The Female Reproductive System

1. The Female Reproductive System

2. Female Reproductive Anatomy

3. Female Reproductive System Essential organs Accessory organs 1. ducts – including oviducts, uterus, and vagina 2. sex glands – including the breasts. 3. external genitals • Gonads or ovaries

4. Ovaries • Resemble large almonds • Attached to ligaments in the pelvic cavity on each side of the uterus • Ovarian follicles – contain an oocyte, which is an immature sex cell (about 1 million at birth) • About 350-500 mature follicles ovulate during the reproductive lifetime of most women

5. Function of the Ovaries Oogenesis – process of meiosis that produces one ova and three smaller polar bodies that degenerate Production of estrogen and progesterone Estrogen causes development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics Progesterone stimulates secretory activity of uterine epithelium and assists estrogen in initiating the menstrual cycle.

6. Reproductive Ducts • The fallopian tubes or “oviducts” are hollow tubes connecting the ovary to the uterus. • The developed egg will travel from the ovary to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. They are lined with cilia that help move the egg through. • The fimbrae are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that surround the ovary.

7. Reproductive Ducts • The uterus is a strong elastic muscle. It is about the size of your fist, and will hold and nourish developing embryos/fetuses. Lies in the pelvic cavity just behind the urinary bladder.

8. Reproductive Ducts The vagina is also commonly known as the “birth canal.” It is a muscular and elastic passageway leading to the outside of the body.

9. Female Reproductive Anatomy • The endometriumis the inner lining of the uterus. • The cervix is the opening of the uterus.

10. Accessory (Supportive) Sex Glands • Bartholin’s Glands or Greater Vestibular Glands • secrete mucus-like lubricating fluid • Breasts • size determined by fat quantity more than amount of glandular (milk-secreting) tissue

11. External Genitals (Vulva) Consists of the following: mons pubis, clitoris, orifice of urethra, labia minora, hymen, duct of Bartholin’s gland, orifice of vagina, libiamajora. Pg 507 Perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus Episiotomy – is the cutting of the perineum during childbirth

12. The Female Reproductive System As a female reaches puberty, hormones cause egg cells to mature in her ovaries. Ovulation or Ovarian Cycle, the release of one mature egg cell each month, begins. Like sperm, the egg contains the genetic material need to create new life, and consists of 23 chromosomes.

13. The Female Reproductive System • Ovarian Cycle: • The ovum is formed in a process called oogenesis. • During ovulation, the ovum is released into the fallopian tube. Ovulation usually occurs during day 14 of the cycle. • The ovum is usually fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation. • If the ovum is not fertilized, then menstruation will occur.

14. The Female Reproductive System • Menstrual Cycle: • The endometrium thickens as the follicle matures. (Step 1 of the Ovarian Cycle) • If the ovum is fertilized, it will implant (or attach) itself into the endometrium. • If the ovum is not fertilized, menstruation- the shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining) out of the body, will occur.

15. The Female Reproductive System The menstrual cycle is the sequence of event in the reproductive system that occurs from one menstruation to another. Menstruation itself usually lasts from five to seven days. A cycle usually lasts about 28 days, but it varies from one female to another. Phases – Menses, Proliferative phase, and Secretory

16. Fertilization Fertilization is the joining of male and female reproductive cells to make the first cell of a new human.