FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

DOMINGUEZ, NIKKA E.
 01
Overview
❏ The internal genitalia : vagina, uterus, cervix, uterine
tubes: oviducts or fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

❏ The external genitalia : perineum, mons pubis, clitoris,

urethral or urinary meatus, labia majora and minora,
vestibule, greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands, Skene
glands, and periurethral area.

❏ Mammary Glands
ORGANS OF THE
REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 FUNCTIONS
1. Produce and sustain the female sex cells (egg cells or ova).

2. Transport these cells to a site where they may be fertilized by sperm.

3. Provide a favorable environment for the developing fetus.

4. Move the fetus to the outside at the end of the development period (giving birth).

5. Produce the female sex hormones (such as estrogen).

6. Breastfeeding a baby after birth.

 Menstrual cycle

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 Ovulation

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 Pregnancy

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 Labor and delivery

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 Gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH) five main hormones that control
made by the hypothalamus. It travels to another
part of the brain where it controls the release of
1 the reproductive cycle
FSH and LH.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
released by the anterior pituitary, carried by the
bloodstream to the ovaries. Here it stimulates the
immature eggs (ova) to start growing.
2
Luteinising hormone (LH)

3
released by the anterior pituitary and travels to the
ovaries. Triggers ovulation and encourages the
formation of a special group of cells called the
corpus luteum.

Oestrogen

4
produced by the growing ova and by the corpus luteum.
Helps to control the levels of GnRH, FSH and LH. This
helps to prevent the development of too many ova; helps
to develop and maintain many of the female reproductive
structures.

Progesterone
released by the corpus luteum. It works with oestrogen to
thicken the lining of the uterus ready for the implantation
of a fertilised ovum. It also helps to prepare the breasts for
releasing milk. High levels of progesterone control the
5
levels of GnRH, FSH and LH.
External Genitalia
Vulva- also known as the pudendum, is a term used to describe those external organs that
may be visible in the perineal area.

The vulva consists of the following organs:

● mons pubis
● labia minora and majora
● hymen
● Clitoris
● Vestibule
● Urethra
● Skene glands
● greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands
● vestibular bulbs
● Mons pubis - also called the mons veneris and
provides protection over the junction where the pubic
bones meet.

● Anterior Labial commissure - The anterior part of the

labia majora folds comes together to form this just
directly beneath the mons pubis.

● Prepuce of Clitoris - The inner folds of the vulva form a

hood of skin, hood of the clitoris, to protect.

● Glans of clitoris - the externally visible portion of the

clitoris.

● Frenulum of clitoris - The line of union of the inner

portions of the labia minora on the undersurface of the
glans of the clitoris.
● Urethral opening (meatus) - from which urine is ejected
during urination, also known as the external urethral
orifice.

● Labia minora - “small lips” surround the openings to the

vagina and urethra. This skin is very delicate and can
become easily irritated and swollen.

● Labia majora - “large lips” enclose and protect the other

external reproductive organs. Hair growth occurs on the skin
of the labia majora, which also contain sweat and oil-
secreting glands.

● Paraurethral glands (or Skene glands) - secrete mucus

during sexual activity, also known as the lesser vestibular
glands. Also believed to act as an antimicrobial. This
antimicrobial is used to prevent urinary tract infections.

● Vaginal opening - called the vaginal vestibule or introitus.

It is where menstrual blood leaves the body. Also used to
birth a baby and for sexual intercourse.
● Vestibule - a triangular area between the clitoris and the
vaginal introitus, where the urethral (urinary) meatus is
found.

● Opening of greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland -

responsible for secreting lubrication to the vagina.

● Hymenal caruncle - Any of the various tabs or projections

or small rounded elevations, surrounding the vaginal orifice
after rupture of the hymen.

● Vestibular (navicular) fossa - is a boat-shaped depression

between the vagina or hymen and the frenulum of labia
minora.

● Posterior labial commissure - A slight fold uniting the labia

majora posteriorly in front of the anus.

● Perineal raphe - is a visible line or ridge of tissue on the

human body that extends from the anus through the
perineum.
Internal Genitalia
 Hymen

The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the

opening to the vagina. Though hymens can range in
shape and size, most are shaped like a half-moon.
This shape allows menstrual blood to leave the
vagina.
 Vagina

muscular canal lined with nerves and

mucus membranes. It connects the
uterus and cervix to the outside of the
body, allowing for menstruation,
intercourse, and childbirth.
 Cervix
Is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). It is a small round
organ, with an opening called the os. The cervix forms a canal, which
joins the top of the vagina to the lower part of the womb. This is called
the endocervical canal.
The Cervix Is Divided Into:

● Ectocervix – the outer surface of the cervix.

● Endocervix – the inside of the cervix.

The Types Of Cells That Form The Cervix Are:

● Squamous cells – flat, thin cells that look like skin and cover
the outer surface of the cervix

● Glandular cells – cells shaped like columns that make a fluid

called mucus and cover the inside of the cervix.
Uterus
Is shaped like an upside-down pear, about 3
inches long by 2 inches wide by 1 inch deep
superior to the urinary bladder and between the
two ovaries in the pelvic cavity. The broad ligament
also covers the uterus. During pregnancy the
uterus increases greatly in size, contains the
placenta to nourish the embryo-fetus, and
expels the baby at the end of gestation.
 FUNCTIONS

Fundus of Uterus Body of Uterus

The wide portion at the top of the
Cavity of uterus, accept a
uterus and it will be the superior-
fertilized ovum which passes
most region that will host a
through the utero-tubal junction
fertilized embryo as it grows
from the fallopian tube.
into a baby.

Perimetrium
Outer serous layer of the uterus.
The serous layer secretes a
lubricating fluid that helps to reduce
friction. Also part of the peritoneum
that covers some of the organs of
the pelvis.
Myometrium
Middle and thickest layer
of the uterus wall. It is
made up mostly of smooth
muscle.
 FUNCTIONS

Endometrium
The inner layer that lines the
uterus. It is made up of
glandular cells that make
secretions.

CONSIST OF TWO LAYERS

BASILAR FUNCTIONAL
LAYER LAYER
Adjacent to the myometrium,
Regenerated and lost during
is vascular but very thin and
each menstrual cycle.
is a permanent layer.
Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

Narrow tubes that are attached to the

upper part of the uterus. They serve as
tunnels for the ova to travel from the
ovaries to the uterus. The fertilisation of
an egg by a sperm (conception) normally
occurs in the uterine tubes. The fertilised
egg then moves to the uterus, where it
implants into the lining of the uterine wall.
 Divided into:
Lateral - medial

Infundibulum Ampulla Isthmus Interstitial Part

funnel-shaped opening widest section of the narrow section of the Also known as Intramural
near the ovary to which uterine tubes. Fertilization uterine tubes connecting part, it is 1.25 cm long and
fimbriae are attached. usually occurs here. the ampulla to the uterine lies within the wall of the
cavity. uterus.
Finger like mucosal projections
are attached to the distal end of
the infundibulum and are referred
to as fimbriae.
Ovaries
Structure of the
Ovaries:
● Ovaries are female gonads or glands that exist in pairs in humans and each lie on
the ovarian fossa present on the lateral wall of the pelvis.

● 2-3 cm long, 2 cm wide ; 1 cm in thickness.

● Ovaries are attached to the upper part of the uterus by the ovarian ligament called
mesovarium ; connected to the fallopian tubes by a deep tissue called an
infundibulopelvic ligament.

● An ovary is surrounded by a capsule which encloses an outer cortex and an inner

medulla. The capsule is a fibrous connective tissue called tunica albuginea.
Functions of
the Ovaries:
● Gamete production

● Hormone secretion
 Mammary Glands
Is a gland located in the breasts of females
that is responsible for lactation, or the
production of milk.

Both males and females have glandular tissue

within the breasts; in females the glandular
tissue begins to develop after puberty in
response to estrogen release.

Mammary glands only produce milk after

childbirth.
● Nipple - the small raised area in the center of the
breast through which milk can flow to the outside.

● Areola - The area of dark-colored skin on the breast

that surrounds the nipple.

● Adipose tissue - stores lipid (fat), acts as filler tissue,

cushions, supports, and insulates the body. This is a
loose, connective tissue composed of sac-like adipose
cells; they are specialized for the storage of fat.

● Lactiferous duct - are those ducts that converge and

form a branched system connecting the nipple to the
lobules of the mammary gland.

● Lactiferous glands - The compound alveolar

apocrine secretory gland that forms the breast. It
consists of 15-24 lobes, each consisting of many
lobules.
HORMONE EFFECTS ON THE MAMMARY
GLANDS
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reinforces the
concept
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instead of a long text
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES
Endometriosis
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of
the womb (uterus). Endometriosis is a condition where
tissue similar to endometrial tissue is found outside the
uterus. It is 'trapped' in the pelvic area and lower tummy
(abdomen) and, rarely, in other areas in the body.

Currently it is not known what causes endometriosis.

There are many responsible factors, possibly including
genetic, immunological and hormonal reasons.
Symptoms

Painful periods.
Painful sex.
Pain in the lower tummy (abdomen) and pelvic area
bleeding in between periods.
Difficulty becoming pregnant (reduced fertility)
Other symptoms include fatigue, pain on passing poo (faeces)
pain in the lower abdomen when you pass urine, low back pain and, rarely, blood in the urine or faeces.
Very rarely, patches of endometriosis occur in other sites of the body.
Treatment
Painkillers for endometriosis
Hormone treatments for endometriosis
Surgery
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer begins in the lining
(endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer
begins in the layer of cells that form the lining
(endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is
sometimes called uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is
often detected at an early stage because it frequently
produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. If endometrial
cancer is discovered early, removing the uterus
surgically often cures endometrial cancer.
Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Bleeding between periods
Pelvic pain

Risk factors
Changes in the balance of female hormones in the body
More years of menstruation
Never having been pregnant
Older age
Obesity
Hormone therapy for breast cancer
An inherited colon cancer syndrome
Treatment

Chemotherapy
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted drug therapy
Immunotherapy
Supportive (palliative) care
 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels.

Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts
of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them
to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to
get pregnant. PCOS also causes hair growth on the face
and body, and baldness. Can contribute to long-term
health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to almost 27

percent of women during their childbearing years. It
involves cysts in the ovaries, high levels of male
hormones, and irregular periods.
Symptoms
Irregular periods
Heavy bleeding
Hair growth
Acne
Weight gain
Male-pattern baldness
Darkening of the skin
Headaches.

Risk factors
Infertility
Metabolic syndrome
Sleep apnea
Endometrial cancer
Depression.
 Treatment
Birth control
Metformin
Clomiphene
Hair removal medicines
Surgery