iliac nodes.
◊Lower third  superficial
inguinal nodes.
 Structural Support
• Ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus:
– are enclosed in broad ligament
• Broad ligament:
– attaches to pelvic cavity
– becomes continuous with parietal peritoneum
 Uterine/Fallopian tubes:
 run along broad ligament
 open into pelvic cavity lateral to ovaries
 The mesovarium:
 stabilizes position of each ovary
 Structural Support Con’t
• Broad ligament subdivides peritoneal cavity into:
– rectouterine pouch:
• between uterus and anterior surface of colon
– vesicouterine pouch:
• between uterus and posterior wall of bladder

 Broad ligament:
 limits side-to-side movement and rotation
 Other ligaments within mesentery sheet of
broad ligament:
 prevent superior–inferior movement
 are connected to ovaries or uterus
 Ovaries and Relationship
to Uterine Tube and Uterus

Figure 28–14
 The Ovaries
• Are small, almond-
shaped organs:
– near lateral walls
of pelvic cavity
– 5 cm long, 2.5 cm
wide, 8mm thick
– weigh 6–8 g
FUNCTION
1. Production of immature female gametes
(oocytes)
2. Secretion of female sex hormones
(estrogens, progestins)
3. Secretion of inhibin:
 feedback control of pituitary FSH
 Ovary Support
• Mesovarium
• Ovarian ligament:
– extends from uterus
to ovary
• Suspensory ligament:
– extends from ovary
to pelvic wall
– Contains major
blood vessels of
ovary
– Vessels connect to
ovary at ovarian
hilum:
• where ovary attaches to
mesovarium
 Oogonia
• Also called stem
cells of females:
– complete mitotic
divisions before
birth
Fetal Development
 Between third and
seventh months:
 primary oocytes prepare
for meiosis
 stop at prophase of meiosis
I
 Atresia
• Is the degeneration of primordial follicles:
• Ovaries have about 2 million primordial follicles at
birth:
– each containing a primary oocyte
• By puberty:
– number drops to about 400,000
 Process of Oogenesis
• Primary oocytes remain in suspended development
until puberty
• At puberty:
– rising FSH triggers start of ovarian cycle
 Each month thereafter:
 some primary oocytes are stimulated to develop
further
Oogenesis: 2 Characteristics of Meiosis
1. Cytoplasm of primary
oocyte divides unevenly:
– producing 1 ovum
(with original
cytoplasm)
– and 2 or 3 polar bodies
(that disintegrate)
2. Ovary releases
secondary oocyte (not
mature ovum):
 suspended in
metaphase of meiosis II
 meiosis is completed
upon fertilization
The Ovarian Cycle
Ovarian Follicles
 in cortex of ovaries where
oocyte growth and
Ovarian Follicles
meiosis I occur
Primary Oocytes
Primary Oocytes
 in outer part of ovarian cortex
 near tunica albuginea

 in clusters called egg nests

Primordial Follicle
• Each primary oocyte in an egg
nest:
– is surrounded by follicle
cells
• Combination of primary oocyte
and follicle cells form a
primordial follicle
 The Ovarian Cycle
• After sexual maturation:
– a primordial follicle is activated each month
• Is divided into:
– follicular phase (preovulatory phase)
– luteal phase (postovulatory phase)
STEPS
1. Formation of primary
follicles that become Ovarian Follicles
granulosa cells
Primary Oocytes
2. Formation of secondary
follicles w/ follicular fluid
that accumulates between
inner and outer layers of
follicle
3. Formation of a tertiary
follicle when the primary
oocyte produces secondary
oocyte and polar body, then
the secondary oocyte drifts
free in antrum
 Zona pellucida - region surrounding primary oocyte containing
microvilli and glycoproteins
 Thecal cells - surround follicle and work with granulosa cells to
produce estrogens
 Antrum - Is the expanded central chamber of follicle and is
surrounded by granulosa cells
 Corona radiata - granulosa cells associated with secondary
oocyte
4.At ovulation the tertiary
follicle releases secondary
oocyte
Ovarian Follicles
5. Formation of corpus
luteum produces steroid Primary Oocytes
hormones progestins
(progesterone) from
cholesterol.
Progesterone prepares
uterine lining for
pregnancy
6. If fertilization does not
occur, the corpus luteum
degenerates about 12 days
after ovulation, and fills
with scar tissue to become
corpus albicans
The Uterus

Figure 28–18b
 The Uterus
• Provides for developing embryo (weeks 1–8)
and fetus (week 9 through delivery): mechanical
protection, nutritional support, waste removal
 The Uterine Tubes
• Fallopian tubes or
oviducts
• Are hollow, muscular
tubes about 13 cm long
• Transport oocyte from
ovary to uterus
 3 Segments of the Uterine Tube
1. Infundibulum:
– an expanded
funnel near ovary
– fimbriae extend
into pelvic cavity
– Inner surfaces lined
with cilia that beat
toward middle
segment
2. Ampulla:
– middle segment
– smooth muscle
layers in wall
become thicker
approaching uterus

3. Isthmus:
 a short segment
between ampulla
and uterine wall
 Uterine Tube Structure
• Epithelium lining uterine tube:
– contains scattered mucin secreting cells
• Mucosa is surrounded by concentric layers of
smooth muscle
 Involves:
 ciliary movement
 peristaltic contractions in walls of uterine tube
 A few hours before ovulation, nerves from
hypogastric plexus:
 “turn on” beating pattern
 initiate peristalsis
 3-4 days for oocyte from infund to uterus
The Uterus

Figure 28–18b
 The Uterus
• Provides for developing embryo (weeks 1–8)
and fetus (week 9 through delivery): mechanical
protection, nutritional support, waste removal
• Is pear-shaped, 7.5 cm long, 5 cm diameter, weighs
30–40 g
• Normally bends anteriorly near base (anteflexion),
but in retroflexion, uterus bends backward
 3 Suspensory Ligaments of Uterus
1. Uterosacral ligaments and extend from uterus to
sacrum;prevent inferior–anterior movement
2. Round ligaments extend through inguinal canal,
end in connective tissues of external genitalia, and
restrict posterior movement
3. Lateral (cardinal) ligaments extend from base of
uterus and vagina to lateral walls of pelvis and
prevent inferior movement
 The Uterine Body
• Also called corpus
• Is largest portion of uterus
• Ends at isthmus
The Fundus
 Is rounded portion of uterine body:
 superior to attachment of uterine tubes
 The Cervix
• Is inferior portion of uterus
• Extends from isthmus to vagina
• Distal end projects about 1.25 cm into vagina
 The Cervical Os
• Also called external orifice of uterus
• Is surrounded by distal end of cervix
• Leads into cervical canal
 The Cervical Canal
 Is a constricted passageway opening to uterine
cavity of body at internal os (internal orifice)
 Nerves of the Uterus
• Autonomic fibers from hypogastric plexus
(sympathetic)
• Sacral segments S3 and S4 (parasympathetic)
• Segmental blocks are anesthetic procedure used
during labor and target spinal nerves T10–L1
 The Uterine Wall
• Has a thick, outer, muscular myometrium
• Has a thin, inner, glandular endometrium (mucosa)
 The Endometrium
 Contributes about 10% of uterine mass
 Glandular and vascular tissues support
physiological demands of growing fetus
 Uterine Glands
• Open onto endometrial surface
• Extend deep into lamina propria
Estrogen
 Causes uterine glands, blood vessels, and epithelium to change
with phases of monthly uterine cycle
The Myometrium
 The thickest portion of the
uterine wall
 Constitutes almost 90% of the
mass of the uterus
 Has smooth muscle that is
arranged into longitudinal,
circular, and oblique layers and
provides force to move fetus
out of uterus into vagina
 2 Divisions of Endometrium
• Functional zone:
– layer closest to uterine cavity
– Contains most of uterine glands
– contributes most of endometrial thickness
– undergoes dramatic changes in thickness and structure
during menstrual cycle
• Basilar zone:
– adjacent to myometrium
– Attaches endometrium to myometrium
– Contains terminal branches of tubular endometrial
glands
 Cyclical Changes in Endometrium
• Basilar zone remains relatively constant
• Functional zone undergoes cyclical changes:
– in response to sex hormone levels
– produce characteristic features of uterine cycle
Appearance of Endometrium
during Uterine Cycle

Figure 28–20
 The Uterine Cycle
• Also called menstrual cycle
• Is a repeating series of changes in
endometrium
• Lasts from 21 to 35 days:
– average 28 days
 Uterine Cycle
• Responds to hormones
of ovarian cycle: LH
• Menses and
proliferative phase: FSH
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
– occur during ovarian
follicular phase
• Secretory phase: Follicular Phase Luteal Phase
– occurs during
ovarian luteal phase Estrogen
Progesterone
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
 Menses
• Is the degeneration of
functional zone:
– occurs in patches LH
• Is caused by constriction of FSH
spiral arteries: 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
– reducing blood flow,
oxygen, and nutrients
 Weakened arterial walls
rupture releasing blood into Follicular Phase Luteal Phase
connective tissues of
functional zone Estrogen
 Degenerating tissues break Progesterone
away, enter uterine lumen 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

 Entire functional zone is lost

through cervical os and
vagina
 Menstruation
• Is the process of
endometrial LH
sloughing
FSH
• Lasts 1–7 days 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

• Sheds 35–50 ml
blood Follicular Phase Luteal Phase

Estrogen
Progesterone
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
 The Proliferative Phase
• Epithelial cells of uterine
glands multiply and spread
across endometrial surface LH
restore integrity of uterine
epithelium FSH
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
• Further growth and
vascularization completely
restores functional
zoneOccurs at same time as Follicular Phase Luteal Phase
enlargement of primary and
secondary follicles in ovary
Estrogen
• Is stimulated and sustained Progesterone
by estrogens secreted by 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

developing ovarian follicles

 The Secretory Phase
• Endometrial glands
enlarge increase secretion LH
• Arteries of uterine wall
FSH
elongate and spiral 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

through functional zone

• Begins at ovulation
Follicular Phase Luteal Phase
• Persists as long as corpus
luteum remains intact Estrogen
• Peaks about 12 days after 2 4 6 8 10
Progesterone
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 2

ovulation
• Generally lasts 14 days
 Menarche
• The first uterine cycle
• Begins at puberty (age 11–12)

Menopause
 The termination of uterine cycles
 Age 45–55
Amenorrhea
 Primary amenorrhea:
 failure to initiate menses
 Transient secondary amenorrhea:
 interruption of 6 months or more
 caused by physical or emotional stresses
 The Vagina
• Is an elastic, muscular tube
that xtends between cervix
and vestibule
• 7.5–9 cm long and highly
distensible
 Cervix:
 projects into vaginal
canal
 Fornix:
 is shallow recess
surrounding cervical
protrusion
 3 Functions of the Vagina
1. Passageway for elimination of menstrual fluids
2. Receives spermatozoa during sexual intercourse
3. Forms inferior portion of birth canal
The Vaginal Wall
 Contains a network of blood vessels:
 and layers of smooth muscle
 Is moistened by:
 secretions of cervical glands
 water movement across permeable epithelium
 The Hymen
• Is an elastic epithelial fold:
– that partially blocks entrance to vagina
– ruptured by sexual intercourse or tampon usage
Vaginal Muscles
 2 bulbospongiosus muscles:
 along either side of vaginal entrance
 cover vestibular bulbs
Vestibular Bulbs
 Are masses of erectile tissue:
 on either side of vaginal entrance
 Have same embryological origins as corpus
spongiosum of penis
 The Female External Genitalia
• Vulva - also called
pudendum
– Is the area containing
female external genitalia

 Vestibule - a central
space bounded by small
folds (labia minora):
 covered with smooth,
hairless skin
 Urethra opens into vestibule:
 anterior to vaginal
entrance
Figure 28–22
 Clitoris - A small
protruberance in
vestibule
 Has same embryonic
structures as penis
 Extensions of labia
minora:
 form prepuce or hood
• Vestibular Glands
– Lesser vestibular glands:
• secrete onto exposed surface of vestibule
– Greater vestibular glands (Bartholin’s glands):
• secrete into vestibule near vaginal entrance
 Mons Pubis and Labia Majora
• Form outer limits of
vulva:
– protect and cover
inner structures
– contain adipose
tissue
• Sebaceous glands and
apocrine sweat glands:
– secrete onto inner
surface of labia
majora
 The Mammary Glands
• Secrete milk to nourish
an infant (lactation)
• Are specialized organs of
integumentary system
• Are controlled by:
– hormones of reproductive
system
– placenta

Figure 28–23a
• Mammory glands lie in pectoral
fat pads deep to skin of chest
• Nipple on each breast:
– contains ducts from mammary
glands to surface
• Areola:
– reddish-brown skin around each
nipple

 Mammory glands consist

of lobes:
 each containing several
secretory lobules
 separated by dense
connective tissue
 Suspensory Ligaments of the Breast
• Bands of connective
tissue
• Originate in dermis of
overlying skin
• Areolar tissue separates:
– mammary gland
complex
– from underlying
pectoralis muscles
•Mammary gland ducts leave
lobules, converge, and form
single lactiferous duct in each
lobe
 Female Reproductive Cycle Hormonal Control
• Involves secretions of pituitary gland and gonads
• Forms a complex pattern that coordinates LH
ovarian and
uterine cycles
FSH
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Follicular Phase Luteal Phase

Estrogen
Progesterone
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
 Follicular Development
• Begins with FSH
stimulation LH
• Monthly:
FSH
– some primordial 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

follicles develop into

primary follicles
Follicular Phase Luteal Phase
• As follicles enlarge:
– thecal cells produce Estrogen
androstenedione Progesterone
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 2

• Is a steroid hormone, an
intermediate in synthesis of
estrogens and androgens,
and absorbed by granulosa
cells and converted to
estrogens
 Estrogen Synthesis
• Androstenedione is converted to testosterone
• Enzyme aromatase converts testosterone to
estradiol - CH
• Estrone and estriol are synthesized from
androstenedione -CH
 Estrogen Function

1. Stimulates bone and muscle growth

2. Maintains female secondary sex characteristics, ie
body hair distribution and adipose tissue deposits
3. Affects central nervous system (CNS) activity
(especially in the hypothalamus, where estrogens
increase the sexual drive)
4. Maintains functional accessory reproductive
glands and organs
5. Initiates repair and growth of endometrium
 Progesterone Function

1. maintains secondary sex characteristics

2. maintains uterine walls for pregnancy.
Hormonal Regulation of the
Female Reproductive Cycle
LH

FSH
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Follicular Phase Luteal Phase

Estrogen
Progesterone
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Figure 28–26a, b
 Hormones and Body Temperature
• Monthly hormonal fluctuations affect core body
temperature:
– during luteal phase:
• progesterone dominates
– during follicular phase:
• estrogen dominates
• basal body temperature decreases about 0.3°C

Basal Body Temperature

 The resting body temperature
 Measured upon awakening in morning
 Body Temperature and Ovulation
• Upon ovulation:
– basal body temperature declines noticeably
• Day after ovulation:
– temperature rises
 Aging and the
Reproductive System
• Female reproductive system:
– changes associated with menopause
• Male reproductive system:
– changes associated with andropause
– occur gradually, over longer time period
 Menopause
• time that ovulation & menstruation cease
• Typically occurs around age 45–55
Perimenopause
 immediately preceding menopause
 Ovarian and uterine cycles become irregular:
 due to shortage of primordial follicles
 estrogen levels decline
 ovulation is not triggered

Premature Menopause
 Is depletion of follicles before age 40
 Menopause

• Circulating concentrations of estrogens and

progesterone decline
– reduction in uterus and breast size
– thinning of urethral and vaginal epithelia
– reduction in bone deposition (osteoporosis)

• Production of FSH and LH rises sharply

 Andropause
• Also called male climacteric
• Is the period of declining reproductive function
• Circulating testosterone begins to decline:
– between ages 50 and 60
• Circulating FSH and LH increase
• Sperm production continues
• Sexual activity gradually decreases:
– with declining testosterone levels
 Hormones of the
Reproductive Tract

Table 28–1 (1 of 2)
 Hormones of the
Reproductive Tract

Table 28–1 (2 of 2)