Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Functions
• Production of female sex cells
• Reception of sperm cells from the male
• Nurturing the development and providing nourishment for the new individual
• Production of female sex hormones

The female reproductive system consists of:

• External Genitalia
• Vulva
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Clitoris
• Vestibule
• Skene’s gland
• Vaginal Opening
• Fourchette
• Internal Genitalia
• Mammary Glands
External genitalia
MONS PUBIS
• Vulva
• “mountain on the pubis”
• Fatty rounded area overlying the pubic symphisis
• After puberty, this area is covered with pubic hair
LABIA MAJORA
• Hair covered skin folds
LABIA MINORA
• Delicate
• Hair-free folds
VESTIBULE
• Contains the external openings of the urethra
CLITORIS
• “hill”, small protruding erectile structure that corresponds to the penis
SKENE’S GLAND
• Mucus producing glands found on the sides of the urethral meatus
Bartholin’s Gland or Greater vestibular glands
• Pair of mucus-producing glands in the vestibule, one on each side of the vagina. Their secretion
lubricates the vagina during intercourse
Fourchette
 • Portion below the vaginal opening.
Vagina
• A thin-walled tube 8 to 10cm (3-4in) long
• Lies between the bladder and rectum and extends from the cervix to the body exterior
• Often called the “birth canal” ; provides a passageway for the delivery of an infant and for the
menstrual flow to leave the body.
• Receives the penis and the semen therefore, it is the female organ of copulation
• Distal end of the vagina is called the HYMEN
Ovaries
• Where ova (eggs) are produced
• An internal part of the ovary is made up of dense connective tissue and contains OVARIAN
FOLLICLE
• Each of the follicles contain OOCYTES
• Ovulation is the release of an oocyte from an ovary
• After ovulation, the ruptured follicle is transformed into a very different looking structure called a
CORPUS LUTEUM which eventually degenerates
• Ovulation generally occurs after 28 days, but it can occur more or less frequently in some women
• In older women, the surfaces of the ovaries are scarred and pitted, which attests to the fact that
many eggs have been released
Fallopian tubes
• They open directly into the peritoneal cavity near each ovary and receive the oocyte
• Provide a site where fertilization can occur
• Each of the uterine tubes is about 10cm (4 in) long and extends medially from an ovary to empty
into the superior region of the uterus.
• As an oocyte is expelled from an ovary during ovulation, the waving fimbriae create fluid
currents that act to carry the oocyte into the uterine tube, where it begins its journey toward the
uterus.
Uterus
• “Womb”
• Located in the pelvis between urinary bladder and rectum, is a hollow organ that functions to
receive, retain, and nourish a fertilized egg.
• Pear sized in women who never got pregnant
• During pregnancy, the uterus increases tremendously in size and can be felt well above the
umbilicus during the latter part of pregnancy.
• The major portion of the uterus is referred to as the BODY. Its superior rounded region above the
entrance of the uterine tubes is the FUNDUS, and its narrow outlet, which protrudes in the vagina
below, is the CERVIX.
Layers of the uterus
ENDOMETRIUM
• inner layer
 • If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg burrows into the endometrium and resides for the rest of
its development
• When a woman is not pregnant, the endometrial lining sloughs off periodically, usually about
every 28 days. This process is called MENSTRUATION.
MYOMETRIUM
• Composed of interlacing bundles of smooth muscle, is the bulky middle layer of the uterus
• It plays an active role during the delivery of the baby, when it contracts rhythmically to force the
baby out of the mother’s body.
PERIMETRIUM
• Outermost serous layer of the uterus
• Visceral peritoneum
Mammary glands
• Organs of milk production
• Located in the BREASTS or MAMMAE
• Modified sweat glands that consist of glandular lobes and adipose tissue
• The lobes connect to the nipple through the ducts. The nipple is surrounded by the areola
• Female breasts begin to enlarge at puberty under the influence of ESTROGEN and
PROGESTERONE
Menstrual cycle
• Refers to the series of changes that occur in sexually mature, nonpregnant females and that
culminate in menses
• The cyclical changes in the uterus are controlled by estrogen and progesterone produced by the
ovary
• Menses is a period of mild hemorrhage during which part of the endometrium is sloughed and
expelled from the uterus
• It is about 28 days long although it can be as short as 18 days or as long as 40 days
• Menopause is the cessation of menstrual cycle
FUNCTIONS OF MENSTRUATION
1. PREPARATION FOR OVULATION
2. PREPARATION FOR FERTILIZATION
3. PREPARATION FOR IMPLANTATION
BODY STUCTURES INVOLVED IN MENSTRUATION
1. HYPOTHALAMUS
2. ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND
3 UTERUS
4. OVARY
The uterine cycle
Menstrual Phase
Proliferative Phase
Secretory Phase
1. Menstrual phase
• Day 1- day 5
• First day of bleeding is the first day of cycle
• Around 60 ml average!
• Menstrual Fluid is produced by degeneration of the endometrium
Discharged products
• Blood from the ruptured capillaries
• Mucin from the glands
• Fragments of endometrial tissue
• The microscopic, atrophied and unfertilized ovum
2. Proliferative phase
• Day 5- day 14
• Immediately after menstrual flow
• Epithelial cells of functionale multiply and form glands
• Due to the influence of estrogen
• The proliferative, estrogenic, follicular or postmenstrual phase
3. Secretory Phase
• Day 15- day 28
• Endometrium becomes thicker and glands secrete nutrients
• Uterus is prepared for implantation
• Due to progesterone

• If no fertilization  constriction vessels  menstruation

OVARIAN CYCLE
1. Pre-ovulatory : follicular phase
2. Ovulatory phase
3. Post-ovulatory : Luteal phase

1. Pre-ovulatory : follicular phase

• Variable in length: day 6- day 13
• Dominant follicle matures and becomes graafian follicle with primary oocyte
• FSH increases initially then decreases because of estrogen increase
2. Ovulatory phase
• Day 14
• Rupture of the graafian follicle releasing the secondary oocyte
• Due to the LH surge
 • MITTELSCHMERZ- pain during rupture of follicle
3. Post-ovulatory: luteal phase
• Day 15- day 28
• MOST CONSTANT 14 days after ovulation
• Corpus luteum secretes Progesterone
• If no fertilization, corpus luteum will become corpus albicans then degenerate
• Decreased estrogen and progesterone
Hormonal cycle
1. Menstrual phase
• Decreased Estrogen, decreased progesterone, decreased FSH and decreased LH
2. Proliferative/ Pre-ovulatory phase
• Increased FSH and Estrogen in small amounts
3. Ovulatory phase
• Increased FSH, Increased LH (surge) Increased Estrogen
4. Post ovulatory/luteal Phase
• Increased Estrogen, increased progesterone, decreased FSH and LH
Signs of ovulation
• MITTLESCHMERZ – a certain degree of pain felt at the lower left or right iliac
• CERVICAL MUCUS METHOD OR BILLING’S METHOD – changes in cervical mucus
secretions to clear, elastic & watery (most reliable sign)
• SPINNBARKHEIT TEST - Test for elasticity of cervical mucus
• Increase in basal body temperature
• Mood changes
• Breast changes/ enlargement
• Increased libido
FUNCTIONS OF ESTROGEN
• Assists with the maturation of the Primary follicle
• Causes proliferation of the endometrium
• Responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics (Breast development)
• Inhibits FSH production
• Increases contractions of the myometrium
• Increase contractions of the fallopian tubes
• Stimulates uterine contractions
• Increases quantity and PH of cervical mucus causing it to become thin and watery and can be
stretched to a distance of 10-13cm (Spinbarkheit test of elasticity)
Functions of Progesterone
• Increases BBT
 • Prepares the endometrium for implantation by increasing glycogen, arterial blood, secretory
glands, amino acids and water
• Maintains pregnancy by inhibiting uterine contractions
• Inhibits the production of LH
• Increases endometrial tortuosity
Reproductive hormones
• FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)
- Stimulates the development of graafian follicle and the ovum
- Makes the ovum mature
• LUTEINIZING HORMONE ( LH)
- Stimulates ovulation and development of corpus luteum
PREMENStrUAL SYNDROME
• Emotional and physical manifestation that occur cyclically before menstruation and regress
thereafter
• Peak 30-40 y/o
• No specific hormone, treatment or markers
• Mood and behavioral changes inherent to menstrual cycle
FERTILIZATION ( CONCEPTION, FECUNDATION, IMPREGNATION)
• Union of a matured egg and a sperm and the product is called a CONCEPTUS or ZYGOTE
• It occurs at the ampulla
FERTILIZATION
TWO CHANGES THAT TAKE PLACE IN THE SPERM AS IT REACHES THE OVUM
• CAPACITATION
• ACROSOME REACTION
IMPLANTATION / NIDATION
• The blastocyst remains free floating in the uterine cavity for 3-5 days & implants in the
endometrium 6-7 days after fertilization.
• As it attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, its trophoblast cells release enzymes allowing it to
burrow deep into the endometrium resulting in rupture of vessels & bleeding at the implantation
site. “implantation bleeding”.
• Ideal site of implantation is the fundal portion.
STAGES OF FETAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
• PRE-EMBRYONIC
• EMBRYONIC
• FETAL
OVUM
• It is the female sex cell or gamete.
• only one ovum reaches maturity every month
 • Following ovulation, as the ovum is extruded from the graafian follicle, it is surrounded by a ring
of fluid “ zona pellucida”, & a circle of cells called “ corona radiata”
• ** ovum can stay viable & is capable of being fertilzed for 12-24 hours after ovulation but can
live up to 3-4 days.

SPERM CELL
• Spermatozoa deposited in the vagina reaches the waiting egg in the fallopian tube in about 5
minutes
• The functional life of spermatozoa is 48-72 hrs (3days) but can stay alive in the vagina for 5 -7
days.
• Only one spermatozoon is able to penetrate the cell membrane of the ovum afterwhich cell
membrane becomes impervious to other spermatozoa.
• Reproductive cells, during gametogenesis divide by meiosis ( haploid number of daughter cells)
• ( the rest of the body cells have 46 chromosomes)
• Sperms therefore contain only 23 chromosomes = 22 pairs of autosomes & 1 x sex chromosome
or 1 y sex chromosome.
• The union of an x carrying sperm (gynosperm)& a mature ovum results in a baby girl (xx)
• The union of a y carrying sperm(androsperm) & a mature ovum results in a baby boy (xy)
** only fathers can determine the sex of their children
** sex of a child is determined at the time of fertilization
ZYGOTE
• Is the first cell formed from the fertilization of sperm & ovum.
• it contains 46 chromosomes: 44 autosomes & either xx chromosomes if the offspring is a female,
or xy chromosome, if the offspring is a male.
• it journeys from the fallopian tube to the uterus for 3-5 days
• 16 hours after fertilization, it undergoes its first cell division ,” blastomere”
• When there are already 16 or more blastomeres, the zygote is termed “morula”( morus –
mulberry)
• When it reaches the uterus it is transformed into a “blastocyst” – a ball like structure composed of
an inner cell mass , called embryonic disc or blastocele & an outer layer of rapidly developing
cells called trophoblasts or trophoderm.
• The trophoblasts secretes a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin
(necessary in prolonging the life of the corpus luteum)
• The blastocele or embryonic disc gives rise to the three primary germ layers: ectoderm,
mesoderm, endoderm.
Primary germ layers
TISSUE LAYER
ECTODERM (OUTER LAYER)
NERVOUS SYSTEM, SKIN, HAIR
NAILS, SENSE ORGANS, MUCUS
MEMBRANES OF NOSE & MOUTH

MESODERM (MIDDLE LAYER)

CONNECTIVE TISSUE, BONES,
CARTILAGE, MUSCLES,
TENDONS, KIDNEYS, URETERS,
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM, HEART,
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM, BLOOD
CELLS
ENDODERM (INNER LAYER)
LINING OF THE GI TRACT
RESPIRATORY TRACT
TONSILS, PARATHYROID
THYROID, THYMUS GLANDS
BLADDER, URETHRA
Embryonic and Fetal Structures
• Decidua
• Chorionic villi
• Placenta
DECIDUA
• After implantation, the endometrium is now referred to as the decidua.
LAYERS:
• DECIDUA BASALIS – Layer where implantation takes place. It will later on form the maternal
side of the placenta
• DECIDUA CAPSULARIS – Layer which encloses, envelopes the blastocyst and becomes the
bag of water
• DECIDUA VERA – remaining portion of the uterine lining
MEMBRANES
• CHORION – outer fetal membrane; together with the decidua basalis becomes the maternal side
of placenta.
• AMNION – smooth, thin, tough & translucent membrane directly enclosing the fetus & the
amniotic fluid. It is continuous with the umbilical cord & cover the fetal surface of the placenta &
umbilical cord.

CHORIONIC VILLI
• As early as 12 days after fertilization,tiny projections around the zygote, called villi, can be seen.
• The chorionic villi in contact with the decidua basalis proliferate very rapidly because they
receive rich blood supply. It will later on form the fetal side of the placenta
CHORIONIC VILLI: TROPHOBLASTS:
At about 3 weeks, the trophoblast cells diffrentiate into two distinct layers:
1.CYTOTROPHOBLAST OR LANGHAN’S LAYER:
- inner layer that protects the fetus against syphilis until the 2nd trimester.
2. SYNCYTIOTROPHOBLAST OR SYNCYTIAL LAYER:
- outer layer that produces hormones hcg, hpl. Estrogen & progesterone.

AMNIOTIC FLUID
• 800 ml to 1200 ml at term; average 1000 ml; REPLACED APPROX. Every 3 HOURS
•99% water & 1% solid particles containing albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, lecithin,
sphingomyelin, bilirubin & vernix caseosa.
• Should be clear, colorless to straw colored with tiny specks of vernix caseosa.
FUNCTIONS OF AMNIOTIC FLUID
• Protects the fetus from trauma
• Allows freedom of movement which permits symmetrical growth & development
• Source of oral fluid intrauterine.
• It protects the umbilical cord from pressure, protecting fetal oxygenation
• Aids in fetal descent during labor by providing lubrication in the birth canal.
PLACENTA
• The placenta is formed from the chorionic villi and decidua basalis.
• It becomes functional at the end of the 2nd month & it reaches maturity at 12 weeks gestation
and continue to function effectively until the 40 to 41st week. It begins to degenerate after the
42nd week making it dangerous for the fetus to remain in utero beyond 42 weeks gestation.
• Membranous vascular organ connecting the fetus to the mother, supplies the fetus with oxygen
and food and transports waste product out of fetal system
• Development is stimulated by progesterone secreted by corpus luteum
• ( 3rd wk after fertilization)
• Fully functional by the 12th week
2 sides of placenta
1. Maternal side which is irregular and is divided into subdivisions called cotyledons
2. Fetal side covered by amnion, so it is smooth and shiny
FUNCTIONS OF THE PLACENTA
• Respiratory system = exchange of gases takes place in the placenta, not in the fetal lung.
• Renal system = waste products are being excreted through the placenta
Note: it is the mother’s liver which detoxifies the fetal waste products
• Gastrointestinal system = nutrients pass to the fetus via the placenta by diffusion through the
placental tissues.
• Circulatory system = feto placental circulation is established by selective osmosis
• Protective barrier = inhibits passage of certain bacteria & large molecules
** provides maternal immunoglobulin g ( ig g) that gives fetus passive immunity to certain
diseases for the first few months after birth.
• Endocrine system = produces hormones hcg, hpl ( human placental lactogen) “ chorionic
somatomammotropin”, estrogen , progesterone, relaxin
HCG
•
Secreted by trophoblast, during early pregnancy
•
Prevents involution of corpus luteum, stimulates it to continue producing progesterone and
estrogen for 11-12 weeks
• 8 to 10 days after fertilization, hcg is present in maternal blood
• Few days from missed menses, (+) in urine
HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN
• An insulin antagonist (maternal metabolism of glucose)
• Ensures that the mother’s body is prepared for lactation
ESTROGEN
• Stimulates development of uterine and breast tissues in the mother
• Increases vascularity and vasodilation in the villous capillaries
PROGESTERONE
• After 11 weeks of pregnancy, placenta takes over the production of progesterone from the corpus
luteum
• It is a smooth muscle relaxant, prevents uterine contraction by decreasing its contractility
• Also maintains the endometrium
• relaxin - causes changes in collagen