Female Reproductive System

Overview

• More complex than male reproductive system
• Produces gametes (OVA) and nurtures developing fetus for nine months

Primary Reproductive Organs

• Ovaries
  • Produce OVA and sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone)

Accessory Organs

• Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes, oviducts)

  • Initial part of female ductal system
  • Site of fertilization
  • Capture oocytes during ovulation

• Uterus

  • Receives, retains, and nourishes fertilized OVA
  • Sections: body, fundus, cervix
  • Supported by various ligaments

• Vagina

• Mammary glands

  • Produce nourishment post-birth
  • Hormonal control (prolactin and oxytocin)

Oogenesis

• Formation and development of an egg (OVA)
• Primordial follicles contain primary oocytes
• Meiosis I and Meiosis II process

Ovarian Cycle

• Changes in ovary during reproductive cycle

• Follicular Phase

  • Activation and development of follicles
  • Formation of corpus luteum

• Luteal Phase

  • After ovulation, corpus luteum formation
  • Hormone secretion

Hormonal Control

• GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

  • Stimulates FSH and LH production

• FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)

  • Stimulates follicle development

• LH (Luteinizing hormone)

  • Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation

• Estrogen and progesterone roles in menstrual cycle

Uterine Cycle

• Cyclical changes in endometrium
• Phases: Menstrual, Proliferative, Secretory

Placenta and Pregnancy

• Role of HCG

  • Maintains corpus luteum

• Placenta development and hormone production

  • Lactogen, Relaxin, Estrogen, Progesterone
  • Effects on maternal physiology and fetal development

• Hormonal changes prep for birth

  • Estrogen increases contractility
  • Progesterone suppresses contractions