Download Reproductive Systems

Reproductive Systems
Female
OVARIES
Ovaries:
Female gonads
which contain
200,000 – 300,000
ova (eggs)
OVA
Ovarian follicles Structures within an
ovary consisting of a developing egg
surrounded by follicle cells preparing to
be released during ovulation
About 360 - 480 eggs will reach maturity
in a woman’s lifetime
FEMALE HORMONES
Produced in the ovaries
Estrogens:
Female hormones that bring about the
secondary sex characteristics and
regulate the female reproductive cycle.
Progesterone:
Female hormone secreted by the
ovaries that makes the uterus more
ready to receive a fertilized ovum or egg.
FALLOPIAN TUBES
Fallopian tube:
(1) (1)
Tube connecting an
ovary to the uterus and
through which an ovum
is transported
Fertilization takes place
in the fallopian tube
UTERUS
Uterus:
Also known as the
womb, the hollow
organ in females that
receives, retains, and
nourishes a fertilized
ovum or egg
About the size of a
woman’s fist or pear
Has two distinct layers
ENDOMETRIUM
Endometrium:
Inner blood rich
layer of the uterus
that provides
nourishment for a
developing embryo
and fetus
sloughs off during
the regular
menstrual cycle
(blood).
MYOMETRIUM
Myometrium:
Outer layer of the
uterus composed of
interwoven smooth
muscle cells.
“Cramping”
Contractions
CERVIX
Cervix: (4)
(13)
Lower neck-like portion
of the uterus leading
into the vagina.
Very tight passage way
that keeps the uterus
virtually germ free
Common place for
cancer caused by HPV
VAGINA
Vagina: (5)
(10)
- An elastic muscular
passage way from the
uterus/cervix to the
outside of the body
- Expands to 4 – 5
times it’s size
- For sexual
intercourse and birth
VAGINA (cont.)
Bacteria normally exist in the vagina,
living on nutrients found in the mucus
secreted by the cervix. They are quite
beneficial. Through their activities,
they create an acidic environment in
the vagina that inhibits or prevents the
growth of pathogens (disease-causing
organisms).
Bartholin’s Glands
/ Vestibular glands
Bartholin's glands
• They are located directly at the opening of
the vagina in the vaginal wall.
• Their task is to produce mucus when the
woman is sexually aroused. This makes
sexual contacts easier.
• The mucus also cleanses the vagina
Vulva
Vulva:
Female external
genital organs
Labia majora
Labia minora
Clitoris
EXTERNAL ORGANS
Labia majora:
Outer skin folds of
the vagina.
Labia minora:
Inner skin folds of
the vagina.
CLITORIS
At the top of the labia
minora (above the urethral
opening) lies the clitoris.
A small protruding
mass of erectile tissue,
it is similar to the male
penis.
During sexual arousal or
excitement, the
sensitive clitoris
becomes engorged with
blood.
MAMMARY GLANDS
Mammary glands:
Milk-producing glands in female breasts.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Menstrual Cycle;
- Usually a 28 day cycle preparing for a
pregnancy
Menstruation:
Also known as menses, periodic
(monthly) discharge of blood, secretions,
tissue, and mucus from the female
uterus in the absence of pregnancy.
OVULATION
Ovulation:
Release of a mature ovum from an ovary
Occurs on or around the 14th day of the
menstrual cycle
VERY IMPORTANT to understand birth
control methods and pregnancy issues
OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin:
Hormone produced by the hypothalamus
and stored in the posterior pituitary that
stimulates contraction of the uterus
during childbirth and secretion of milk
during nursing
Also secreted during orgasm
Plays a vital role in “attaching”