the Female Reproductive system

Female Genitourinary System
Internal paired ovaries
Uterine tubes
Uterus, vagina
External mons pubis
Labia majora, Labia minora
Clitoris
Urethra
Perineal body
Internal Female Reproductive Organs
Vagina
Uterus and Cervix
Fallopian Tubes
Ovaries

Functions of the Internal Genitalia of the Female Reproductive System
Participate in sexual intercourse (vagina)
Produce and maintain the female egg cells (ovaries)
Transport these cells to the site of fertilization (fallopian tubes)
Provide a favorable environment for development of the offspring (uterus)
Produce female sex hormones (ovaries)
Three Parts of the Uterus
Fundus
The portion above the insertion of the fallopian tubes
Cervix
The lower, constricted part
Body of the cervix
The portion between the fundus and the cervix
Ligaments of the Uterus
Broad ligaments
Run laterally from the body of the uterus to the pelvic side walls
Round ligaments
Run from the fundus laterally into each labium majus
Uterosacral ligaments
Run from the uterocervical junction to the sacrum
Cardinal or transverse cervical ligaments


Composition of the Walls of the Uterus
Perimetrium
Outer serous covering; merges with the peritoneum that covers the broad ligaments
Myometrium
The middle muscle layer that forms the major portion of the uterine
Endometrium
Continuous with the lining of the fallopian tubes and vagina; made up of a basal and a superficial layer
Dual Function of the Ovaries
Store the female germ cells, or ova
Produce the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone
Menstrual Cycle
Begins at menarche and continues until menopause
Includes the maturation and release of oocytes from the ovary during ovulation
Involves periodic vaginal bleeding resulting from shedding of the endometrial lining
Control of the Menstrual Cycle
Rhythmic synthesis and release of ovarian hormones (estrogens and progesterone)
Under feedback control from:
The hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone
The anterior pituitary gonadotropic follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones
Functions Regulated by FSH and LH from the Anterior Pituitary Gland
Growth
Pre-pubertal maturation
The reproductive cycle
Sex hormone secretion in males and females
Actions of Estrogens on Growth and Development
Stimulate development of vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes in utero
Stimulate development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty
Accelerate growth of long bones and closure of epiphyses at puberty
Actions of Estrogens on the Reproductive Process
Promote growth of ovarian follicles
Alter cervical secretions to favor sperm
Promote motility of sperm
Promote development of endometrial lining in pregnancy
Proliferate and cornify vaginal mucosa
Increase mucus consistency
Stimulate stomal development and ductal growth
General Metabolic Effects of Estrogen
Decreases rate of bone resorption
Increases production of thyroid and other binding globulins
Increases high-density and slightly decrease low-density lipoproteins
Phases of the Endometrial Cycle
Proliferative, or preovulatory phase
The glands and stroma of the superficial layer grow rapidly under the influence of estrogen
Secretory, or postovulatory, phase
Progesterone produces glandular dilation and active mucus secretion and the endometrium becomes highly vascular and edematous
Menstrual phase
The superficial layer degenerates and sloughs off

Problems Arising as a Result of Urogenital Atrophy
Vaginal dryness
Urinary stress incontinence
Urgency
Nocturia
Vaginitis
Urinary tract infection
Symptoms of Menopause
“Hot flashes”
Palpitations
Dizziness
Headaches
Current Recommendations for Hormone Therapy (HT)
Avoid HT for primary or secondary prevention of coronary heart disease
Develop an individual risk profile for every woman contemplating HT
Provide information regarding known risks
Utilize HT only in those women who require relief from menopausal symptoms which affect quality of life
Current Recommendations for Hormone Therapy (HT) (cont.)
Consider lower than standard doses and alternative routes of administration
Limit the use of HT to the shortest duration consistent with goals, benefits, and risks of treatment for each woman
Consider alternative therapies if the woman is not symptomatic

Composition of the Breast
Fat
Fibrous connective tissue
Glandular tissue
Route of Descent of Milk and Breast Secretions
From alveoli to duct
to intralobar duct
to lactiferous duct and reservoir
to nipple
Composition of the Nipple
Epithelial tissue
Glandular tissue
Erectile tissue
Nervous tissue
Factors Affecting Variations in Shape and Texture of Breasts
Hormonal
Genetic
Nutritional
Endocrine
Muscle tone
Age
Pregnancy