Female Reproductive System

Year Outcomes

• The key events in the female reproductive cycle include events in the ovary and uterus.
• These events are regulated by the role of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Purpose of the Reproductive System

• Specialized cells are formed for sexual reproduction, known as sperm and ova (gametes).
• Sperm and ova are brought together.
• Fertilization occurs when genetic information is combined.
• The system supports fetal development (gestation) and birth (parturition).

Ovaries

• An almond shaped organ that flanks the uterus.
• The ovaries make female gametes (ova).
• The ovaries secrete female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Accessory Ducts

• The uterine tubes (fallopian tubes).
• The uterus.
• The vagina.

Internal Genitalia

• Located in the pelvic cavity.
• Include the ovaries and duct system (uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina).

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• External sex organs

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

• Receive the ovulated oocyte.
• Site where fertilization generally occurs.

Uterus

• Receives, retains, and nourishes a fertilized ovum.

Ligaments Supporting the Uterus

• Mesometrium: Supports it laterally.
• Uterosacral ligaments: Secure the uterus to the sacrum.
• Cardinal ligaments: Run from the cervix and vagina to the pelvic wall.

Histology of the Uterine Wall

• Perimetrium: Outermost serous layer.
• Myometrium: Bulky middle layer of smooth muscle, contracts during childbirth.
• Endometrium: Mucosal lining where the embryo implants.

Endometrium

• Has a functional layer (stratum functionalis) that sheds during menstruation, and a basal layer (stratum basalis) that forms a new functionalis after menstruation and is unresponsive to ovarian hormones.

Vagina

• A thin-walled tube 8-10 cm in length.
• Extends from the cervix to the exterior.
• Functions as a birth canal for delivery and an organ of copulation.

Vulva (Pudendum)

• Includes the mons pubis, labia, clitoris, and structures in the vestibule.

Mons Pubis

• A fatty, rounded area overlying the pubic symphysis.

Labia Majora

• Hair-covered skin folds.

Labia Minora

• Skin folds lying within the labia majora.

Greater Vestibular Glands

• Flank the vaginal opening.
• Homologous to the bulbourethral glands.
• Release mucus into the vestibule for lubrication.

Clitoris

• Erectile tissue sensitive to touch
• A protruding structure that is sensitive to touch.
• Contains erectile tissue.

Ovarian Cycle

• Involves oogenesis and folliculogenesis

Folliculogenesis

• The overall development of ovarian follicles.

Oogenesis

• Is the maturation of the oocyte within ovarian follicles.

Ovarian and Uterine Cycle

• Involves changes in ovary and uterus controlled by hormones from hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and ovary.
• Ovaries change as follicles develop.
• Uterine cycle involves preparing the uterus for zygote, with the endometrium functional layer shedding if no implantation occurs.

Oestrogen and Progesterone

• Regulate the uterine cycle and are involved in oogenesis and folliculogenesis.

Timing of Possible Fertilization

• Ovulation occurs 14 days after the first day of menstruation (period).
• An egg survives approximately 1 day.
• Sperm can survive about 3 days in the female reproductive tract.