Download - Female reproductive systems
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
ComponentsComponents
Functions Functions
1.1. OvaryOvary
2.2. Oviduct Oviduct
3.3. Uterus Uterus
4.4. VaginaVagina
5.5. External genitaliaExternal genitalia
6.6. Breasts Breasts
ComponentsComponents
Functions Functions
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Produce oocyteProduce oocyte (female gamete) (female gamete)
Hold a fertilized oocyteHold a fertilized oocyte during its complete during its complete development through embryonic and fetal stages until development through embryonic and fetal stages until
birthbirth
Produce hormonesProduce hormones that control organs of the that control organs of the reproductive system and have influences on other reproductive system and have influences on other
organs of the bodyorgans of the body
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
1.1. Surface covered by Surface covered by simple squamous or cuboidal cells simple squamous or cuboidal cells – germinal epithelium– germinal epithelium (GE) (GE)
2.2. Under GE – Under GE – layer of dense connective tissue – tunica layer of dense connective tissue – tunica albuginea (TA)albuginea (TA)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
3.3. Under TA – Under TA – cortex – follicles containing oocytescortex – follicles containing oocytes
4.4. Follicles embedded in Follicles embedded in stroma composed of stroma composed of characteristic spindle-shaped fibroblastscharacteristic spindle-shaped fibroblasts
5.5. Most internal part – Most internal part – medulla – rich vascular bedmedulla – rich vascular bed within within a loose connective tissue a loose connective tissue
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
Oogenesis Oogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
11stst month of embryonic month of embryonic
life – life – migration of migration of
primordial germ cellsprimordial germ cells from from
yolk sac to ovaryyolk sac to ovary
Divide and transform Divide and transform
into oogoniainto oogonia
33rdrd month – month – oogonia oogonia
enter prophase of 1enter prophase of 1stst
meiosismeiosis but but stop at the stop at the
diplotene stagediplotene stage as as primary primary
oocytesoocytes – become – become
surrounded by flattened surrounded by flattened
follicular cellsfollicular cells
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Consists of an oocyte Consists of an oocyte
surrounded by one or surrounded by one or
more layers of more layers of
follicular cells or follicular cells or
granulosa cellsgranulosa cells
Different stagesDifferent stages of of
maturation of folliclesmaturation of follicles
areare
1.1. PrimordialPrimordial
2.2. Unilaminar primaryUnilaminar primary
3.3. Multilaminar primaryMultilaminar primary
4.4. AntralAntral
5.5. Mature (Graafian)Mature (Graafian)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Consists of an oocyte Consists of an oocyte
surrounded by one or surrounded by one or
more layers of more layers of
follicular cells or follicular cells or
granulosa cellsgranulosa cells
Different stagesDifferent stages of of
maturation of folliclesmaturation of follicles
areare
1.1. PrimordialPrimordial
2.2. Unilaminar primaryUnilaminar primary
3.3. Multilaminar primaryMultilaminar primary
4.4. AntralAntral
5.5. Mature (Graafian)Mature (Graafian)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Primordial folliclePrimordial follicle
1.1. Formed during fetal lifeFormed during fetal life
2.2. Found in superficial Found in superficial
cortexcortex
3.3. A primary oocyte A primary oocyte
(spherical) with large (spherical) with large
nucleus and prominent nucleus and prominent
nucleolusnucleolus
4.4. Enveloped by a single Enveloped by a single
layer of flattened layer of flattened
follicular cellsfollicular cells
5.5. Cells are in the first Cells are in the first
prophase of meiosisprophase of meiosis
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Primary folliclePrimary follicle
UnilaminarUnilaminarMultilaminarMultilaminar
(preantral)(preantral)
Single layerSingle layer StratifiedStratified
ofof follicularfollicular
cuboidalcuboidal epitheliumepithelium
Zona pellucidaZona pellucida ( a thick ( a thick amorphous layer of amorphous layer of glycoproteinglycoprotein covering the covering the oocyte)oocyte)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Secondary follicleSecondary follicle
1.1. Increase in size Increase in size
and number of and number of
granulosa cellsgranulosa cells
2.2. Liquid Liquid (liquor (liquor
folliculi)folliculi) begins begins
to to accumulate accumulate
between between
follicular cellsfollicular cells
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Secondary follicleSecondary follicle
3.3. Granulosa cells Granulosa cells
reorganize reorganize
themselves to themselves to form form
a larger cavity – a larger cavity – the the
antrumantrum
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Secondary follicleSecondary follicle
4.4. Some cells concentrate at a certain point on the Some cells concentrate at a certain point on the follicular wall – follicular wall – cumulus oophoruscumulus oophorus
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Secondary follicleSecondary follicle
5. A group of cells concentrate around the oocyte and 5. A group of cells concentrate around the oocyte and form the form the corona radiatacorona radiata
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Secondary follicleSecondary follicle
FibroblastsFibroblasts of the stroma of the stroma differentiate differentiate to form to form theca folliculitheca folliculi (TF) (TF)
Theca Theca ThecaTheca
InternaInterna ExternaExterna
Androste-Androste- FibroblastsFibroblasts
nedionenedione
AromataseAromatase (GC) (GC)
EstrogenEstrogen
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Mature follicleMature follicle
1.1. During During each cycle one follicleeach cycle one follicle matures more than matures more than
othersothers
2.2. Protrudes from surface of ovary and can be Protrudes from surface of ovary and can be detected detected
by USGby USG
3.3. Follicular Follicular cavity increases in sizecavity increases in size and and oocyte adheres oocyte adheres
to the wallto the wall of the follicle of the follicle
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
1.1. Rupture of part of wall of mature follicle and Rupture of part of wall of mature follicle and
liberation of oocyteliberation of oocyte
2.2. Takes place around the 14Takes place around the 14thth day of menstrual cycle day of menstrual cycle
3.3. In human, usually 1 oocyte liberated by ovary during In human, usually 1 oocyte liberated by ovary during
each cycleeach cycle
4.4. Stimulus for ovulation is a surge of luteinizing Stimulus for ovulation is a surge of luteinizing
hormone (LH)hormone (LH) secreted by anterior pituitary secreted by anterior pituitary
5.5. The 1The 1stst meiotic division is completed just before meiotic division is completed just before
ovulationovulation – one of the secondary oocytes retain most – one of the secondary oocytes retain most
of the cytoplasm – the other becomes the 1of the cytoplasm – the other becomes the 1stst polar polar
bodybody
6.6. The oocyte and the 1The oocyte and the 1stst polar body, enclosed by zona polar body, enclosed by zona
pellucida, the corona radiata enter the oviductpellucida, the corona radiata enter the oviduct
(uterine tube)(uterine tube)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
LH surgeLH surge
Blood flow through ovary Blood flow through ovary Plasma protein leakagePlasma protein leakage
EdemaEdema Local release of Local release of prostaglandinsprostaglandins, ,
histaminehistamine, , vasopressinvasopressin and and
collagenasecollagenase
Pressure Pressure Collagen degradation of Collagen degradation of of follicular of follicular tunica albuginea fluidtunica albuginea fluid
Ischemia & death of cellsIschemia & death of cells
Rupture of outer follicular wall and ovulationRupture of outer follicular wall and ovulation
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteumluteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
After ovulation, After ovulation,
granulosa cells and granulosa cells and
cells of theca interna cells of theca interna
form a temporary form a temporary
endocrine glandendocrine gland
GC cells increase in size GC cells increase in size
granulosa lutein cellsgranulosa lutein cells
Cells of theca interna Cells of theca interna
theca lutein cellstheca lutein cells
Embedded within the Embedded within the
cortexcortex
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteumluteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Release of follicular Release of follicular fluidfluid
collapse of follicular collapse of follicular wallwall
folded wallsfolded walls
Blood flows into cavity Blood flows into cavity and clotsand clots
Connective tissue Connective tissue invades cavityinvades cavity
Blood capillaries and Blood capillaries and lymphatics form a lymphatics form a rich rich vascular networkvascular network
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteumluteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Reorganization Reorganization
results from results from
stimulus by LHstimulus by LH
released before released before
ovulationovulation
Secrete Secrete
progesterone and progesterone and
estrogenestrogen
Programmed to Programmed to
secrete for 12-14 secrete for 12-14
daysdays
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteumluteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
If no pregnancy, If no pregnancy, cells cells
degenerate by degenerate by
apoptosisapoptosis, phagocytosed , phagocytosed
by macrophagesby macrophages
Fibroblasts invadeFibroblasts invade
produce a scar of produce a scar of
dense connective dense connective
tissue tissue
corpus albicanscorpus albicans
If pregnancy – If pregnancy – HCG HCG
maintains the CLmaintains the CL – –
persists persists for 4-5 monthsfor 4-5 months - -
degenerates – degenerates – corpus corpus
albicansalbicans
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteumluteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Pituitary Pituitary
hormones hormones
control most control most
ovarian ovarian
functionsfunctions
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Follicular atresiaFollicular atresia
Cessation of mitosisCessation of mitosis of GC of GC
Detachment of GC from basal laminaDetachment of GC from basal lamina
Death of oocyteDeath of oocyte
PhagocytosisPhagocytosis of the debris by macrophages of the debris by macrophages
Interstitial cellsInterstitial cells
Persistent theca interna cellsPersistent theca interna cells following atresia following atresia
Present from childhood through menopausePresent from childhood through menopause
Active steroid secretingActive steroid secreting cells, stimulated by LH cells, stimulated by LH
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
OogenesisOogenesis
Ovarian Ovarian folliclesfollicles
OvulationOvulation
Corpus Corpus luteum luteum
& &
interstitial interstitial cellscells
Follicular atresiaFollicular atresia
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary OviductOviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Parts Parts
StructureStructure
Function Function
4 parts4 parts
• InfundibulumInfundibulum
• AmpullaAmpulla
• IsthmusIsthmus
• Pars uterina tubaePars uterina tubae
(intramural part)(intramural part)
2 ostia2 ostia
• Uterine ostiumUterine ostium
• Pelvic or Pelvic or
abdominal ostiumabdominal ostium
(Fimbriae)(Fimbriae)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary OviductOviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
PartsParts
StructureStructure
Function Function
Layers Layers
1.1. MucosaMucosa
a.a. Longitudinal foldsLongitudinal folds
most numerous in most numerous in
ampullaampulla
b.b. Simple columnar Simple columnar
epitheliumepithelium
c.c. 3 types of cells3 types of cells
i.i. CiliatedCiliated
ii.ii. SecretorySecretory
iii.iii. IntercalaryIntercalary
d.d. Lamina propriaLamina propria
composed of loose composed of loose
connective tissueconnective tissue
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary OviductOviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
PartsParts
StructureStructure
Function Function
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary OviductOviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
PartsParts
StructureStructure
Function Function
Layers
2. Thick muscularis
- Outer longitudinal
and inner circular
- Intramural part,
innermost
longitudinal layer
- Circular muscle
abundant at
isthmus –
anatomical
sphincter
3. Serosa (visceral
peritoneum)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary OviductOviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
PartsParts
StructureStructure
Function Function
At ovulation, oviduct exhibits At ovulation, oviduct exhibits active movementactive movement..
The funnel-shaped extremity (fringed with The funnel-shaped extremity (fringed with
numerous numerous fimbriaefimbriae) comes very close to surface of ) comes very close to surface of
ovary.ovary.
This This favors the transportfavors the transport of oocyte into the tube. of oocyte into the tube.
Promoted by Promoted by muscle contraction and activity of muscle contraction and activity of
ciliated cellsciliated cells, oocyte traverses the tube., oocyte traverses the tube.
Secretion of the epithelium has Secretion of the epithelium has nutrient and nutrient and
protective functions for the oocyteprotective functions for the oocyte..
The secretion also The secretion also promotes capacitationpromotes capacitation of the of the
spermatozoa.spermatozoa.
FertilizationFertilization usually occurs at ampulla. usually occurs at ampulla.
BREAK
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
PartsParts
1.1. FundusFundus
2.2. BodyBody
3.3. CervixCervix
Layers of the wallLayers of the wall
1.1. PerimetriumPerimetrium
a.a. Serosa (mesothelium)Serosa (mesothelium)
b.b. Adventitia (connective tissue)Adventitia (connective tissue)
2.2. MyometriumMyometrium
3.3. Endometrium Endometrium
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Bundles of smooth musclesBundles of smooth muscles
4 layers4 layers
11stst and 4 and 4thth layers – longitudinal layers – longitudinal
Middle layersMiddle layers – circular – – circular – stratum vascularestratum vasculare
Endometrial vessels pass through inner layer – stops Endometrial vessels pass through inner layer – stops
uterine bleeding on contraction – uterine bleeding on contraction – living ligature of living ligature of
uterusuterus
During puberty, During puberty, growth of the myometrium is growth of the myometrium is
stimulated by estrogenstimulated by estrogen
During pregnancy, During pregnancy, hypertrophyhypertrophy ( (increase in cell size – increase in cell size –
placental estrogenplacental estrogen) and ) and hyperplasiahyperplasia ( (increase in cell increase in cell
number – mitosis of undifferentiated mesenchymal number – mitosis of undifferentiated mesenchymal
cellscells) of myometrium ) of myometrium
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
EpitheliumEpithelium
Simple columnarSimple columnar cells cells
Ciliated Ciliated mostly before reproductive age groupmostly before reproductive age group
Lamina propriaLamina propria
Simple tubular glandsSimple tubular glands lined with simple columnar lined with simple columnar
epitheliumepithelium
Connective tissueConnective tissue
FibroblastsFibroblasts
Collagen type III fibresCollagen type III fibres
Abundant ground substance Abundant ground substance
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Zona basalisZona basalis
- Deepest one adjacent to myometriumDeepest one adjacent to myometrium
- Contains lamina propriaContains lamina propria
- Beginning of uterine glandsBeginning of uterine glands
- Supplied by Supplied by straight arteriesstraight arteries (branch from (branch from
arcuate arteries)arcuate arteries)
Zona functionalisZona functionalis
- Remaining of the lamina propria and glandsRemaining of the lamina propria and glands
- Surface epitheliumSurface epithelium
- Supplied by Supplied by spiral arteriesspiral arteries (branch from (branch from
arcuate arteries)arcuate arteries)
- Undergoes profound changes and shed Undergoes profound changes and shed
during menstrual cycles during menstrual cycles
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Menstrual cycleMenstrual cycle – – cyclic structural modifications of cyclic structural modifications of
the endometriumthe endometrium influenced by ovarian hormones influenced by ovarian hormones
under the stimulus of anterior pituitary gland after under the stimulus of anterior pituitary gland after
pubertypuberty
DurationDuration – 28 days (average) – 28 days (average)
Menstruation Menstruation – monthly discharge per vagina – monthly discharge per vagina
consisting of consisting of degenerated endothelium mixed with degenerated endothelium mixed with
bloodblood from ruptures vessels from ruptures vessels
DurationDuration – 3-4 days (average) – 3-4 days (average)
MenarcheMenarche – – initiation of menstruationinitiation of menstruation (age 12-15 (age 12-15
years)years)
MenopauseMenopause – – cessation of menstruationcessation of menstruation (age 45-50 (age 45-50
years) years)
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Menstrual cycleMenstrual cycle – begins on the day when menstrual – begins on the day when menstrual
bleeding appears (Day 1)bleeding appears (Day 1)
Phases of the cyclePhases of the cycle
Proliferative phaseProliferative phase ( variable duration, ( variable duration,
approximately 10 days)approximately 10 days)
Secretory phaseSecretory phase (begins at ovulation and lasts (begins at ovulation and lasts
about 14 days)about 14 days)
Menstrual phaseMenstrual phase (duration 3-4 days on average) (duration 3-4 days on average)
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
FSH stimulates rapid growth of ovarian folliclesFSH stimulates rapid growth of ovarian follicles
Dominant follicles reach preovulatory stageDominant follicles reach preovulatory stage
Estrogen is the dominant ovarian hormoneEstrogen is the dominant ovarian hormone
Endometrial changesEndometrial changes::
- Cell proliferationCell proliferation (0.5mm-3mm) (0.5mm-3mm)
- Covered by simple columnar epitheliumCovered by simple columnar epithelium
- Glands are straight tubules with narrow lumensGlands are straight tubules with narrow lumens
- Cells accumulate more RERCells accumulate more RER
- Golgi complex increase in size Golgi complex increase in size
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Endometrial Endometrial
changeschanges
Cell proliferationCell proliferation
(0.5mm-3mm)(0.5mm-3mm)
Covered by simple Covered by simple
columnar epitheliumcolumnar epithelium
Glands are straight Glands are straight
tubules with narrow tubules with narrow
lumenslumens
Cells accumulate Cells accumulate
more RERmore RER
Golgi complex Golgi complex
increase in sizeincrease in size
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
1.1. Peak of LHPeak of LH
2.2. Ovulation Ovulation / development of CL / degeneration / development of CL / degeneration
of CL (in absence of pregnancy)of CL (in absence of pregnancy)
3.3. ProgesteroneProgesterone is the dominant hormone is the dominant hormone
(production ceases in absence of pregnancy)(production ceases in absence of pregnancy)
4.4. Endometrial changesEndometrial changes::
Maximum thicknessMaximum thickness (5 mm) (5 mm)
Glands become highly coiledGlands become highly coiled
Glandular epithelial cells begin to Glandular epithelial cells begin to
accumulate glycogenaccumulate glycogen
Glycoprotein secretory products dilate Glycoprotein secretory products dilate
the lumen of the glandsthe lumen of the glands
5.5. Implantation of embryoImplantation of embryo at this stage at this stage
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Endometrial changes:Endometrial changes:
Maximum thicknessMaximum thickness
(5 mm) (5 mm)
Glands become highly Glands become highly
coiledcoiled
Glandular epithelial Glandular epithelial
cells begin to cells begin to
accumulate glycogenaccumulate glycogen
Glycoprotein secretory Glycoprotein secretory
productsproducts dilate the dilate the
lumen of the glandslumen of the glands
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phasephase
Cervix Cervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
In absence of pregnancy, In absence of pregnancy, CL ceases to function 10-12 CL ceases to function 10-12
days after ovulationdays after ovulation
Levels of Levels of progesterone and estrogen in blood fallsprogesterone and estrogen in blood falls
rapidlyrapidly
Several cycles of Several cycles of contraction of spiral arteriescontraction of spiral arteries, closing , closing
off blood flowoff blood flow
Ischemic necrosisIschemic necrosis of vessel walls and functionalis layer of vessel walls and functionalis layer
of endometriumof endometrium
Rupture of blood vesselsRupture of blood vessels and bleeding and bleeding
Endometrium reduced to a thin layerEndometrium reduced to a thin layer
StructureStructure
MyometriumMyometrium
EndometriumEndometrium
CycleCycle
Proliferative Proliferative phasephase
Secretory Secretory phasephase
Menstrual Menstrual phase phase
CervixCervix
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
Differs from the rest of the uterus inDiffers from the rest of the uterus in
a.a. Mucus secreting Mucus secreting simple columnar epitheliumsimple columnar epithelium
b.b. Extensively Extensively branched glandsbranched glands
c.c. Mucosa Mucosa does not undergo remarkable changes does not undergo remarkable changes
during the menstrual cycleduring the menstrual cycle and does not and does not
desquamate during menstruationdesquamate during menstruation
d.d. External aspect that bulges into lumen of vagina External aspect that bulges into lumen of vagina
is covered with stratified squamous epitheliumis covered with stratified squamous epithelium
e.e. Mainly (85%) Mainly (85%) dense connective tissuedense connective tissue
f.f. Fewer Fewer smooth musclesmooth muscle cells cells
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus VaginaVagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
Mucosa Mucosa
a.a. Devoid of glandsDevoid of glands
b.b. Stratified squamousStratified squamous
epitheliumepithelium
c.c. Cells may contain a Cells may contain a
small amount of small amount of
keratohyalinkeratohyalin
d.d. Intense Intense keratinization keratinization
does not occurdoes not occur
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus VaginaVagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
Mucosa Mucosa
e.e. Synthesizes and Synthesizes and
accumulates a accumulates a large large
amount of glycogenamount of glycogen, ,
under estrogen under estrogen
stimulationstimulation
f.f. Bacteria metabolize Bacteria metabolize
glycogen to form lactic glycogen to form lactic
acid – acid – low pHlow pH
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus VaginaVagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
Lamina propriaLamina propria
• Loose connective Loose connective
tissuetissue
• Rich in elastic Rich in elastic
fibresfibres
• Lymphocytes and Lymphocytes and
neutrophilsneutrophils in in
large quantitieslarge quantities
• Devoid of sensory Devoid of sensory
nerve endingsnerve endings, few , few
pain receptorspain receptors
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus VaginaVagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
Muscle layerMuscle layer
- Longitudinal bundlesLongitudinal bundles
- Some circular Some circular
bundles (inner)bundles (inner)
AdventitiaAdventitia
- Dense connective Dense connective
tissuetissue
- Rich in elastic fibresRich in elastic fibres
- Extensive venous Extensive venous
plexus, nerve plexus, nerve
bundlesbundles
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
15-25 lobes of 15-25 lobes of
compound alveolarcompound alveolar
type of glandtype of gland
Each lobe separated Each lobe separated
from others by from others by dense dense
connective tissueconnective tissue and and
much much adipose tissueadipose tissue
Each lobe drained by Each lobe drained by
one one lactiferous ductlactiferous duct
Each lactiferous duct Each lactiferous duct
emerge independently emerge independently
in the nipplein the nipple
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
Before pubertyBefore puberty: :
lactiferous sinus and lactiferous sinus and
lactiferous ductslactiferous ducts
In girls In girls during pubertyduring puberty
– breasts enlarge – – breasts enlarge –
accumulation of accumulation of
adipose tissue and adipose tissue and
connective tissueconnective tissue, ,
increased increased growth and growth and
branching of branching of
lactiferous ductslactiferous ducts
(estrogenic)(estrogenic)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
Adult womenAdult women – – lobes lobes
develop at the tips of develop at the tips of
the smallest ductsthe smallest ducts
embedded in loose embedded in loose
connective tissueconnective tissue
A lobe consists of A lobe consists of
several ducts that several ducts that
empty into one empty into one
terminal ductterminal duct
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
Near the opening of nipple, Near the opening of nipple,
the the lactiferous ducts dilate lactiferous ducts dilate
to form lactiferous sinusesto form lactiferous sinuses
lined by stratified lined by stratified
squamous epithelium at squamous epithelium at
their external openings their external openings
that changes to stratified that changes to stratified
columnar or cuboidal columnar or cuboidal
proximallyproximally..
Lining of Lining of lactiferous ducts lactiferous ducts
and terminal ducts is and terminal ducts is
formed of simple cuboidal formed of simple cuboidal
epitheliumepithelium with closely with closely
packed packed myoepithelial cellsmyoepithelial cells..
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
Connective tissue surrounding alveoli Connective tissue surrounding alveoli contains many contains many lymphocytes and plasma cellslymphocytes and plasma cells (increase at end of pregnancy – (increase at end of pregnancy – secrete IgAsecrete IgA))
NippleNipple – externally covered by – externally covered by keratinized keratinized stratified squamous epitheliumstratified squamous epithelium
Abundant sensory nerve endingsAbundant sensory nerve endings
AreolaAreola – skin around – skin around
the nipple – the nipple –
darkens during darkens during
pregnancypregnancy
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
PregnancyPregnancy
1.1. Undergo Undergo intense growth intense growth
under influence of estrogen, under influence of estrogen,
progesterone, prolactin and progesterone, prolactin and
HPLHPL
2.2. Proliferation of alveoliProliferation of alveoli at the at the
ends of terminal ductsends of terminal ducts
3.3. Fat droplets and secretory Fat droplets and secretory
vacuoles (containing milk vacuoles (containing milk
protein)protein) seen in cytoplasm of seen in cytoplasm of
alveolar cellsalveolar cells
4.4. Stellate myoepithelial cells Stellate myoepithelial cells
foundfound
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
LactationLactation
1.1. Milk is produced by Milk is produced by
epithelial cells of alveoliepithelial cells of alveoli
2.2. Accumulate in their Accumulate in their
lumen and ductslumen and ducts
3.3. Secretory cells become Secretory cells become
low cuboidallow cuboidal
4.4. Cytoplasm contains Cytoplasm contains
spherical triglyceride spherical triglyceride
dropletsdroplets
5.5. Large number of Large number of
membrane-bound membrane-bound
vacuoles containing milk vacuoles containing milk
proteins (casein, proteins (casein, α- α-
lactalbumin, IgA)lactalbumin, IgA)
OverviewOverview OvaryOvary Oviduct Oviduct UterusUterus Vagina Vagina BreastBreast
StructureStructure
DevelopmentDevelopment
PregnancyPregnancy
&&
LactationLactation
Post-Post-lactational lactational regressionregression
WeaningWeaning (cessation of breast-feeding) (cessation of breast-feeding)
Alveoli undergo degeneration through apoptosisAlveoli undergo degeneration through apoptosis
Sloughing of whole cellsSloughing of whole cells
Autophagy of cellular componentsAutophagy of cellular components
Dead cells and debris removed by macrophagesDead cells and debris removed by macrophages
BEST OF LUCKBEST OF LUCK