Chapter 28 - Lecture Five: Overview of the Female Reproductive System

Introduction

• Overview of the female reproductive system.
• Consists of:
  • Gonads (paired ovaries)
  • Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
  • Uterus
  • Vagina
  • External genitalia
  • Mammary glands

Female Reproductive System Components

Ovaries

• Small, almond-shaped organs.
• Produce secondary oocytes (eggs) and hormones.
• Developmentally homologous to the testes.
• Located in the upper pelvic cavity on either side of the uterus.
• Maintained by a series of ligaments.

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

• Transport fertilized ova to the uterus.
• Connect the ovaries to the uterus.

Uterus

• Site of fetal development.
• Supported by ligaments:
  • Round ligament
  • Broad ligament
  • Mesovarium
  • Cardinal ligament
  • Uterine sacral ligament

Vagina and External Genitalia

• Consist of:
  • Mons pubis (fat pad in front of pubic symphysis)
  • Labium majora and labia minora (outer and inner lips)
  • Clitoris (erectile tissue homologous to the penis)
• Vagina and external genitalia form the vulva.

Mammary Glands

• Produce milk.

Terminology

• Singular vs. Plural:
  • Ends in 'um' is singular (e.g., labium).
  • Ends in 'a' is plural (e.g., labia).

Ligaments and Support

• Ovaries and uterus are held in place by ligaments.
• Prolapse can occur if ligaments weaken, especially in women with multiple childbirths.

Goals for Lecture

• Understand the parts of the female reproductive system.