The Female Reproductive System
The Female Reproductive System
The most important part of female reproductive systems are Ovaries or female gonads, uterine tubes, uterus and Vagina.
Ovaries or Female gonads
Ovaries are small, almond shaped organs near lateral walls of pelvic cavity. the main function of Ovaries are:
- Production of immature female gametes (oocytes)
- secreation of female sex hormones (estrogens, progestins)
- secreation of inhibin, takes place in feedback control of pituitary FSH
Process of Oogenesis starts when primary Oocytes remain in suspended development until puberty. At puberty, rising of FSH triggers start of ovarian cycle and each month thereafter some primary oocytes are stimulated to develop further. Ovarian Cycle includes monthly oogenesis between puberty and menopause.
- formation of primary follicles
- formation of secondary follicle
- formation of tertiary follicle
- ovulation
- formation of corpus luteum
the uterine tubes and Fertilization
Uterus has 3 muscle layers, endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium the most outer layer. For fertilization to occur, the secondary oocyte must meet spermatozoa during first 12 to 24 hours. fertilization usually occurs between ampulla and isthmus.
Uterine cycle or Menstrual cycle is a repeating of changes in endometrium. it lasts from 21-35 days (average of 28 days). It responds to hormons in 3 phases which are menses, poliferative phase and secretory phase. Menstruation is the process of endometrial sloughing. it lasts 1-7 days and it sheds 35-50ml of blood.
- Menarche: first uterine cycle/ first menstruation (typically between ages of 11-12)
- Menopause: termination of uterine cycle (ages of 45-55)
- Amenorrhea: absent of menstrual cycle
The Vagina
is an elastic, muscular tube. it's about 7.5-9cm long. the functions of vagina are:
- passageway for elimination of menstrual fluids
- receive spermatozoa during sexual intercourse
- forms interior portion of birth canal
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