The Female Reproductive System

By drg.Nursiah Nasution Mkes

Anatomy of Female Reproductive System

Female reproductive organs
Ovaries Uterine tubes Uterus Vagina External genital organs Mammary glands

Female Reproductive Anatomy

Female Pelvis

Uterus, Vagina, Uterine Tubes, Ovaries and Supporting Ligaments

The Developing Follicle

Atresia of all follicles but one

One follicle develops faster than the rest Starts to secrete estrogens:
Enhances granulosa cell proliferation Increase no. of FSH receptors on granulosa cells Increase FSH effect on follicle Decrease secretion of FSH & LH

Follicle and Oocyte Development

Oogenesis is the production of a secondary oocyte in ovaries Oogonia are cells from which oocytes develop Primary oocytes are surround by granulosa cells and called a primordial follicle Primordial follicle becomes a primary follicle when oocyte enlarges and cells change Primary follicle becomes secondary follicle and enlarges to form mature or graafian follicle
Usually only one is ovulated, others degenerate

Primary oocyte completes first meiotic division to produce secondary oocyte and a polar body Secondary oocyte begins second meiotic division, which stops in metaphase II

Ovary Histology

Maturation of Follicle and Oocyte

Ovulation and Follicle Fate

Ovulation
Follicle swells and ruptures, secondary oocyte is released from ovary Second meiotic division completed when secondary oocyte unites with sperm cell to form zygote

Fate of the follicle

Graafian follicle become corpus luteum If fertilization occurs, corpus luteum persists If no fertilization, becomes corpus albicans

Functions of FSH
1. Stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles: Primary to mature Graafian follicle. 2. Theca interna: secretion of estrogen (follicular stage) 3. Granulosa cells: Secretion of progesterone (luteal stage)

Functions of LH
1. Initially supports the stimulatory effect of FSH. 2. Imperative for ovulation to occur (day 14). 3. LH causes the granulosa cells to form lutein cells (luteinization) which forms the corpus luteum. 4. Lutein cells secrete estrogen and progesterone. 5. Lutein cells: proliferationenlargement secretion degeneration.

Maturation and Fertilization of Oocyte

Puberty and Menstrual Cycle

Puberty
Begins with menarche or first episode of menstrual bleeding Begins when GnRH levels increase

Menstrual Cycle
About 28 days long Phases
Menses Proliferative phase Secretory phase Menses

Amenorrhea: Absence of a menstrual cycle Menopause: Cessation of menstrual cycles

Menstrual Cycle

Hormone Regulation during Menstrual Cycle

Proliferative Phase (estrogen phase)

1. Increase concentration of estrogens secreted by ovaries. 2. Stromal and epithelial cells proliferate rapidly. 3. Increase growth of glands & B/Vs into endometrium. 4. At the time of ovulationendometrium 3mm thick.

Secretory Phase (progesterone Phase)

1. Increase secretions of estrogen and progesterone from the corpus luteum. 2. Progesterone causes:
Marked swelling of the endometrium. Increased secretory development. Increase nutritional content of stromal cells Increase gland tortutosity

3. Endometrium thickness: 6mm.

Menstrual Phase
1. Day 26 degeneration of corpus luteum 2. decrease levels of blood estrogen and progesterone:

Decrease stimulation of endometrial cells Involution of endometrium (by 65%). Bld vessels become vasoplastic (constrict) Necrosis of endometrium All superficial layers of endometrium desquamated (broken down) Uterine wall contracts expels contents:
35ml blood 35ml serous fluid

Ps.: Fibrolysin prevents clotting

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