Female Reproductive Overview

Womens Drugs

Female Reproductive System

ovaries [female gonads] fallopian tubes [oviducts] uterus vagina external structure [vulva]

Ovaries

Ovaries (female gonads) Location: Paired glands located on each side of the uterus. Function both as endocrine glands and as reproductive glands. reproductive glands [produce mature ova within ovarian follicles] Endocrine glands: produce 2 sex steroid hormones: estrogen and progesterone

Ovaries

Release of ovarian hormones: maturing follicle produces estrogens (estradiol, estrone, and estriol); corpus luteum produces progesterone and estrogens Estrogens: stimulate development of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breasts, pubic hair) including skin, bone development, distribution of body fat and hair and thickening of endometrium; accelerate protein anabolism; stimulate long bone calcification

Ovaries

Progesterone:

prepares endometrium for implantation of fertilized ovum just after ovulation inhibits uterine contractions during pregnancy; promotes development of alveoli of estrogenprimed breasts in preparation for lactation Promotes start of menses when there is no fertilized ovum

Fallopian Tubes

Oviducts Location: attached to upper, outer angles of uterus Function: ducts through which ova travel from ovaries to uterus; location of fertilization

Uterus

Location: in pelvic cavity between bladder and rectum Shape and size: pear-shaped, approximate size of clenched fist Location: over bladder in pelvic cavity; cervix joins vagina; ligaments (e.g., broad ligaments, uterosacral ligaments, posterior ligament, anterior ligament, round ligaments) maintain position of uterus Functions: menstruation, pregnancy, labor

Uterus

3 layers:

the outer protective [perimetrium] the muscular myometrium

provides the powerful smooth muscle contractions needed for childbirth.

Implantation of a fertilized ovum and subsequent development of the fetus Initiation of labor and birthing of the infant Menstruation

inner mucosal layer [endometrium]

Vagina

Location: between rectum and urethra Structure: collapsible, musculo-membranous tube, capable of distention; outlet to exterior covered by hymen Functions

Receptacle for semen & penis Lower portion of birth canal [birthing canal] Excretory duct for uterine secretions and menstrual

External Vulva

External Genitalia

Mons veneris Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris Urinary meatus Vaginal orifice Skene glands & Bartholin glands

Female Reproductive Functions

Female sex steroid hormones

Estrogens Progesterone Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Pituitary gonadotropin hormones

Both- primary role in hormonal communication between the pituitary gland & the ovaries in the continuous regulation of the menstrual cycle from month to month.

Female Reproductive Functions

Female sex steroid hormones and pituitary gonadotropin hormones promote:

Development of primary and secondary sex characteristics Start of menses and regulation of menstrual cycle

Estrogens

Three major endogenous estrogens

Estradiol (principal and most active) Estrone Estriol

Synthesized from cholesterol in ovarian follicles Basic chemical structure of a steroid

Estrogen

Estradiol is the principal secretory product of the ovary and has several estrogenic effects. One of these effects is the

Regulation of gonadotropin (FSH and LH) secretion via negative feedback to the pituitary gland.

Estrogen

Progesterone: principle secretory product of the corpus luteum and has:

Progestational effects

These include promotion of tissue growth and secretory activity in the endometrium following the estrogen-driven proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle.

This important secretory process is required for endometrial egg implantation and maintenance of pregnancy.

Menstrual Cycle

Begins during puberty w/initial menses [age 12] Ceases at menopause Consists of 4 phases: correspond to activity in either ovarian follicle or endometrium

Menstrual Cycle

Phase 1: the menstruation phase (uterine cycle), which initiates the cycle and lasts from 5 to 7 days. Phase 2: the follicular phase (ovarian cycle), during which a mature ovum develops from an ovarian follicle. This phase is also called the proliferative or preovulatory phase and is characterized by rising estrogen secretion from the ovary & LH secretion from the pituitary gland. It ends on or about day 14 of the cycle.

Menstrual Cycle

Phase 3: the ovulation phase: involves release of the unfertilized ovum from the ovary. This process occurs over a roughly 24- to 48-hour period starting at about day 14. Both estrogen and LH levels peak near this time. Phase 4: the final phase of the cycle, called the luteal or postovulatory phase. It is also known as the secretory phase. It occurs when the corpus luteum forms from the ruptured ovarian follicle. **see notes below