Female Reproduction System Structure and Function Female Reproductive

Female Reproduction System Structure and Function

Female Reproductive System - index l Anatomy l Oogenesis l Hormonal control l Surgical birth control l Common caners

Basic anatomy

Female Pelvis - Side

Basic Roles l Ovaries ¡mature ova (eggs) ¡produce estrogen and progesterone l Fimbriea ¡sweep released ovum into the oviducts l Fallopian Tubes (oviducts) ¡transport ovum to the uterus ¡Site of fertilization

Basic Roles - continued l Uterus ¡ holds developing embryo ¡ site of implantation l Endometrium: nurishing layer, grows each month in preparation for an embyo, then shed if not used l Myometrium: muscular layer l Vagina ¡ receives the penis, site where sperm is deposited. ¡ Birth canal, child exits here. l Cervix ¡ strong muscle, holds embryo in ¡ Aids in moving sperm into the uterus

Female Organs Front View

Female External Genitalia l Labia minora and majora ¡ protect both urethra and vagina l Clitoris ¡ Erectile structure

Breasts l Contain mammary glands l Consist of connective tissue that serves as support l Targeted by oxytocin and prolactin

Oogenesis maturing of eggs

Oogenesis l takes place in the ovaries l Oogonia ¡ stem cells that are the precursors of ova (eggs) ¡ begin the first steps of the first meiotic division (meiosis I) and then stop. ¡ born with set number of oogonia l Oocytes ¡ At sexuall maturity oocytes recommence their development on a monthly basis. l Ova ¡ Only if fertilization occurs will meiosis II ever be completed and a mature ovum produced. ¡ Video

Oogenesis vrs Spermatogenesis

Menstrual Cycle

Puberty in Females l Begins when Gn. RH levels increase l Recognized with first episode of menstrual bleeding

Menstrual Cycle Facts l About 28 days long l Phases ¡ Flow phase ¡ Follicular phase ¡ Ovulation event ¡ Leuteal phase l Amenorrhea: Absence of a menstrual cycle l Menopause: Cessation of menstrual cycles

Ovarian cells involved l primary oocyte ¡becomes ovum for fertilization l granulose or follicle cells ¡provide nourishment l ovaries undergo continual decline after onset of puberty l 500+ follicles start to develop during every cycle, but only a single follicle becomes dominant & reaches maturity.

Oogenesis Overview

Maturation of Follicle and Oocyte

Controlled by Hormones l Hypothalamus ¡ gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn. RH) targets pituitary. l Pituitary ¡FSH starts egg maturation. ¡LH triggers ovulation, and formation of corpus leuteum. l Ovary ¡Granulose cells (supporting follicle cells) l. Estrogen promotes thickening of endomedrium. ¡Corpus luteum (follicle cells left behind) lestrogen and progesterone maintains lining.

Cycle Summary Flow Follicular Ovulation (event) Luteal shedding of endometrial lining development of follicles within ovary estrogen triggers thickening of endometrium Oocyte (egg) bursts from ovary follicle cells become corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone maintains lining, inhibits ovulation Day 1 – 5 NO HORMONES Day 6 – 13 High FSH, then estrogen, ends with LH spike. Day 14 Highest LH Point Day 15 – 28 High progesterone and estrogen

Cycle and Cells Video

Feedback Control

Video

Secondary Sex Characteristics l Estrogen ¡ Breast development ¡ genitalia development ¡ increased fat storage l Progesterone (menstruation) ¡ further breast development l Androgens (adrenal gland) ¡ Pubic hair growth l Growth Hormone ¡ Increased hip width

Surgical Birth Control Tubal Ligation

Procedure l fallopian tubes are cut, burned, or blocked with rings, bands or clips. l now under local anaesthesia. Video

Reversed? l open and reconnect the fallopian tube segments that remain.

Common Cancers

Common Cancers l Ovarian Cancer Video ¡evaluating transvaginal ultrasound. l Cervical Cancer Video ¡Increased risk with sexual activity ¡Detect with PAP smear by doctor l Breast Cancer ¡Detect with self exam Video

Other problems

ENDOMETRIOSIS l Endometrium fragments and lodges in other parts of the pelvic cavity l Causes inflammation, bleeding, scarring, and adhesions l Treated through hormonal therapy, laparoscopic surgery, or major surgical management l Video

Summary Video l Crash Course