Untitled Quiz

Introduction

• The female reproductive system is more intricate than the male system, as it has additional functions beyond producing gametes.
• Key functions of the female reproductive system include gamete production and delivery, provision of nourishment and protection for the developing fetus, childbirth, and infant nourishment.
• The female system is characterized by cyclic hormonal activity, which follows a more complex pattern than the male's.

Female Reproductive System - Terminology

• Meiosis: The cellular process that creates sperm and egg cells.
• Gametes: The reproductive cells; egg (ovum) and sperm.
• Gonads: The reproductive organs; ovaries (female) and testes (male).
• Zygote: The fertilized egg cell, containing the genetic material from both parents.
• Sex cells: Cells that contain either one (haploid) or two (diploid) sets of chromosomes.
• Diploid: A cell containing two sets of chromosomes (46 in humans).
• Haploid: A cell containing a single set of chromosomes (23 in humans).

Female Reproductive Anatomy

• The female reproductive tract comprises various internal and external structures. Internal structures include the uterus, uterine tubes, ovaries, and vagina. External structures include the vulva, mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibular glands.

Frontal View of the Female Anatomy

• The female reproductive organs are supported and stabilized by various ligaments.
• The ovaries are attached to the uterus and the pelvic wall through various ligaments.

Ovaries

• Ovaries are almond-shaped female gonads that release egg cells and hormones.
• Nestled deep within the pelvic wall, they are encased in a capsule (tunica albuginea).
• They are comprised of a cortex housing developing follicles and the medulla with blood vessels.
• Ovaries function in producing egg cells (ova), and hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Oogenesis

• Oogenesis is the process of ovum (egg) production. This process begins before birth and continues into adulthood.
• It involves the differentiation of oogonia, stem cells, into mature oocytes.
• Meiosis is essential in this process.

Follicle Development

• Follicles represent the site of oocyte growth and oogenesis.
• Follicle development progresses through defined stages, from primordial, to primary, secondary, and tertiary (Graafian) follicles.
• The final stage, the Graafian follicle, is characterized by increased size and fluid-filled antrum, an important characteristic required for successful ovulation.

Ovarian Cycle

• The ovarian cycle involves the maturation of follicles, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum.
• It is roughly 28 days long in average.
• The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) controls the development of follicles during the follicular phase.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.
• The corpus luteum produces progesterone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy or initiates menstruation if fertilization does not occur.

Luteal Phase

• The luteal phase is the second phase of the ovarian cycle, following ovulation.
• The corpus luteum, formed from the follicle, produces progesterone.
• Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for potential implantation.
• If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum degrades, leading to a drop in progesterone and menstruation.

The Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

• The fallopian tubes, also known as uterine tubes, transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
• These tubes have three segments: the infundibulum (with fimbriae), ampulla, and isthmus.
• The fimbriae helps in collecting the ovulated oocyte from the ovary; the ampulla, the main site of fertilization, while the isthmus serves as a connection to the uterine wall.
• The uterine tubes are lined with cilia that helps move the egg, and the muscular structure helps in pushing the egg towards the uterus.

The Uterus

• The uterus is a pear-shaped organ that houses the developing embryo and fetus.
• Its wall is composed of three layers: the perimetrium (outer layer), myometrium (middle layer of smooth muscle), and endometrium (inner lining).
• The endometrium is essential in implantation and developing in response to hormones during the menstrual cycle.
• The uterus has different anatomical structures such as fundus, body, and cervix.

Uterine Histology

• The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus.
• It has two main layers: the functional layer (soughed during menstruation) and basal layer (regenerates the functional layer).
• Specialized glands in the endometrium secrete materials for potential embryonic nutrition.

Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

• The menstrual cycle refers to the monthly changes in the uterus.
• It typically lasts for 28 days and involves the preparation of the uterine lining for the potential arrival of the fertilized egg.
• Hormonal changes are crucial in this process, including the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels.

Menstrual Cycle Phases

• The process of the menstrual cycle encompasses three phases: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory.
• The menstrual phase is characterized by the shedding of the uterine lining.
• Estrogen stimulates the proliferative phase, thickening the lining in preparation for implantation.
• Following ovulation, the secretory phase involves the continuous buildup of progesterone and glycogen, further preparing the lining for potential embryo implantation.

Hormones during Pregnancy

• Progesterone maintains the uterine lining during pregnancy.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ensures that the corpus luteum remains active, preventing the uterine lining from shedding.

External Genitalia

• The external genitalia of the female reproductive system (the vulva).
• The mons pubis is a fatty pad that covers the pubic area; labia majora are larger folds of tissue on either side of the vulva; labia minora are smaller inner folds; clitoris is the homologous structure of the penis in the male and the vestibule is the space between the labia minora, filled with glands.

Vagina

• The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the cervix to the vestibule.
• Normal flora in the vagina maintains an acidic environment, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Rugae or folds are visible in the vagina; they are important for allowing expansion during sexual intercourse and childbirth.

Methods of Birth Control

• Various methods of birth control are available, including behavioral, hormonal, and surgical methods.
• Behavioral methods involve abstinence, rhythm, and withdrawal.
• Hormonal methods use medications to inhibit ovulation.
• Surgical methods like tubal ligation prevent fertilization.

The Female Sexual Cycle

• The female sexual cycle involves cyclical changes in the ovary and uterus, coordinated by hormonal signals.
• The ovarian cycle involves follicle development and ovulation.
• The uterine cycle involves the preparation of the uterine lining for potential implantation.

Differences between Male and Female Reproductive Systems

• Males have spermatogonia throughout their lives, while women's egg production is limited.
• Meiosis is completed by the female only if fertilization occurs.

Check Point

• This contains a list of review questions about the female reproductive system, including details about parts, phases, hormones, and birth control methods.