Ch 27: Female Reproductive Ch 27: Female Reproductive SystemSystem

All organs are internal and closely associated– Primary reproductive organs: ?

– Secondary reproductive organs: ?

Female repro system must produce gametes AND maintain developing embryo

Fig 27-11

OvariesOvaries

Suspended by ovarian ligament & suspensory ligament

Functions: 1. Ova production 2. Hormone production

Oogenesis Oogenesis ((= ovum production)= ovum production)

takes place inside ovarian follicles in ovaries as part of ovarian cycle

Oogonia (= stem cells) complete mitotic divisions before birthAt birth: ~ 2 mio primary oocytes

At puberty: ~ 400,000 primary oocytes

40 years later: 0 (even though only ~ 500 used) Atresia

OogensisOogensisOvarian cycles start at puberty under influence of ___

Primordial follicle

Primary follicle

Secondary follicle

Tertiary (Graafian follicle)

Each month some proceed

Few proceed

Few proceed

Fig 27-12

(simple squamous layer)

Primordial Follicle or Egg Nests

in cortex

Present at birth

Primary Follicle

OocytesFollicle cells

Follicles enlarge in response to FSH and produce estrogens

Few relative to number of primary follicles

Produce follicular fluid

Rapid enlargement

= Clear glycoprotein layer

Secondary Follicle

Tertiary or Graafian Follicle

Spans entire width of cortex

First meiotic division being completed: 1oocyte divides into one 2 oocyte and one polar body

Ovulation

Happens in tertiaryfollicle

OogenesisOogenesisSuspended in prophase I

Stops in Metaphase II

Oocyte and follicular cells shed into abdominal cavity

then1. Empty follicle forms corpus luteum which produces

progesterone

2. Corpus luteum degenerates and becomes corpus albicans

3. GnRH increases under low estrogen and progesterone levels

Ovulation

Uterine Tube= Fallopian tube = oviduct

= salpinx

Two muscular tubes– infundibulum with fimbriae– Ampulla (place of fertilization)– Isthmus– intramural portion

Tubal ligation

Fig 27-14

Uterine Tube HistologyCiliated and non-ciliated

simple columnar epithelium

Ciliary movement and periodic peristaltic contractions move ova

Secretion of nutrient substances

The Uterus

Uterine wall ~ 1.5 cm

made up of

1. Endometrium,

2. Myometrium,

3. Incomplete perimetrium

Blood supply– Uterine arteries from internal iliac– Ovarian arteries from abdominal

aorta (inferior to renal arteries)

Fig 27-16

Histology of Endometrium

Functional zone – deciduum, sheds during menses – menstruation - flow sheds functionalis layer of

endometrium– proliferative phase - under influence of estrogen

basal cells proliferate– secretory phase - progesterone maintains

functionalis

Basilar zone – permanent layer, deep to functionalis

Fig 27-16

Functions of UterusFunctions of Uterus

Protection of embryo/fetus

Nutritional support

Waste removal

Ejection of fetus at birth

Cervix and VaginaCervix attaches to vagina at ~ 90° angle

Fornix – pocket surrounding uterine cervix (surgical access to pelvic cavity; location of birth control device)

Vagina – fibro-muscular organ serving as– receptacle for intercourse– passageway for menstrual products– birth canal

Fig 27-20b

The Mammary GlandModified sweat gland

Overlaying the ____________ muscle

15-20 separate lobes separated by suspensory ligaments; each lobe contains several secretory lobules

Lactiferous ducts leaving lobules; converge into 15-20 lactiferous sinuses

Milk stored in lactiferous sinus until released at tip of nipple

Fig 27-21

Lymphatic Drainage of Mammary Glands . . . . . . is of considerable clinical

importance, why ??