The Female Reproductive System I

Histology 2016-2017
Department of Anatomy &Histology: Dr.Rajaa Ali
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The Female Reproductive System I


? Overview of the Female Reproductive System.
? Ovary.
? Follicle Development Ovulation Capacitation and Fertilization Atresia
Ovulation
Blood Supply and Lymphatics Innervation .
? Uterine tube.
? Uterus.
? Cyclic Changes During the Menstrual Cycle .
? Implantation
? Cervix ..
? Placenta.
? Vagina.
? External Genitalia.
? Mammary Gland.
Blood Supply and Lymphatics. Innervation .

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Overview:
The female reproductive system consists of internal sex organs and external genital structures.
• The internal female reproductive organs are the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina (Fig.1). They are contained mainly within the pelvic cavity and in the perineum.
• The external genitalia include the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibule and opening of the vagina, hymen, and external urethral orifice. The mammary glands are included in this system because their development and functional state are directly related to the hormonal activity of the female reproductive system. Similarly, the placenta is included because of its functional and physical relationship to the uterus in pregnancy.
Female reproductive organs undergo regular cyclic changes from puberty to menopause.
The ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus related to neural activity and changes in hormone levels during each menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
The initiation of the menstrual cycle, referred to as the menarche, occurs in females between 9 and 14 years of age (the mean age of menarche is 12.7 years) and marks the end of puberty and the beginning of the reproductive life span, (the menstrual cycle averages about 28 to 30 days in length).
Between 45 and 55 years of age (the mean age is 51.4 years), the menstrual cycle becomes infrequent and eventually ceases. This change in reproductive function is referred to as the menopause or climacterium (commonly called the “change of life”).