Female Reproductive System Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Continuation of the reproductive system, focusing on the female system
• Overview:
  • Anatomy: Basic structures and features
  • Physiology: Hormone roles, HPG axis, ovarian and uterine cycles

Female Reproductive Anatomy

• Gonads: Ovaries (produce estrogen and progesterone)
  • Comparison to male gonads (testes, produce testosterone)
• Ova/Ovum: Female gametes
• Follicle Development:
  • Dominant follicle ready for ovulation
  • Post-ovulation: Corpus luteum forms, releases progesterone

Ligaments and Structures

• Ovarian Ligament: Anchors ovary to uterus
• Suspensory Ligament and Mesovarium: Part of the broad ligament
• Broad Ligament: Supports uterus, vaginal canal, and uterine tubes

Anatomy Overview

• Anterior Aspect: Urinary bladder, urethra
• Posterior Aspect: Rectum, anal canal
• External Genitalia: Labia majora/minora, urethra
• Uterus: Supported by broad ligament
• Fallopian Tubes: Pathway for oocytes

Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

• Hormones: Estrogen, progesterone
• HPG Axis: Interaction between hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries
• Ovarian and Uterine Cycles
  • Ovarian Cycle: Follicular and luteal phases
  • Uterine Cycle: Menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases

Follicle Development

• Stages: Primordial, primary, secondary, vesicular (antral) follicles
• Ovulation: Release of secondary oocyte
  • Post-ovulation: Corpus luteum formation

Hormonal Roles

• Estrogen: Follicle growth, secondary sex characteristics
• Progesterone: Maintains pregnancy, prepares endometrium
• HPG Axis: GnRH (hypothalamus) → FSH, LH (pituitary) → Estrogen, progesterone (ovaries)

Anatomical Processes

• Menstruation: Shedding of endometrial lining
• Ovulation and Post-Ovulation: Corpus luteum maintains pregnancy viability

Menstrual Cycle Phases

• Menstrual Phase: Shedding of uterine lining
• Proliferative Phase: Rebuilds endometrium
• Secretory Phase: Prepares for implantation

Homeostatic Imbalances

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside the uterus
• PID: Infections causing infertility
• Cervical and Breast Cancer: Risks and screenings

Developmental Aspects

• Puberty: Initiated by leptin, starting ovarian cycles
• Menopause: End of ovarian cycles
• Genetic Determination: XX for females, XY for males

Summary

• Focus on hormonal regulation and interplay between ovarian and uterine cycles
• Importance of understanding anatomical and physiological changes for broader comprehension