FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The function is:
 Produces gametes (ova)
 Prepares to support a developing embryo
 Undergoes changes according to the menstrual cycle
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
 OVARIES
– OVARIAN CYCLE
 UTERINE (FALLOPIAN) TUBES
 UTERUS
 VAGINA
 EXTERNAL GENITALIA
OVARIES
 Small, almond-shaped organs, each 1 ½” x 1”
 Within the peritoneal cavity on the posterior body wall
 Held in place by ligaments
– BROAD LIGAMENT
 mesentery called MESOVARIUM
– SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT: holds the ovary superiorly
– OVARIAN LIGAMENT: connects ovary to the uterus
 Ovarian arteries – arterial supply through the mesentery to the ovary
INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE OVARY
The ovary is lined with the superficial epithelium called the VISCERAL PERITONEUM
Under that is a layer of thin, dense connective tissue = TUNICA ALBUGINEA.
Internal to that is the OVARIAN CORTEX, which is where the developing eggs are.
Internal to that is the OVARIAN MEDULLA, which is loose connective tissue with
veins, arteries, nerves, and lymphatics.
1
OVARIAN CYCLE
This is the process of egg development on a monthly basis.
 Eggs develop during the fetal period. A female is born with several million eggs,
and then they start to die. By age 31 there are only a few thousand left.
 An egg is called an OOCYTE.
 The typical (diploid) cells of the body have 46 chromosomes; the gamete (oocyte
and sperm cells) have 23 chromosomes.
The oocyte is surrounded by a group of cells called FOLLICULAR CELLS.
The whole structure is called the PRIMARY FOLLICLE.
At puberty there is a change in hormones which causes development of some of these
primary oocytes.
The Ovarian (sex) Cycle
 Ovulation – occurs about halfway through each ovarian cycle
– Oocyte exits from one ovary (it is now called an OVUM)
 Enters the peritoneal cavity
– Is swept into the uterine tube
 Luteal Phase – occurs after ovulation
– Remaining follicle becomes a corpus luteum
 Secretes progesterone
 Acts to prepare for implantation of an embryo
Ovum
2
The average ovarian cycle is 28 days.
The female sex cycle begins on the first day of menstruation.
Day 1: The primary follicle begins to develop. .
Day 1-7
The oocyte grows, especially the follicle cells, which grow and divide.
The adenohypophysis secretes FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This causes 20-30
eggs to be stimulated in both ovaries.
Day 1
Day 7
It is called a SECONDARY FOLLICLE when it starts to produce the hormone
ESTROGEN, which starts to build up the lining of the uterus and also inhibits the
development of the follicles. It’s like a race that lasts a week; the first one to reach this
stage of maturation wins, the rest of the maturing follicles die do there is only one follicle
remaining. In some races, there can be a tie, so if that happens here, you get multiple
births. So the secondary follicle has knocked out its competition and keeps on growing.
Day 14
The follicle is fully mature = GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE.
The oocyte is fully mature = OVUM
The ovum is surrounded by a ring called the CORONA RADIATA, which supplies
nutrition for the ovum while it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
It is then surrounded by a space = ANTRUM, which contains a clear fluid.
The antrum is surrounded by the follicular cells.
The mature follicle is still producing estrogen. It has become so big that it forms a blister
on the outside of the ovary.
3
The adenohypophysis secretes another hormone called LH (leuteinizing hormone).
LH causes fluid to rapidly flow into the antrum, which then expands and pops, which also
breaks through the tunica albuginia and the membrane. The egg and corona radiata are
released into the peritoneum. This process is called OVULATION. Can cause some
discomfort.
The follicle cells that are leftover remain in the ovary and are called the CORPUS
LUTEUM (“ yellow body”) After a pregnancy the corpus luteum disintegrates into dead
tissue; a white scar called the CORPUS ALBICANS. In autopsy, you can see how many
of these scars are present to determine how many pregnancies she had.
Day 14-21
The egg takes a week to make its ways down to the uterus. The follicular cells continue
to grow and make estrogen, which continues to build the uterus lining so it’s ready for the
egg by the time it gets there.
Day 23
If no fertilization, the egg starts to break down.
Day 27
There is no more estrogen.
Day 28
Menstruation starts as the uterine lining breaks down  Day 1
Can you get pregnant while you are having your period?
A woman is only fertile when the egg is released, but there is an OVARIAN REFLEX
which is ovulation in response to sex (not necessarily with orgasm). There is no safe
time to have unprotected sex, because even during menstruation the sperm can live in the
female body for ten days.
4
ESTROGEN
The estrogen allows for deposition of subcutaneous fat, which is what gives women their
curves. In pregnancy, the breasts get larger, the mammary glands get bigger.
NOTE:
The functional unit of the Liver is the lobule
And the functional unit of the Kidney is the nephron
And the functional unit of the Lung is the alveolus
And the functional unit of the Ovary is the follicle
FUN FACT
Is possible for a baby to have five parents:
(1) sperm donor, (2) egg donor, (3) surrogate mother, and (4) and (5) adoptive mother
and father.
INFERTILITY
One of the most common causes of infertility in women is STD (sexually transmitted
disease). We’ll talk about that later. Also, fat needs to be present to have the menstrual
cycle. Skinny and athletic women may not menstruate.
FERTILITY PILLS
 Women who have trouble conceiving take fertility pills called Lupron (FSH),
which cause 100 follicles to develop instead of 20-30, and 4-5 of them may
mature  multiple births.
 There is a urine dip stick that can determine when ovulation is occurring. On that
day, she is given a “trigger” injection of hCG, which stimulates the final steps of
maturation of the eggs.
 Within 2 days she goes back to the doctor, where they use ultrasound to see where
the Graafian follicles are, then use a needle to aspirate them. This is done by
going up the vagina with an endoscopic camera.
 The eggs are then fertilized in vitro and implanted directly into the uterus.
CHOOSING YOUR BABY'S SEX
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
MicroSort
Ericsson
At home techniques
 The PGD method starts with in vitro fertilization
– Take FSH to cause many eggs to start developing
– Remove the eggs surgically, then fertilize them.
– Do genetic tests to select the embyro that has the desired sex.
– Implant desired egg back into uterus
– Selecting for sex by in vitro fertilization started in 1989 to select sex in
couples who carried sex-linked diseases. For example, hemophiliac genes
are only a problem in boys, so the couple would select a girl.
5
 MicroSort, a dye technique that attempts to segregate girl-producing sperm from
the boy-producing variety. Sperm of the desired gender is inserted directly into
the uterus, usually via artificial insemination
– The method is about 90 percent successful when it comes to choosing girls
and about 74 percent successful for boys.
 Ericsson is a technique that aims to separate faster-swimming boy-producing
sperm from slower-swimming girl-producing sperm. Sperm of the desired gender
are inserted directly into your uterus via artificial insemination.
 Ericsson claims his technique is 78 to 85% effective when it comes to choosing
boys and 73 to 75% effective for girl babies.
AT-HOME TECHNIQUES
 Shettles method
 The theory is that sperm bearing Y chromosomes (for boys) move faster but don't
live as long as sperm that carry X chromosomes (for girls). So if you want a boy,
the Shettles method argues, you should have sex as close as possible to ovulation.
If you want a girl, you should have sex two to four days before you ovulate. You
must take your basal body temperature every day to figure out when you're
ovulating.
 Also, the father should wear boxer shorts if trying for a boy; the sperm need to be
cooler. He should NOT wear tighter underwear when trying for a girl..it will
decrease overall fertility. When trying for a girl, the man should take a hot bath
right before intercourse.
Adjust pH of vagina
-The closer to the entrance to the vagina, the more acidic the women's tract is.
-Sperm that make boys cannot tolerate the pH as well.
 -A douche of water and vinegar (acid) immediately before intercourse to favor a
girl; -a douche of water and baking soda (alkaline) will help for a boy. Some say
that calcium and magnesium supplements also make the vagina more alkaline.
Position
-The boy-making sperm need to avoid the acidic pH of the vagina.
-Shallow penetration (missionary-position) will favor girls and a deeper
penetration ---rear-entry of vagina (dog-style) will favor boys.
-Note: Some women are naturally very acidic and have a hard time conceiving boys.
 Whelan method
 -The Whelan method directly contradicts the Shettles method. The theory here is
that biochemical changes that may favor boy-producing sperm occur earlier in a
woman's cycle. So if you want a boy, you should have intercourse four to six days
before your basal body temperature goes up. If you want a girl you should have
sex two to three days before you ovulate. Does this make sense to you? You will
always see conflicting articles. Make your own decisions based on what you have
learned.
6
Complications of Pregnancy
The second most dangerous thing a woman can do to herself is get pregnant.
5 in a million die from BCP complications.
100 in a million die from pregnancy complications.
The first most dangerous thing is getting into a car without a seat belt.
BIRTH CONTROL METHODS
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
 Combination Birth Control Pills are made of estrogen and progesterone. They are
99% effective.
 They are also used for easing hot flashes and restoring regular periods.
 They should be avoided by smokers and those 35 or older because the estrogen
may cause dangerous blood clots. They can also trigger migraines in people who
get them.
Birth Control Pills are made of estrogen, so they inhibit the development of the follicles,
but the uterine lining still grows. You take them for 3 weeks, then take one week off to
allow for menstruation. Some of the new estrogen pills can cause a period only every 3
months instead, but there are side effects.
Progestin-only pill (The “Mini pill”)
 Since these don't contain estrogen, they are safer for smokers, diabetics, and heart
disease patients, as well as those at risk for blood clots.
 You should not use these if you have trouble remembering to take your pill at the
same time every day. They need to be taken at exactly the same time every day; if
you're more than three hours late, plan on using a backup method.
Extended-cycle pill
 These allow you to have a period only every three months. (Note: Lybrel stops
your period for a year, but you must take a pill every day, year-round.)
Who should avoid it: There's no evidence proving it's dangerous not to have
periods, but there is still no long-term research to show that it is safe.
Birth Control Patch
 You can place the hormone-releasing patch on your arm, buttock, or abdomen,
and rest easy for one week.
Who should avoid it: If you're particularly at risk for blood clots, you might want
to find a different method. The patch delivers 60% more estrogen than a low-dose
pill, so you're at an increased risk for dangerous blood clots.
7
Implant
 About the size of a matchstick, the implant is placed under the skin on your upper
arm. Implants last for three years and can cost up to $800. They are nearly 100%
effective.
Who should avoid it: Implanon may not work as well for women taking St. John's
wort, or women who are overweight.
MORNING-AFTER PILL
The "morning-after" birth control or "emergency contraception," is available by
prescription at most drug stores and is sold under the names Preven or Plan B.
This method involves a woman taking a higher than usual dose of the same hormones
used in birth control pills within 72 hours (ideally, 24 hours) of unprotected sex. It greatly
reduces the chance of pregnancy by preventing implantation of any fertilized egg. You
should not, however, be relying on "morning-after" birth control as your regular form of
contraception. It can cause side effects, and the high doses of hormones should not be
taken regularly. It is also not as effective as other forms of birth control, and does not
protect against sexually transmitted diseases in any way.
Stop BCP 6-12 months before planning conception.
Unprotected sex twice a week for a year = 90% chance of pregnancy.
If not, may have fertility problem.
BCP are 99% effective.
So are condoms if they were used correctly (squeeze the air out of the tip and only use
KY Jelly for lubrication); if not, only 85% effective. Solution = put the woman in
charge of the condom, and the failure rate drops dramatically.
Condoms are also 99% effective if used correctly; if not, only 85% effective. Solution =
put the woman in charge of the condom, and the failure rate drops dramatically.
OTHER CONTRACEPTIVES
Vaginal ring
The ring is made of flexible plastic and delivers estrogen and progestin, just like the
combination pill. You place the ring in your vagina for three weeks, and then remove it
for one week so that you have a regular period.
Diaphragm
 Made of rubber and shaped like a dome, a diaphragm prevents sperm from
fertilizing an egg. It covers the cervix and must always be used with a spermicide.
Women must be fitted for a diaphragm in their doctor's office.
Who should avoid it: If your weight tends to fluctuate by more than 10 pounds at
a time, the diaphragm may not work. If you gain or lose weight, you'll need to be
8
refitted. Prone to bladder infections? You might want to consider another option.
If you've had toxic shock syndrome, you shouldn't use a diaphragm.
IUD (Intra-uterine Device)
 This is a surgically implanted copper device that prevents sperm from reaching
the egg. Some also releases hormones. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are more than
99% effective and good for 10 years.
Who should avoid it: Some doctors recommend the device only for women who
have given birth. When the device is implanted, your uterus is expanded, and this
might cause pain in women who have not had children. If you're planning on
having children in a year or two, look at other options. The IUD can be removed,
but the cost is high—up to $500.
Female condom
 It also offers some protection against STDs. It is inserted deep into the vagina,
over the cervix, much like a diaphragm. Unlike the male condom, the female
condom can be put into place up to eight hours before sex.
TUBAL LIGATION
 TUBAL LIGATION is a method of birth control where a piece of the uterine tube
is cut out, and there’s no way for the sperm to reach the egg.
 It is more complicated than a vasectomy and involves cutting into the abdominal
cavity, so it is done less often than a vasectomy. Again, only 1 in a million is not
successful.
ESSURE
 Essure is a non-surgical procedure for women that involves placing small coils in
the fallopian tubes.
 Over time, scar tissue develops around these coils, which blocks the fallopian
tubes and prevents conception.
The least effective method of birth control is withdrawing the penis before
ejaculation. Statistics say that there is a 30% chance of pregnancy with this method.
9
UTERINE (FALLOPIAN) TUBES
The ovary is in the peritoneal cavity, surrounded by the peritoneum, with an egg
releasing. The uterine tube has FIMBRIAE (“fingers”) that surround the ovary. When
the egg is released, it goes into the peritoneal cavity, but the CILIA that line the uterine
tube create a current that drags the egg in.
The uterine (fallopian) tubes are held up by the broad ligament and the suspensory
ligament.The uterine tubes are about 10cm long (3”), but only 7/10cm in diameter, and
the actual lumen where the tube enters the uterus is tiny. The uterine tube is made of the
INFUNDIBULUM (funnel), the AMPULLA (most of the tube), and the ISTHMUS (the
part of the tube closest to the uterus). The ampulla is where fertilization usually occurs. If
the egg implants outside of the uterus or on the external surface of the wall of the uterus,
it is called an ectopic pregnancy. The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy is
the uterine tubes.
ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES
The egg is normally fertilized in the uterine tube, goes down into the uterus and implants
there. If it implants anywhere else, it is called an ECTOPIC PREGNANCY.
 If it implants in the uterine tube = TUBAL PREGNANCY, a type of ectopic
pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are almost always fatal to the mother and
embryo, but nowadays there are few deaths of the mother because it is very
painful, so she will go to the ER and they will do surgery. A woman who goes
into the ER with abdominal pain will always get a pregnancy test. The egg can
also implant into the wall of the peritoneal cavity; also usually fatal. There was a
mother whose embryo implanted on her liver. At 6 months, it was delivered by Csection, and both mother and baby survived.
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
Sperm swim out of the opening of the uterine tube and into the peritoneal cavity. That
means any STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) can also enter there, causing PELVIC
INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID), which is when it spreads to the ovaries. It could
then continue to all organs in the pelvis EXCEPT those organs which are retroperitoneal
(Kidney, ureter, and urethra). It includes SALPINGITIS (“trumpet” = inflammation of
the uterine tube). A woman’s peritoneal cavity is open to the external world; that’s why
the lumen of the uterine tube has to be so narrow, and the cervix also has mucous for
protection.
The most common cause of PID and infertility in women is STD, usually Chlamydia or
gonorrhea. The inflammation and scarring closes off the uterine tube; although PID does
not inhibit ovulation, it can lead to sterility.
TUBAL LIGATION is a method of birth control where a piece of the uterine tube is cut
out, and there’s no way for the sperm to reach the egg. It is more complicated and
involves the abdominal cavity, so it is done less often than a vasectomy. Again, only 1 in
a million is not successful.
10
The least effective method of birth control is withdrawing the penis before ejaculation.
Statistics say that there is a 30% chance of pregnancy with this method.
UTERUS
The uterus consists of a FUNDUS, BODY, CERVIX, CERVICAL CANAL,
and VAGINA. The largest gross region of the uterus is its body.
It is held in place by the ROUND LIGAMENT and by mesentery = the BROAD
LIGAMENT.
When a woman stands upright, the uterus sits on top of the urinary bladder.
UTERINE WALL
ENDOMETRIUM (two layers)
1. STRATUM FUNCTIONALE
2. STRATUM BASALE
The stratum basale is the deeper layer, and can divide and grow to replace itself.
The superficial layer is the stratum functionale, which undergoes the changes during
menses. It has lots of UTERINE GLANDS and blood vessels
The stratum functionale develops with the hormone cycle, which causes it to grow, along
with its glands and blood vessels. When the hormones stop, the stratum functionale
breaks down, leaving only the stratum basale.
Deep to the endometrium is the MYOMETRIUM, made of smooth muscles which
contract during birth.
The PERIMETRIUM or EPIMETRIUM is the name of the visceral peritoneum.
11
PROBLEMS WITH THE UTERUS
PROLAPSED UTERUS
• Weak muscle can decrease the support of the uterus, which can then prolapse and
fall out through the vagina = PROLAPSED UTERUS.
ENDOMETRIOSIS is a very strange condition. Pieces of the endometrium are
supposed to fall down the vagina, but sometimes its cells go up the uterine tube and enter
the peritoneal cavity. They can lodge anywhere; on top of the fundus, on the lung pleura.
They can lodge anywhere; on top of the fundus, even on the lung pleura.
One lady got a collapsed lung every month!
These cells still respond to hormone changes, grow, and break down and die, causing
pain during menstruation. It’s difficult to diagnose because the pain goes away before
the doctor appointment. The symptoms vary, depending on the location. One lady had it
on her lung pleura and got a collapsed lung every month. Treatment is to give hormones
to prevent menses.
POLYPS
 A polyp is a general term that describes any mass of tissue which bulges or
projects outward or upward from the normal surface level. A uterine polyp is an
outgrowth of the uterine lining. They may ocur if the uterine tissue is not
completely sloughed off each month.
FIBROIDS
 Fibroids are benign smooth-muscle growths that arise from the uterine muscle.
Fibroids can be found inside the uterine cavity (submucous), within the uterine
muscle (intramural), and on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal).
 Fibroids grow in response to estrogen.
 Up to one third of all reproductive-aged women will have at least one fibroid in
their uteruses.
 These are benign tumors like scar tissue. They can get large and be painful,
especially during contraction of menses and pregnancy.
 Fibroids are the most common reason for hysterectomy (surgical removal of the
uterus).
DERMOID CYST
 These contain developmentally mature skin complete with hair follicles and sweat
glands, sometimes clumps of long hair, and often pockets of nails, teeth, and even
eyes.
 They are almost always benign.
HYSTERECTOMY comes from the Greek “hysteria”. It was thought that only women
get hysterical because they have a uterus. Now we know that’s not true. They get
hysterical because they have ovaries! The surgery involves going through the abdominal
wall, cut the broad ligament and uterine tubes, and yank the uterus out through the
vagina.
12
RETROFLEXED UTERUS
 As a woman matures the uterus may not move into a forward position. It usually
does not cause fertility problems.
 Childbirth can tip the uterus forward or backward. If the ligaments holding the
uterus in place stretch, or lose their tension during pregnancy, the uterus can
become tipped. In most cases, the uterus returns to a forward position after
childbirth.
 Scarring from adhesions as a result of endometriosis or fibroids can also cause the
uterus to shift to a tilted or retroflexed state.
 An uplift surgery can be performed to reposition the uterus. This typically reduces
the pain experienced during intercourse and/or menstruation.
VAGINA
The function is to receive the penis and sperm. It’s about 9 cm long.
It is lines by mucosa made of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, therefore
its function is to protect against abrasions.
Below it is a LAMINA PROPRIA with some glands (most secretions are from the
uterus). It has lots of ELASTIC FIBERS since it has to stretch during the birth process.
The vagina also has RUGAE. There is a muscularis layer around it which allows for
PERISTALSIS during orgasm and menses, which helps sperm move into the uterus.
Surrounding that is an ADVENTITIA layer which is dense connective tissue with elastic
fibers. This attaches the vagina to surrounding structures.
HYMEN
At the vaginal opening the mucosa extends into the VAGINAL ORIFICE = HYMEN.
If the hymen covers the whole thing, can’t get the menstrual flow out, so it will need
surgery. Some women are born with a small hymen, so there is not much bleeding at the
first intercourse. Some have a hymen so thick, it needs surgery before penetration.
EXTERNAL GENITALIA = VULVA
Parts of the vulva
MONS PUBIS is a pad of adipose tissue above the pubic symphysis, covered with pubic
hair. The LABIA MAJORA is an extension on either side of the vestibule, also with
pubic hair. It is the female homologue (equivalent) of the scrotum. Medial to the labia
majora is the LABIA MINORA, which are thin folds of tissue and erectile tissue. The
end of it is the CLITORIS (equivalent of the penis), which also has erectile tissue. The
clitoris is covered by a PREPUCE and has a CORPORA CAVERNOSA.
VESTIBULE is the area bounded by the lamina minora. Within it are the URETHRAL
ORIFICE, VAGINAL ORIFICE, and VESTIBULAR GLANDS (in the posterior
region) which secrete mucus during sexual arousal for lubrication.
13
During childbirth the vaginal orifice enlarges, so it will either stretch or tear at the
posterior portion. If it tears, the vagina and the anus can be connected by the tear = bad.
The surgeon can do an angled cut away from the anus, through the muscle = Episiotomy.
EPISIOTOMY.
 A purpose of an episiotomy during childbirth is to minimize tearing of the central
tendon and muscles of the pelvic floor.
Even if there was no tearing during childbirth, afterwards there can be weak muscles so
external urethral sphincter can become incompetent; so can the external anal sphincter.
Treatment/prevention is exercises for the muscles there and the external urethral
sphincter.
The Mammary Glands
 Breasts – modified sweat glands
-The breasts may become tender at ovulation from the effects of progesterone. As
the uterine lining is swelling, the body also retains water elsewhere, including the
breasts. Caffeine intake makes it worse.
 Glandular structure – undeveloped in non-pregnant women
 Milk production – starts just before childbirth
Reproductive System Cancers in Females
 Breast Cancer
 Ovarian cancer – arises from cells in the germinal epithelium.
 Endometrial cancer – arises from the endometrium of the uterus.
 Cervical cancer – slow-growing, arises from epithelium at the tip of the cervix.
Breast cancer – Second most common cause of cancer deaths in women
 Second most common cause of cancer deaths in women
 97% occurs in women over 50
 Treatment
– Surgical removal of the mass (lumpectomy) or the whole breast
(mastectomy)
– Radiation therapy
– Administration of selected hormones
– Chemotherapy
 Follow-up: HALO Breast Pap Test: Testing Nipple Aspirate Fluid for breast
cancer cells. Also used for screening for Breast Cancer Risk. Insurance does not
cover it, but only costs $100.
14
HALO Breast Pap Test
 Your nurse will help you properly position the suction and collection cups over
your breasts. Your nipple aspiration fluid, if any is produced, will be collected at
the bottom of the cup. During the test, you will be holding the cups onto your
breast skin. The HALO equipment will begin creating suction on your breasts;
you will feel mild warmth and gentle massage from the "petals" around the
collection cups on your breast skin. This increases circulation to the nipples and
underlying milk ducts.
Puberty
 Period of life between ages 10-15
 Reproductive organs grow to their adult size
 Events of puberty occur in the same sequence in all individuals
– Age at which events of puberty occur varies widely
– Menarche – the first menstruation. Occurs about 3 years after breasts
begin to develop.
 Female secondary sex characteristics (induced by estrogen)
– Budding breasts (around age 11)
– Increase in subcutaneous fat
– Widening and lightening of the pelvic bones
– Appearance of axillary and pubic hair
– Estrogen-induced growth spurt from age 12-17
Precocious Puberty
 Onset of puberty before age 8
 Girls who are obese have an 80% chance of going into precocious puberty.
 Precocious puberty puts girls at a higher risk of sexual abuse.
 Growth plates close faster, so they also become short in stature.
 Treatment involves suppressing FHS and LH
World’s youngest mother: Lina Medina
 Precocious puberty at age 8 months
 At age 5, gave birth to a 6.0 lb son, named Gerardo, by caesarean section May 14,
1939 in Lima, Peru.
 Her parents, who assumed their daughter had a tumor, took her to a hospital,
where she was determined to be seven months pregnant.
 Although Medina's father was arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse, he was
later released due to lack of evidence, and the identity of the biological father who
impregnated Medina was never uncovered.
Menopause
 Female reproductive peak – late 20s
 Around age 35 – rate of follicle degeneration increases
 Ovulation and menstruation cease – age 46-54
– Ovaries stop secreting estrogen
 Reproductive organs and breasts begin to atrophy
15
THE FOLLOWING IS FOR
COASTLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ONLY:
EMBRYOLOGY
•
•
•
Embryology – study of the origin and development of single individual
This is an amazing process that one cell can grow into an entire organism is 9
months!
-At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell.
FERTILIZATION
Fertilization occurs in the ampulla portion of the uterine tube.
The most common site of ectopic pregnancy is the uterine tube
The trophoblast cells secrete a hormone = hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). This
hormone maintains the growth of the uterine lining. If no hCG is present, there will be
menses. hCG is the hormone which is measured in a pregnancy test. It will be in
sufficient quantities to be measured within about one week after a missed period.
IMPLANTATION
Chorionic villi are projections from the fetus that burrow into the uterus.
The capillaries within a chorionic villus of the placenta contain blood from the fetus only,
not the mother. Therefore, this tissue can be used for genetic testing for birth defects.
FETAL DEVELOPMENT
• The heart starts to pump during the fourth week.
• Male and female fetuses can first be distinguished by their genitals at 3 months.
BIRTH DEFECTS
• FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME from the mother drinking alcohol is the most
common cause of mental retardation in the United States.
• The most common birth defects world-wide involve the heart and circulation.
• A TERATOGEN (“monster maker”) is any chemical, physical, or biological
agent that induces birth defects.
16