Female Reproductive Anatomy

Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy

• The female reproductive tract is a series of interconnected tubes.
• Key structures include ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia.
• Ovaries are gonads: producing gametes (eggs, ova, oocytes) and hormones.

Ovary Structure and Function

• Oocytes are found within follicles.

• The cortex contains various structures like corpus hemorrhagicum (bloody body), corpus luteum (yellow body), corpus albicans (white body).

• Primordial follicles are the most immature and contain an oocyte and a single layer of surrounding cells.

• Primary follicles are a slightly more advanced stage than primordial follicles, with a single layer of surrounding cells, containing an oocyte.

• Secondary follicles have multiple cell layers and a fluid-filled space (antrum).

• Antral follicles (also called graafian follicles) are mature follicles containing a fluid-filled antrum and multiple layers of cells.

• Granulosa cells within follicles produce estrogens.

• The theca cells produce androgens.

• Follicle fate includes atresia (follicle death).

• Only one or two follicles typically mature and ovulate per cycle.

Oviducts

• Function in transporting sperm, ova, and embryo.
• Site of fertilization (typically in the ampulla).
• Oviducts provide a suitable environment.
• The oviducts (composed of infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus) have thickest portion, ampulla.

Uterus

• Provides a suitable environment for the embryo and sperm.
• Crucial for female pregnancy.
• Produces prostaglandins (PGF2α) that cause luteolysis (the breakdown of the corpus luteum), part of the menstrual cycle management.
• Provides maternal contribution to the placenta.
• Houses and nourishes the developing offspring during pregnancy.

Cervix

• Secretes mucus, lubricating the vagina during copulation.
• Mucus acts as a filter, potentially flushing out foreign material.
• Pregnancy-associated mucus thickening in cervix for pregnancy seal.

Vagina

• Acts as copulatory organ and pathway for urine expulsion.
• Assists with the passive birth process.
• Epithelial cells change in thickness and function (depending on hormones).

Vulva

• External part of the female reproductive tract.
• Function as entry point for sperm and passageway for urine.
• Helps prevent microorganism entry into the tract.