FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Dr. Ayisha Qureshi Assistant Professor

MBBS, Mphil

FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• 1. Production of ova (oogenesis)• 2. Reception of sperm• 3. Transport of the sperm and ovum to a common site forunion (fertilization, or conception)• 4. Maintenance of the developing fetus until it can survive in

theoutside world (gestation, or pregnancy), including formation ofthe placenta, the organ of exchange between mother and fetus• 5. Giving birth to the baby (parturition)• 6. Nourishing the infant after birth by milk production(lactation)

Parts of Female Reproductive System

Sexual Life of a Female

Sexual Life FEMALE

1st Phase From Birth to Puberty

MENARCHE

2nd Phase From Menarche to

Menopause MENOPAUSE

3rd Phase From Menopause to

the end of Life TIL DEATH

OVARIES

It is the gonad or primary sex organ in the Female. A woman has 2 ovaries. An ovary performs 2 functions:

1. Gametogenesis (OOGENESIS)- leads to production of an Ova.

2. Endocrine Function- leads to secretion of female sex hormones (ESTROGENS & PROGESTERONE)

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

• Definition:Menstrual cycle is defined as cyclic events that take place in a rhythmic fashion in a female.

Menstrual cycle starts with Menarche which also marks the onset of puberty. Duration: usually 28 days (may vary b/w 20 & 40

days)

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Periodic release of Ova from Ovaries

Ova Fertilized

Pregnancy

Ova NOT Fertilized

Cycle Repeats

Depending on whether there is

fertilization of Ova:

CHANGES DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE

During each menstrual cycle, series of changes occur in the ovaries & the accessory sex organs. These changes are divided into 4 groups:1. Ovarian Changes2. Uterine Changes 3. Vaginal Changes4. Changes in the Cervix

OVARIAN CHANGES

• After the onset of puberty, the ovary alternates b/w 2 phases:1. Follicular Phase:

- characterized by presence of maturing follicles

- extends from 5th day of cycle until time of ovulation2. Luteal Phase:

- characterized by presence of corpus luteum.- extends from 15th day of cycle to 28th day.

Normally, this cycle is interrupted only by pregnancy and terminates with menopause.

Ovarian Changes

FOLLICULAR PHASE Primordial Follicle

↓Primary Follicle

↓Secondary Follicle

↓Vesicular Follicle

↓Graafian Follicle

(the growth takes place under the influence of FSH)

↓OVULATION

Takes place under the influence of LH

LUTEAL PHASE

Ovulation ↓

Corpus Hemorrhagicum ↓

Corpus Luteum • If fertilization occurs: Corpus

luteum of Pregnancy• If no fertilization: Corpus

albicans

IMPORTANT TERMS:

Primordial Follicle= Primordial ovum+ Granulosa Cells(incomplete layer)

Primary Follicle= Primordial Follicle+ Granulosa Cells (complete layer)

Vesicular Follicle/= Primordial follicle+ Zona Graafian Follicle Pellucida+ Capsule+

AntrumCorpus Luteum= Ruptured follicle+ Lutein cells+

yellowish pigment

OVULATION • Definition:

It is the process by which the Graafian Follicle ruptures with consequent discharge of ovum into the abdominal cavity. It is under influence of LH.

Ovulation occurs on the 14th of menstrual cycle in a 28 day cycle. The ovum enters the Fallopian tube.

Mechanism:1. Rupture of Graafian Follicle at the stigma.2. Follicular fluid oozes out.3. Follicle freed from the wall of the ovary.4. Ovum expelled into the abdominal cavity (ovum+ granulosa cells+

secretions= Corona radiata). 5. From there it enters the Fallopian tube through the fimbriated end.

The ovum is viable only for 24-48 hours. So it must be fertilized within that time.

Functions of Corpus Luteum

• Corpus Luteum is a glandular yellow body, developed from the rupured Graagian follicle after the release of ovum.

• Functions:1. Secretion of hormones: It acts as a temporary

endocrine gland. Secretes large quantities of Progesterone & small quantities of Estrogens.

2. Maintenance of Pregnancy: If pregnancy occurs, corpus luteum remains active for 3 months and maintains the pregnancy by secreting various hormones. Abortion results if corpus luteum is removed in the early weeks of pregnancy.

UTERINE CHANGES

• During each menstrual cycle, along with ovarian changes, uterine changes also occur:

1. Menstrual Phase2. Proliferative Phase3. Secretory Phase

HORMONES & THEIR ROLE IN MENSTRUAL CYCLE

• Hypothalamus: releases GnRH.• Anterior Pituitary: releases FSH & LH• Ovarian Hormones: Estrogens & Progesterone

LH Surge: LH is important for ovulation. Ovulation will not occur if there is no LH surge even if large amounts of FSH are present. The need for large amounts of LH for Ovulation is known as Ovulatory Surge for LH or LH surge.

APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY

AMENORRHEA: Absence of menstruationHYPOMENORRHEA: Decreased menstrual bleeding. MENORRHAGIA: Excess menstrual bleeding.OLIGOMENORRHEA: Decreased frequency of menstrual bleeding.DYSMENORRHEA: Menstruation with pain.

FUNCTIONS OF ESTROGENS:

ESTROGENS

• Source: Estrogens are secreted in large quantities by the theca interna cells of the ovaries & to a small amount by the corpus luteum.

• Chemistry: It is a steroid.• Different forms: β- estradiol, estrone, estriol• Half-life: 30-60 minutes• Transport: mostly by albumin & to a lesser

extent by globulin.

Functions of Estrogens: 1. Effect on Ovarian Follicles: stimulatory2. Effect on Uterus: prepares the uterus for pregnancy thru the following

changes:- enlargement of uterus - increased blood supply to endometrium- Proliferation & dilatation of blood vessels & endometrial glands

3. Effect on Fallopian tubes: stimulatory aiding in the fertilization process in the fallopian tubes.4. Effect on Vagina: stimulatory thus preventing certain common vaginal infections.5. Effect on Secondary Sexual characteristics: it is responsible for it. 6. Effect on Breasts: aids in breast development preparing the breast for lactation. 7. Effect on Bones: stimulates Osteoblastic activities. Leads to Osteoporosis in old age. 8. Effect on Metabolism: causes:

- anabolism in proteins increasing total body proteins.- deposition of fat in the female body.

9. Effect on Electrolyte balance: causes sodium & water retention.

PROGESTERONE:

Progesterone

• Source: a small amount by the theca interna cells of the ovaries & a larger amount by the corpus luteum.

• Chemistry: steroid.• Half-life: 4-5 minutes • Transport: albumin & globulin.

FUNCTIONS OF PROGESTERONE:

• Effect on Fallopian tubes: secretory activities are increased for nutrition of the fertilized ovum.

• Effect on Uterus: promotes secretory activities of the endometrium to prepare the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized ovum.

• Effect on Cervix: increases the thickness of cervical mucosa inhibiting transport of sperm into uterus.

• Effect on mammary glands: increases the secretory function of the breasts.

• Effect on Hypothalamus: inhibits release of LH.• Thermogenesis: increases body temperature after ovulation.