The document discusses the female reproductive system, including both external and internal structures. It describes the female organs such as the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. It explains the menstrual cycle in females, including the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases. It also discusses common menstrual problems like premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and metrorrhagia.

1. The Female
Reproductive System
2ND Lecture

2. Female Reproductive System
Lesson Overview:
Reproductive
Anatomy
The Menstrual
Cycle
Treating Pre-
menstrual
Syndrome
dr.Shaban

3. Anatomy and Physiology
 The female
reproductive system
consists of external
and internal structures
and organs.
 Function of Female
Reproductive System
-Produces sex hormones
and functional ova
-Protects and supports
developing embryo
-Nourishes newborn infant dr.Shaban

4. External Sex Organs
 Vulva – entire female region of external sex organs
 Mons pubis
-protective, fatty cushion over the pubic bone;
-covered with pubic hair
Vestibule. consists of the clitoris, urethral meatus, and the
vaginal introitus.
 Labia Majora
outer lips; tissue folds from mons to perineum
surrounding the rest of the female genitals;
 Labia Minora
inner lips; pink tissue folds between vestibule and
labia majora; no hair; many oil glands;
dr.Shaban

5. External Sex Organs- Cont.
 The clitoris is a short erectile organ at the top of the vaginal
vestibule whose function is sexual excitation (analogous to the
penis).
 The urethral meatus is the opening of the urethra.
 The vaginal introitus is the vaginal entrance
 Perineum. This is the skin covered muscular area between the
vaginal opening (introitus) and the anus. It aids in constricting
the urinary, vaginal, and anal opening. It also helps support the
pelvic contents.
 Bartholin's Glands. The Bartholin's glands lie on either side of
the vaginal opening. They produce a mucoid substance, which
provides lubrication for intercourse.
 Fourchette: Trauma provides forensic evidence in rape
trials. dr.Shaban

6. dr.Shaban

7. The hymen
 Separate external organ from internal
 A membrane covered by stratified squamous
epithelium on both sides that partially closes
the vaginal orifice. Congenitally, it may have
no opening (imperforate hymen), also rarely it
may be absent. The shape and size of the
openings vary. It is torn with the first sexual
intercourse (unless the opening is unusually
large or the hymen is elastic).
dr.Shaban

8. The Breasts
 The breasts are also part of the external female
reproductive system.
 Their external structure include the nipple, areola
(darker area around the nipples) and
Montgomery tubercles (glands that produce a
lubricant to keep the nipple soft and supple).
Primary function: Lactation
Influence of hormones (Estrogen-develop. of
breasts , Progesterone-secretion of milk)
Sucking stimulates pituitary gland to release
prolactin (begin milk synthesis) and oxytocin
(release of milk) dr.Shaban

9. Prolactin:
Source: Anterior
Pituitary
Targets & Functions:
Breasts
Stimulates
alveoli of
breasts to
produce milk
dr.Shaban

10. Internal Female Structures
Vagina.
Uterus.
Cervix (lower
portion of uterus).
Fallopian tubes.
Ovaries.
dr.Shaban

11. Internal Structures: Vagina
 Elastic, thin-walled muscular
accordion-like tube; 3-4 inches
long (7.5–9 cm )
Opening is the vaginal orifice
covered by the hymen to the
cervix
pH is 3.5 – 4.5 restricts growth of
pathogen
tilted back; Posterior to the
bladder/Anterior to the rectum
Function: Receives penis &
semen and serves as birth canal
& passage for menstrual flow. dr.Shaban

12. Internal Sex Organs
 Uterus – 1-inch thick walls, 3 inches long, 2 inches wide
;hollow, muscular organ between the bladder and rectum;
Normally anteverted anteflexed
3 uterine wall layers: Perimetrium ; Myometrium
; Endometrium
 The major portion of the uterus is called the body or
corpus.
 The fundus is the superior, rounded region above the
entrance of the fallopian tubes.
 The cervix is the narrow, inferior outlet that protrudes into
the vagina. Os – opening leading into the uterus
 The isthmus is the slightly constricted portion that joins the
corpus to the cervix.
dr.Shaban

13. Function: Provides passageway for sperm,
receives blastocyst, retains & nourishes fetus
& expells fetus at term.
Uterus
dr.Shaban

14. Fallopian Tubes
 Two 4-inch (8 to 13 cm ) length that extend from
the sides of the uterus and curve up to and
around the ovaries
Infundibulum – has fimbriae finger-like
projections at the distal end surrounding the
ovaries to collect an egg upon release
 Millions of tiny hair-like cilia line the fimbria that
beat in waves hundreds of times a second
catching the egg at ovulation and moving it
through the tube to the uterine cavity (takes 3–4
days) .
dr.Shaban

15. Function: Passageway for oocyte and site of
fertilization.
Uterine Tubes
dr.Shaban

16. The Ovaries
 The female sex
glands
 Are small, almond-
shaped organs:
near lateral walls of
pelvic cavity
5 cm long, 2.5 cm
wide, 8mm thick
 Male Homolog = testes
Function: Produce
oocytes (ova) & the
hormones estrogen
and progesterone.
dr.Shaban

17. Estrogen:
 Sources: Maturing Follicles & Corpus Luteum
Targets & Functions:
Body in general
• Stimulates the development of
female secondary sexual chs
Uterus
• Stimulates proliferative phase
of uterine cycle
Ovaries
• Promotes oogenesis
Breasts
• Stimulates development of milk
ducts and sinuses
Anterior Pituitary
• Stimulates release of LH dr.Shaban

18. Progesterone:
 Source: Corpus Luteum & Placenta
Targets & Functions:
Females - Uterus
• Maintains thickened
endometrium
• Stimulates nutrient release
Females - Breasts
Corpus luteum
• Stimulates development of
alveoli for milk production
Females - Anterior Pituitary
• Inhibits production & release of
FSH & LH
dr.Shaban

19. Oxytocin:
 Sources: Manufactured by hypothalamus.
Stored & released by Posterior Pituitary
Positive Feedback Mechanisms:
1. Childbirth - Stretching of uterus and cervix
2. Suckling - Milk letdown reflex
Targets & Functions:
Uterus
• Stimulates contraction of uterine
myometrium causing lowering of fetus &
labor
Breasts
• Stimulates contraction of milk ducts
and sinuses, releasing milk dr.Shaban

20. Puberty
 Is the stage at which the individual first becomes
capable of sexual reproduction
 A girl has entered puberty when she begins to
menstruate
 A Boy enters puberty when he begins to produce
spermatozoa
 Puberty occur between 11-14 years
 Puberty lasts about 3 to 5 years
 Begins when pituitary gland initiates release of FSH
and LH, which increases the ovaries production of
estrogen; Pelvis widens; Pubic hair grows;
Menarche occurs during this time, although it may
be a few months before or after ovulationdr.Shaban
begins

21. Menstruation
 Menstruation – uterine lining is shed if no
pregnancy; tissue and blood exit the introitus
 Four body structures are involved in physiology
of MP: Hypothalamus; Ovaries; Pituitary glands;
and Uterus
 Menstrual cycle has four phases:
Follicular phase
Ovulation phase
Luteal phase
Menstrual phase
dr.Shaban

22. Normal menstrual cycle
 Beginning  Average age of
(menarche ) onset 12 or 13 ,
average range is
9-17 years
 Interval between  Average 28 days
cycles , cycles between
23-35 not unusual
dr.Shaban

23.  Duration of  2-7 days , but
menstrual flow range from 1-9
days not
 Amount of abnormal
menstrual flow  From 30 – 80 ml
per menstrual
 Color of menstrual
flow  Dark red ,
combination of
blood , mucus ,
and endiometrical
cells
dr.Shaban

24. dr.Shaban

25. Menstrual Cycle Days 6 - 13
Preovulatory Phase
 This is known as the proliferative phase and/or
follicular phase.
 A drop in progesterone and estrogen stimulates the
release of FSH from the anterior pituitary.
 FSH stimulates the maturation of an ovum with
graafian follicle.
 The growing follicle becomes a temporary endocrine
gland, secreting increasing amounts of estrogen which
inhibits FSH production in the pituitary.
 The follicular phase: During the follicular phase, a
certain number of follicles start to grow, and usually
only one succeeds to continue through the pre-
ovulatory follicle stage. dr.Shaban

26. Menstrual Cycle Day 14
Ovulation
 Again, day 14 is only an average; ovulation occurs
anywhere from 12 – 16 days before the next menstrual
flow.
 When estrogen levels reach their peak, the pituitary
releases a surge of LH, the release of LH increases
causing a release of the ovum, which is known as
ovulation.
 The LH surge signals the onset of ovulation within 12 to 24
hours.
 Signs of Ovulation
-Increase in body temperature
-Changes in cervical mucus
-Cervix softens
-Some women will experience slight pain
dr.Shaban

27. Menstrual Cycle Days 15 - 28
Postovulatory Phase
 This phase is also called the luteal or secretory
phase because the cells of the follicle remain in the
ovary, renamed the “corpus luteum,” where they will
produce large amounts of progesterone under the
effects of high levels of LH
 Progesterone inhibits release of LH from the pituitary
gland and further prepares the endometrial lining of
the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.
Corpus luteum translated means “yellow body.”
> This structure forms after the egg is expelled from
the follicle.
>If pregnancy does not occur it will degenerate.
dr.Shaban

28. Menstrual Cycle Days 1-5
Menses phase.
A lack of signal from a fertilized egg influences
the drop in estrogen and progesterone
production.
A drop in progesterone results in the sloughing
off of the thick endometrial lining which is the
menstrual flow.
Menstrual phase – endometrial buildup is
expelled through uterine contractions for 3-7
days; volume of menses is about 50 ml blood
dr.Shaban

29. Menstrual Cycle: In Summry
 Follicular phase
Egg matures
 Ovulation
Egg released
 Luteal phase
Corpus luteum
Endometrium
Prep for blastocyst
 No Pregnancy
Menses
dr.Shaban

30. dr.Shaban

31. Menstrual Problems –
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
 3 to 14 days prior to the menstrual period, during the
postovulatory/luteal phase, and are relieved by onset
of the menses.
 Experienced by one-third to one-half of women
between 20 and 50.
 Symptoms include weight gain, irritability, mood
swings, edema, headache, inability to concentrate,
food cravings, acne, and many others.
 Can be alleviated by pharmacological interventions,
diet, and exercise, Eat „real‟ food! Eliminate „junk‟ food
(caffeine, soda, alcohol, processed foods, sugar),
Decrease salt intake to relieve bloating and edema.
dr.Shaban

32. Amenorrhea
 Absence of menstruation. Can be primary or
secondary.
 Primary amenorrhea defined as absence of
menstruation by age of 17. Can be related to
anatomical or genetic abnormalities.
 Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of
menstrual flow in a woman who has had previous
menstrual periods, may result from nutritional
deficits (anorexia nervosa), excessive exercise,
emotional disturbances, endocrine dysfunction, side
effects of medication, pregnancy, and lactation.
dr.Shaban

33. Dysmenorrhea
 Painful menstruation, also called “menstrual
cramps,” is more common in nulliparous women and
in women who are not having intercourse.
 S&S Painful abdominal cramping, backaches,
headaches, feeling bloated and nausea
Management. NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti
inflammatory drugs). Analgesia (aspirin mild
prostaglandin inhibitor ; Adequate rest and sleep
and regular exercise, showers and heating pad.
dr.Shaban

34. Menorrhagia
Excessive bleeding during a menstrual
period
Either in terms of the amount of blood lost or
the number of days that bleeding lasts
Hormonal disturbances, infections, and growths
inside the uterus can cause menorrhagia
Excessive bleeding for an extended period of
time can cause a woman to become anemic
from the chronic blood loss
dr.Shaban

35. Metrorrhagia
 Is bleeding between menstrual period
 Its normal in some adolescence whose
spotting at the time of ovulation
 It may occur in client on oral contraceptive
drugs
 Vaginal irritation from infection may cause
mid cycle spotting
 low level of progesterone production and
endometrial sloughing
dr.Shaban

36. Inflammatory Disorders:
Toxic Shock Syndrome
 A condition most often associated with
Staphylococcus aureus, which enters the
bloodstream.
 A strong relationship found between the use
of tampons during menstruation and the onset
of TSS symptoms.
 Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
and progressive hypotension (flu-like
symptoms).
 TSS can lead to death if not treated properly.
dr.Shaban

37. Infections
 Non-sexually transmitted infections can occur
Bartholin‟s glands
Urinary tract
 May be due to poor hygiene practices and/or
frequent intercourse
 Treated by draining infected gland (if
necessary) and use of antibiotics
 Douches change the vaginal pH level and
can increase risk of infection
dr.Shaban

38. Care of Female Reproductive
Organs
 Wash outer genitalia regularly and thoroughly
 Don‟t use feminine hygiene spray
 Go to a doctor if infection
 Don‟t use douches
 Change pads and tampons regularly during
menstruation
 Genital self-exams are recommended for
women to be familiar with their genitals and any
possible abnormalities
 Routine gynecological examinations
recommended once menstruating dr.Shaban

39. In case of fertilization
 At time of ovulation, the cervical mucous becomes less
viscous and providing channels for sperms passage.
 The sperms ascent through the uterine cavity and
Fallopian tubes to reach the site of fertilization in the
ampulla
 The ovum leaves the ovary after rupture of the Graafian
follicle, the ovum is picked up by the fimbrial end of the
Fallopian tubes and moved towards the ampulla
 After penetration of the ovum by a sperm, resistant to
penetration by another sperms occur
dr.Shaban

40. Sex Determination:
 Ovum usually fertilized within 12 hours of ovulation,
however sperm remain alive for up to 72 hours within
the female genital tract.
 The moment the sperm penetrates the egg is called
conception, creating a new and separate cell called
the Zygote.
 The mature ovum carries 22 autosomes and one X
chromosome, while the mature sperm carries 22
autosomes and either an X or Y chromosome.
 If the fertilizing sperm is carrying X chromosome the
baby will be a female (46 XX), if it is carrying Y
chromosome the baby will be a male (46 XY).
dr.Shaban

41. Fraternal (dizygotic) twins: Two separate ova
fertilized by two different sperm
Identical (monozygotic) twins: Single fertilized ovum
dr.Shaban

42. Human Development before
Implementation
 On its way to the uterine cavity, the fertilized
ovum (zygote) divides into 2,4,8 then 16
cells (blastomeres).
 This cleavage starts within 24 hours of
fertilization and occurs nearly every 12 hours
repeatedly
 The resultant 16 cells mass is called morula
which reaches the uterine cavity after about 4
days from fertilization.
dr.Shaban

43. dr.Shaban

44. Implantation
• Process of blastocyst • Three cell layers are
adhering to the uterine formed:
wall. Slow process – Ectoderm
occurring 5 - 9 days after • brain, nerves, skin
the beginning of – Mesoderm
fertilization. • cartilage, muscle,
• Trophoblast cells produce blood vessels,
enzymes that allow heart, kidneys
blastocyst to burrow into – Endoderm:
endometrium. • digestive tract,
• Trophoblast cells secrete respiratory tree,
hCG. liver, pancreas
dr.Shaban

45. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG):
 Source: Trophoblasts of blastocyst &
Chorion (effects similar to LH).
Target & Functions:
Corpus Luteum
• Maintains corpus luteum & causes it to
continue producing progesterone in the
absence of LH through first four months of
pregnancy till placenta produces sufficient
estrogen & progesterone to maintain the
pregnancy
• This maintains endometrium, prevents
menstruation
• Can be detected by week 3 with a home
pregnancy test (Basis of pregnancy dr.Shaban
test).

46. In Vitro Fertilization and
Embryo Transfer
 Fertilized ovum introduced into the uterus (fertilization to
implantation (7days)
 Preembryonic period
 First 14 days of human development starting at the time
of fertilization
 Embryonic period
Beginning of the third week through approximately 8
weeks
 Fetal period
 From 9 weeks until birth (at approximately 40 weeks
after the last normal menstrual period).
dr.Shaban

47. Preembryonic Development
Bone Formation
dr.Shaban

48. ‫- ‪Stages of Human Development‬‬
‫‪Prenatal‬‬
‫‪ Zygote‬‬ ‫‪ ‬قال تثارك ٔ تعانى: "ٔ نقد خهقُا اإلَساٌ يٍ سالنة يٍ‬
‫طيٍ (21) ثى جعهُاِ َطفة في قرار يكيٍ (31) ثى خهقُا‬
‫‪ Morula‬‬ ‫انُطفة علقة فخهقُا انعهقة مضغة فخهقُا انًضغة عظاما‬
‫فكسَٕا انعظاو لحما ثى أَشأَاِ خلقا آخر، فتثارك اهلل‬
‫‪ Blastocyst‬‬ ‫أحسٍ انخانقيٍ (41).‬
‫‪ ‬قال انثياٌ انقرآَي: يا أيٓا انُاس إٌ كُتى في رية يٍ‬
‫‪ Embryo‬‬
‫انثعث فإَا خهقُاكى يٍ تراب ثى يٍ َطفة ثى يٍ علقة ثى‬
‫‪ Fetus‬‬ ‫يٍ مضغة يخهقة ٔغير يخهقة نُثيٍ نكى َٔقر في األرحاو‬
‫يا َشاء إنى أجم يسًى (انحج :5)‬
‫‪ ‬قال انرسٕل صهى اهلل عهيّ ٔسهى: "إذا ير تانُطفة اثُتاٌ‬
‫ّ‬
‫ٔأرتعٌٕ نيهة تعث اهلل إنيٓا يه ًا فصٕرْا، ٔخهق سًعٓا‬
‫ك‬
‫ٔتصرْا ٔجهدْا ٔنحًٓا ٔعظايٓا، ثى قال: يا ر ّ أذكر‬
‫ب‬
‫أو أَثى؟" صحيح يسهى‬
‫‪dr.Shaban‬‬