FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM• Consists of paired internal ovaries, paired

uterine tubes (oviducts), and a single uterus, and vagina

• Accessory gland – mammary gland

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

ANATOMY

MAIN FUNCTION/S

• Secretion of female sex hormones• Production of oocytes for fertilization by

sperm• Transportation of embryo to the uterus• Implantation of embryo• Development of fetus (pregnancy)• Nutrition of newborn

OVARIES

• Flattened almond – shaped bodies• Situated deep in the pelvic cavity• One section is attached to the broad

ligament by a peritneal fold, mesovarium• Another section is attached to the uterine

wall by ovarian ligament

OVARIES

• Surface is covered by simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium called germinal epithelium

• Under the covered surface is the tunica albuginea made of dense irregular connective tissueResponsible for whitish color of ovary

HISTOLOGY

HISTOLOGY

HISTOLOGY

OVARIES

• Below that tunica albuginea is the cortex of the ovaryPredominance of ovarian follicles

• Deep in the cortex is highly vascularized connective tissue core of ovary, medullaNo distinct boundary line exists

HISTOLOGY

HISTOLOGY

HORMONES (OVARIES)

• Estrogen• Progesterone

ESTROGEN

• Manufactured mostly in ovaries by developing egg follicles

• In addition, produced by the corpus luteum, placenta, liver, breasts and adrenal glands in smaller quantities

• Essential to the menstrual cycle• Prepares uterus for pregnancy

Enriching and thickening of endometrium

ESTROGEN

• Contributes to the development of secondary characteristicsBreasts, widened pelvis, increased body fat in

buttocks, thigh and hip regionLess facial hair and smoother skin

• Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) help to control production of estrogen

PROGESTERONE

• Responsible for the changes in the endometrium in the second half of the menstrual cycle

• For fertility and pregnancy• Prepare the endometrium for implantation

of fertilized egg and its development• Maintain the uterus throughout pregnancy

PROGESTERONE

• Low progesterone hormones have negative influences on your body, fertility, pregnancy and can even lead to an expelling of a fertilized egg