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Ovaries produce 2° oocytes & hormones (E, P,
inhin, & relaxin)
Uterine tubes transport 2° oocyte  uterus; sites
of fertilization
Uterus site of implantation of fertilized ovum,
development of fetus during pregnancy & labor
Vagina receives penis during intercourse; birth
canal
Mammary glands synthesize, secrete, & eject
milk for nourishment of newborn
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paired female gonads
homologous to testes (same embryonic origin)
produce:
Gametes
2° oocytes that develop into mature ova after
fertilization
Hormones
E, P, inhibin, relaxin

Germinal Epithelium
› simple epithelium that covers ovary

Tunica Albuginea
› dense irregular CT just under epithelium

Ovarian Cortex
› consists of ovarian follicles surrounded by dense
irregular CT with scattered smooth muscle

Ovarian Medulla
› loose CT, blood & lymphatic vessels, nerves
consist of oocytes in various stages of
development
 follicular cells: single layer of cells
surrounding oocyte
 granulosa cells: multiple layers of cells
surrounding oocyte later in development
 mature (Graafian) follicle: large fluid-filled
follicle ready to rupture & expel a 2° oocyte;
called ovulation
 corpus luteum: remnants of Graafian follicle
after ovulation; produces E, P, inhibin, relaxin
until it degenerates into a corpus albicans
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcVC3TFI
7fQ
Fundus: dome-shaped superior portion
 Body : tapering central portion
 Cervix: inferior narrow portion
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› Internal Os: uppermost, opening into uterine cavity
› External Os: lower edge of cervix, opening into
vagina, site of Pap smears
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Uterine Cavity: interior of body of uterus
3 layers of tissue:
1. Perimetrium
 visceral peritoneum of uterus
 simple squamous epithelium
2. Myometrium
 3 layers of smooth muscle/ thickest in fundus
3. Endometrium
 innermost layer
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3 layers
innermost layer: simple columnar epithelium:
ciliated with Goblet cells
underlying/ thick lamina propria of areolar
CT
endometrial glands: develop as invagination
of luminal epithelium almost to depth of
myometrium
highly vascularized
 2 parts:
1. stratum functionalis
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›
2.
sloughs of in menstruation
stratum basalis
›
deeper permanent layer
connects body of uterus to vagina
 exit route for menstrual flow from
endometrial lining
 internal & external os
 Cells:
1. squamous cells
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›
2.
ectocervix
columnar cells with glands
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line endocervical canal
secrete mucus
mixture of water, glycoproteins, lipids,
enzymes, inorganic salts
 ~20 – 60 mL /day
 @ ovulation: cervical mucus most hospitable
to sperm (less viscous, more alkaline)
 @ other times, viscous mucus forms mucus
plug which impedes sperm motility
 may have role in capacitation (functional
changes sperm undergo once in female
reproductive tract

surgical removal of uterus: most common
gynecological operation
 partial hysterectomy: removal of body of
uterus only
 complete hysterectomy: body of uterus & cervix
removed

~ 10 cm fibromuscular canl lined with mucous
membrane
 functions:
1. receptacle for penis during intercourse
2. outlet for menstrual flow
3. birth canal

thin fold of vascularized mucous membrane
that forms a border around & partially closes
the inferior end of the vaginal opening to the
exterior
 imperforate hymen: completely or partially
closes off the orifice

external genitalia of females
 made up of:
1. Pubis
2. Labia Majora
3. Labia Minora
4. Clitoris
5. vestibule &Vestibular Glands

aka mons pubis
 elevation of adipose
tissue
 cushions pubic
symphysis

2 longitudinal folds of skin extending
inferiorly & posteriorly from mons pubis
 covered by skin & pubic hair
 contain: adipose tissue, sebaceous (oil) &
apocrine (sweat) glands
 are homologous to the scrotum

medial to labial majora
 no pubic hair, few sudoriferous glands
 many sebaceous glands
 homologous to spongy urethra

small cylindrical mass of erectile tissue &
nerves
 Located at anterior junction of labia minora
 homologous to glans penis

region between labia
minora
 w/in it : external
urethral orifice,
vaginal orifice, ducts
of vestibular glands

“minor” vestibular or paraurethral glands
 secrete mucus
 homologous to prostate

either side of vaginal orifice
 “greater” vestibular glands
 produce small amt mucus during sexual
arousal providing lubrication
 homologous to Cowper’s glands
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Nipples
› Areola : circular, pigmented area around each
› Lactiferous Ducts: closely spaced openings where milk
emerges
Suspensory Ligament: strands of CT between
skin & deep fascia that support the breast
 Mammary Gland: modified sudoriferous
(sweat)glands separated by adipose

› surrounded by myoepithelial cells (smooth muscle):
contraction  milk let down