Female Reproductive System: Anatomy and Function

• The female and male reproductive systems are crucial for sexual reproduction
• They produce gametes (sex cells) and hormones, facilitating fertilization and development

Female Reproductive System Anatomy

• The female reproductive system includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, the cervix, and the vagina
• Ovaries are responsible for producing oocytes (eggs) and female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone
• Fallopian tubes (oviducts) transport oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and are the site of fertilization
• The uterus is a muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy; its inner lining, the endometrium, thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle
• The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina
• The vagina is a muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body, serving as the birth canal and the entry point for sperm
• The vulva constitutes the external female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening

Male Reproductive System Anatomy

• The male reproductive system consists of testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, and the penis
• Testes produce sperm and male sex hormones, primarily testosterone, within the seminiferous tubules
• The epididymis is a coiled tube attached to the testis where sperm mature and are stored
• The vas deferens (ductus deferens) transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
• Seminal vesicles secrete fluids rich in nutrients and enzymes that contribute to semen volume and support sperm motility
• The prostate gland produces alkaline fluid that neutralizes the acidity of the vaginal tract, enhancing sperm survival
• Bulbourethral glands secrete a clear, mucus-like fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acidic residue before ejaculation
• The penis is the external male organ through which sperm are ejaculated into the female reproductive tract

Reproductive Hormones

• Reproductive hormones regulate the development, function, and behavior of reproductive systems in males and females
• Key hormones include:
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): In females, FSH stimulates follicle development in the ovaries and estrogen production; in males, FSH stimulates sperm production in the testes
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH): In females, LH triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone; in males, LH stimulates testosterone production in the testes
  • Estrogen: Promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, regulates the menstrual cycle, and supports pregnancy
  • Progesterone: Primarily involved in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining the uterine lining during gestation
  • Testosterone: Promotes the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, sperm production, and libido
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Released by the hypothalamus, GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH
• Hormonal Regulation in Females
  • The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones involving GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone
  • The cycle consists of the follicular phase (follicle development and estrogen secretion), ovulation (release of the oocyte), and the luteal phase (corpus luteum formation and progesterone secretion)
  • If fertilization occurs, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) maintains the corpus luteum to continue progesterone production
• Hormonal Regulation in Males
  • Testosterone production is regulated by a negative feedback loop involving GnRH, LH, and testosterone
  • LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone
  • Increased levels of testosterone inhibit the release of GnRH and LH, maintaining hormonal balance

Overview of the female reproductive system, including ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Focus on the production of oocytes and hormones, fertilization process and their respective functions.