Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries
• Duct System
• External Genitalia

• Uterine tubes
• Uterus
• Vagina

Composed of ovarian follicles, made up of the oocyte and follicular cells

• Primary - immature oocyte
• Graafian - growing follicle with a maturing oocyte
• Ovulation - when the egg is mature, the follicle ruptures
• Ruptured follicle is transformed into a corpeus luteum

• Suspensory ligaments
• Ovarian ligaments - attach to uterus
• Broad ligament

• Receives ovulated egg
• Provide site for fertilization
• Is not physically attached to the ovary

• Fimbriae - finger like projections receive oocyte
• Cilia - move oocyte towards uterus (3 - 4) days
• Fertilization occurs inside the uterine tube

Hollow organ between the bladder and the rectum that receives, retains, and nourishes the fertilized egg.

• Broad ligament - attached to pelvis
• Round ligament - anchored interiorly
• Uterosacral ligaments - anchored posteriorly

• Body - main portion
• Fundus - area where uterine tube inserts
• Cervix - narrow outlet that protrudes into the vagina

• Endometrium - Innerlayer, lost during menstration, egg is implanted in
• Myometrium - Middle layer of smooth muscle
• Serous layer - Outer visceral peritoneum

Birth/Sex canal that extends from cervix to exterior of the body, and sits behind bladder and in front of rectum

• Mons pubis - fatty, hairy area
• Labia - majora and minora
• Vestibule - Contains opening of urethra/greater vestibular glands
• Clitoris - Erectile tissue

• Total supply of eggs present at birth
• Release begins at puberty
• Ends at menopause
• Oocytes are matured in ovarian follicles

Female stem cells found in a developing fetus that no longer exist at the time of birth.

• Oocytes inactive until puberty
• FSH causes them to mature
• Meiosis completed only if sperm penetrates
• Creates 2 polar bodies - cells only females have

• Menses - endometrium is sloughed off
• Proliferative stage - regeneration of functional layer
• Secretory stage - endometrium increases in size and prepares for implantation

Modified sweat glands that produce milk

• Areola
• Nipple
• Lobes - Internal structures that radiate around nipple
• Alveolar Glands - Clusters of milk producing glands within lobules
• Lactiferous Ducts - Connect alveolar glands to the nipple