III.FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
A. Ovaries
1. Ligaments
a. Ovarian [ovary-uterus]
b. Suspensory [ovary-body wall]
c. Mesovarium [ovary-broad ligament]
B. Oogenesis
1. Oogonia [mitosis…]
2. Primary oocyte [2 million at birth and 300,000 by puberty, don’t finish meiosis I until puberty]
3. Secondary oocyte [at puberty, finish MI and halfway through MII]
4. Ovum
C. Ovarian cycle
1. Follicle– Ova plus surrounding fluid and cells in ovary
2. Development & Maturation
During first two weeks of monthly cycle, follicle mature, enlarges, moves towards ovary surface
3. Ovulation
About day 14 of monthly cycle, secondary oocyte is discharged from ovary, follicle cells remain behind in ovary
4. Corpus luteum
Follicle cells after ovulation, endocrine
5. Menopause
Depletion of follicles
D. Hormonal control
1. GnRH
Gonadotropin releasing hormone, stimulates pituitary gland
2. Estrogen
Made by follicle cells, results in secondary sex characteristics, high levels can stimulate GnRH release, results in endometrium thickening
3. FSH
Follicle Stimulating Hormone causes development and maturation of follicle
4. LH
Luteinizing Hormone results in ovulation
5. Estrogen & Progesterone
Made by follicle cells after ovulation which inhibits GnRH release, results in very thick endometrium
E. Oviduct = Uterine tube = Fallopian tube
1. Infundibulum
Widened end near ovary
2. Fimbriae
Finger-like projections on infundibulum
F. Uterus(metr-)
1. Cervix
Inferior
2. Broad ligament
Uterus to body wall
3. Perimetrium = Serosa
4. Myometrium
Very thick smooth muscle
5. Endometrium
Inner layer, shed in menses
G. Menstrual cycle
1. Endometrium, Menses
2. Hormones, GnRH, FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone
3. Puberty
a. Menarche
Marks puberty by first menstrual cycle
b. Physical signs
c. Hormones
H. Vagina
1. Fornix
Superior, surrounds cervix
2. Hymen
Inferior, thin
3. pH
Acidic
I. Vulva
1. Mons pubis
Pubic hair region over symphysis pubis
2. Labia majora
Lateral skin folds
3. Labia minora
Mucous membrane inner folds
4. Clitoris
Erectile tissue at anterior junction of labia minora, homologous to penis
5. Vestibule [glands present]
Between labia minora
6. Urethral & vaginal orifice
Within vestibule
J. Mammary glands
1. Lobes
2. Lobules
3. Lactiferous sinus is widened region
4. Lactiferous ducts
5. Nipple
6. Lactation (milk secretion)
a. Prolactin
Results in milk production
b. Human Placental Lactogen
Prepares mammary glands, made by placenta
c. Oxytocin
Milk let-down
K. Female Sexual Responses
Neural pathways similar to male, but no ejaculation
Maturation of Follicle and Oocyte video
Hormonal Control of Menstrual Cycle video