Female Reproductive System

Objective
At the end of this unit learner will be able to:

• Define female reproductive system

• Categorize the Female Reproductive organs
into:
• Essential organs
• Accessory organs
• Discuss the location and structure of
Female External Genitalia (VULVA).
• Describe the location, Structure &
function of Female Internal Genitalia
• Discuss the Female Reproductive Cycles
(ovarian and menstrual)
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 Female Reproductive System

• The female reproductive system

is a group of organs that work
together to enable reproduction,
pregnancy, and childbirth.

• It also produces female sex

hormones, including estrogen
and progesterone.
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Female Reproductive System
• The organs of the female reproductive
system include the ovaries (female
gonads) the uterine fallopian tube , or
oviduct: the uterus the vagina: and
external organs which are collectively
called the vulva or pudendum.
• The main mammary gland are
considered part of both
integumentary system and female
reproductive system.
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Female Reproductive System

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 Function of the Female
Reproductive System
• The ovaries produce secondary oocytes
and hormones, including progesterone
and estrogens ( female sex hormones)
inhibin and relaxin.
• The uterine tubes transport a secondary
oocyte to the uterus and normally are the
site where fertilization occurs.
• The uterus is the site of the implantation
of a fertilized ovum, development of the
fetus during pregnancy and labor.
• The vagina receives the penis during sexual
intercourse and is a passageway for childbirth.
• The mammary glands synthesize secrete
and eject milk for nourishment of the
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newborn.

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 Ovaries
• The ovaries which are the female
gonads are paired glands that
resemble to unshelled almond in
size and shape.
• They are homologous to testes
• Each ovary consist of:
• Germinal epithelium
• Tunica albuginea
• Ovarian cortex
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 Ovaries
• Ovarian medulla

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 Ovaries
• Females are born with all of the
eggs they will ever produce.
• Ovaries alternate the release of
eggs each month.
• Like testes, the ovaries
produce hormones-
estrogen.
• This release of the ova is
called ovulation.
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 Uterine tube
• Female have two uterine (fallopian
tube), or oviduct that extend laterally
from uterus.
•
• The tubes which measure about 10 cm
(4inc) long, lie between the folds of
the broad ligaments of the uterus.

• The provide a route for sperm to

reach an ovum and transport
secondary oocytes and fertilized ova
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 Uterine tube
from the ovaries to the uterus.

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 Uterine tube
• The funnel shaped portion of each tube
called infundibulum it end finger like
projection called fimbriae.

• The ampulla of the uterine tube is the

widest longest portion.

• The isthmus of the uterine tubes is the more

medial short narrow thick wall portion that
join the uterus.

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 Uterus
• The uterus serve as part of the
pathway for sperm deposition in the
virginal to reach the uterine tubes.

• It also the site of implantation of a

fertilized ovum development of fetus
during pregnancy.

• During reproductive cycles when

implantation does not occur the uterus
is the source of menstrual flow.
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 Uterus
• Situated between the urinary bladder and
rectum
the uterus is the size and shape of an inverted
pear.
• It is about 7.5cm (1 inch)
• Anatomically sub division of the uterus include
• A dome shaped portion superior to the uterine
tube
called fundus
• A tapering central portion called the body
and the inferior narrow portion called the
cervix
• Between the body of the uterus and cervix is
the
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 Uterus
isthmus constricted region 1 cm (0.5in) long.
• The interior of the body of the uterus is
called uterine cavity.

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 Vulva
• The term vulva or pudendum refer to
external genitals of the female
• Anterior to the vaginal and urethral
opening is the mons pubis
• From the mons pubic two longitudinal folds
of skin the labia majora
• Medial to the labia majora are two smaller
folds of the skin called the labia minora
• The clitoris is a small cylinder mass of
erectile tissue and nerves
• Vestibular Bartholin glands

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 Perineum
• The Perineum is the diamond
shaped area medial to the thighs
and buttocks of females

• It contain external genitals and

anus

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Female External Genitalia

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 Summary of Homologous Structure of the
female and Male Reproductive System
• Female vestibular glands
structures
• Ovaries
• Ovum
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Vestibule
• Bulb of vestibule
• Clitoris
• Para urethral
glands
• Greater
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• Male Structures
• Testes
• Sperm cell
• Scrotum
• Urethra
• Membranous
urethra
• Penis and
bulb of
penis
• Glans penis
• Prostate
• Bulbouret
hral
Cowper
glands
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 Mammary Glands
The mammary gland is a highly evolved
and specialized organ present in pairs,
one on each side of the anterior chest
wall.

The organ's primary function is to

secrete milk. Though it is present in both
sexes, it is well developed in females and
rudimentary in males.

It is also a vital accessory organ of the

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female reproductive system.

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 Female Reproductive Cycles
The follicular phase
• FSH stimulates the development of
several follicles in the ovary, usually
only one of these follicles matures. This
dominant follicle produces oestrogen,
which causes the endometrium to start
to thicken.

• It also causes the mucus in the cervix

to become thinner and more stretchy,
allowing sperm to reach the egg more
easily.
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Female Reproductive Cycles
Ovulation
• Oestrogen levels that have
been gradually increasing,
peak.

• The LH levels increase rapidly

(day 12 onwards) triggering the
release of the egg from the
ripened follicle, which usually
occurs 36 hours after the onset of
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Female Reproductive Cycles
the LH surge.

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 Female Reproductive Cycles
The luteal phase
• The levels of FSH and LH decrease.
• The ruptured follicle closes (after releasing the egg)
and forms a corpus luteum, which produces
progesterone.
• This prepares the endometrium even further, ensuring it
is spongy, thick and full of nutrients so that a fertilized
egg can implant into it.
• If the egg is not fertilized the corpus luteum starts to
degenerate and
progesterone and oestrogen levels start to fall.
• The endometrial blood vessels constrict and the
endometrium breaks down and is shed as a period
(menstruation).
• The length of the follicular phase can vary between women.
However, the duration of the luteal phase is fairly constant,
being 14 days in most women.
• The first day of the period is counted as day one of the cycle.
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 Female Reproductive Cycles
• The cycle runs from the first day of menstruation to the next
first day.

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Female Reproductive Cycles

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Female Reproductive Cycles

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 References
• Tortora J.D Derkison , B Principal of
Anatomy and physiology (11 Ed) USA john
Willey & Son

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