Female Reproductive System - ch.28

Mar 15, 2025

Lecture Notes: Female Reproductive System

Overview

  • Function and Purpose:
    • Production and development of gametes.
    • Hormone production.
    • Nurturing and development of embryo and continuation beyond birth.

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

  • Key Structures:
    • Uterus
    • Uterine Tubes
    • Ovaries
    • Various ligaments and membranes

Uterus

  • Extends into uterine tubes and ovaries.
  • Ligaments:
    • Broad ligament (fine, spider-web like membrane).
  • Pouches:
    • Recto-uterine pouch
    • Vesico-uterine pouch

Ovaries

  • Function: Gonads producing gametes (oocytes) and specific hormones.
  • Tissues:
    • Suspensory ligament (attaches ovary to body wall).
    • Stroma (where follicles mature).
    • Cortex (outer part where follicles mature) and Medulla (central region).

Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

  • Proximal portion near ovary with fringe-like extensions called fimbriae.
  • Tissues:
    • Ciliated to assist movement of oocyte.
  • Regions:
    • Ampulla: widened area where fertilization occurs.
    • Isthmus: passageway to uterus.
  • Cells:
    • Peg cells: secrete nutrient-rich fluid aiding sperm and embryo development.

Uterus Structure

  • Support: Suspended by various ligaments.
  • Parts:
    • Body
    • Fundus: dome-shaped top
    • Cervix: distal end, extending into vaginal passage.
  • Vascularization: Branching from internal iliac arteries.

Uterine Wall Layers

  • Perimetrium: Outer serous membrane.
  • Myometrium: Thick muscular layer with three layers of smooth muscle.
  • Endometrium: Inner lining with dynamic changes during cycles.
    • Functional Layer: Changes with menstrual cycle.
    • Basal Layer: Consistent, maintaining uterine structure.
  • Arteries: Arcuate, radial, straight, and spiral arteries.

Vagina

  • Function: Passageway for sperm, menstrual blood, and childbirth (birth canal).
  • Tissues:
    • Stratified squamous epithelium, dynamic over a lifetime.
    • Rugae: Folds allowing distension.
  • Acidity: Slightly acidic, aiding female health but challenging for sperm.

External Genitalia

  • Structures:
    • Mons pubis
    • Labia majora and minora
    • Vestibule: contains urethral and vaginal openings.
    • Clitoris: erectile tissue analogous to male penis.

Glands

  • Vestibular and Bulbourethral Glands: Similar to male reproductive glands.
  • Hymen: Epithelial structure possibly torn through various activities.

Mammary Glands

  • Function: Produce milk, regulated by hormones, active post-pregnancy.
  • Anatomy:
    • Lobes and lobules, with ducts leading to nipples.
    • Areola: darkened skin around nipple.
  • Changes: Lobules enlarge and become active during pregnancy and lactation.

These notes summarize the key points from the lecture on the female reproductive system, providing a structural and functional overview to aid in studying and understanding this complex system.