CHAPTER 12-THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
I. THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM-consists of a group of organs and glands that
produce ova (eggs), move them to the site of fertilization, and if fertilized by a sperm, nurture
them until birth.
A. The major parts of the female reproductive system include: the ovaries, fallopian tubes,
uterus and vagina.
II. THE OVARIES-small, oval shaped structures in the pelvic cavity that produce ova and secrete
female sex hormones. The ovaries are often referred to as the gonads. The ovaries are located on
either side of the uterus.
A. Egg production and release occurs on a monthly cycle in which one ovary releases one
ovum into the fallopian tubes.
B. Each ovary contains thousands of saclike structures known as graafian follicles.
follicle contains an ovum (egg).
1. When a follicle matures, it moves to the surface of the ovary and ruptures to
release the ovum (this is known as ovulation). After ovulation, the follicle develops
into the corpus luteum which secretes estrogen and progesterone.
2. If unfertilized, the egg will be lost via the menstrual cycle.
C. The Fallopian Tubes-connect the ovaries to the uterus. These tubes essentially serve as
passageways for the movement of ova.
1. Fimbriae-finger-like projections, sweep the ova into the tubes.
2. Eggs pass through these tubes to enter the uterus.
3. If fertilized, the egg will enter the uterus and implant for development.
4. If the egg is not fertilized, then it ruptures and is shed through the vagina.
III. THE UTERUS-the female reproductive organ in which a fertilized ovum implants and develops.
A. Parts of the Uterus:
1. Fundus-upper rounded portion of the uterus.
2. Body
3. The Cervix-neck of the uterus, empties into the vagina.
a. Bartholin’s glands-produce and secrete a lubricating fluid into the vagina.
B. If the ovum is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus is released during the monthly cycle
(known as menstruation).
1. Menarche-the first menstruation.
2. Menopause-the end of the menstrual cycle and child-bearing years.
C. If fertilization occurs, the child is born through the vagina.
1. Mammary Glands-accessory reproductive structures, these produce milk for the
child to nurse through the process of lactation.
D. Layer of tissue in the Uterus:
1. Perimetrium-outer layer, covers the uterus.
2. Myometrium-middle layer.
3. Endometrium-inner, mucus layer of the uterus.
IV. THE VAGINA-tube that extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body.
A. Clitoris-organ of stimulation. Is covered by two layers of skin known as the labia majora
and labia minora.
B. Perineum-space between the labia majora and anus. This is often cut during childbirth
(episiotomy) to allow for passage of the baby.
V. MAMMARY GLANDS (BREASTS)-composed of glandular tissues that are stimulated by
hormones to grow and respond to menstruation and birth.
A. During pregnancy, hormones stimulate the lactiferous ducts to produce milk which is
transported to the nipple (via a process known as lactation).
VI. PREGNANCY
A. During pregnancy the uterus changes shape to accommodate the development of the
embryo. Gestation typically lasts about 9 months. After the third month of pregnancy, the
embryo is known as a fetus.
VII. MAJOR FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES
A. Estrogen/Progesterone-primary female sex hormones. These are secreted by the ovaries.
These regulate the growth and development of the female genitalia and sex
characteristics.
B. Follicle-stimulating hormone-released by the pituitary gland, stimulates egg development.
C. Lutenizing hormone-released by the pituitary gland. Stimulates egg growth and movement.
D. Oxytocin-released by the pituitary gland, stimulates labor.
E. Prolactin-released by the pituitary gland, stimulates lactation.
VIII. COMBINING FORMS/SUFFIXES/PREFIXES-pages 395-398.
IX. PATHOLOGY
A. Menstrual disorders
B. Endometriosis
C. Pelvic and Vaginal infections
D. Breast cancer
E. Cervical cancer
X. DISEASES/CONDITIONS/PROCEDURES-pages 401-412.
XI. PHARMACOLGY-page 412.