The document summarizes the key components of the female reproductive system. It describes the internal and external organs including ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, and mammary glands. It explains the functions of producing eggs and sex hormones, transporting eggs and sperm, enabling fetal development and birth. The two phases of the menstrual cycle are also outlined: the follicular phase where an egg is produced and the luteal phase where the endometrium is prepared for potential implantation.

1. Female Reproductive System
By: Madiha Saleem
RM, BSN, MSN(Scholar) DIONAM DUHS
Dow University of Health Sciences
Objective
At the end of this unit learner will be able to:
•Define female reproductive system
•Categorize the Female Reproductive organs into:
•Essential organs
•Accessory organs
•Discuss the location and structure of Female External Genitalia (VULVA).
•Describe the location, Structure & function of Female Internal Genitalia
•Discuss the Female Reproductive Cycles (ovarian and menstrual)
Female Reproductive System
•The female reproductive system is a group of organs that work together to enable reproduction, pregnancy, and
childbirth.
•It also produces female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Female Reproductive System

2. •The organs of the female reproductive system include the ovaries (female gonads) the uterine fallopian tube , or
oviduct: the uterus the vagina: and external organs which are collectively called the vulva or pudendum.
•The main mammary gland are considered part of both integumentary system and female reproductive system.
Female Reproductive System

3. Function of the Female Reproductive System
•The ovaries produce secondary oocytes and hormones, including progesterone and estrogens ( female
sex hormones) inhibin and relaxin.
•The uterine tubes transport a secondary oocyte to the uterus and normally are the site where
fertilization occurs.
•The uterus is the site of the implantation of a fertilized ovum, development of the fetus during
pregnancy and labor.
•The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse and is a passageway for childbirth.
•The mammary glands synthesize secrete and eject milk for nourishment of the newborn.
Ovaries
•The ovaries which are the female gonads are paired glands that resemble to unshelled almond in size and shape.
•They are homologous to testes
•Each ovary consist of:
•Germinal epithelium
•Tunica albuginea
•Ovarian cortex
•Ovarian medulla
Ovaries
•Females are born with all of the eggs they will ever produce.
•Ovaries alternate the release of eggs each month.
•Like testes, the ovaries produce hormones-estrogen.
•This release of the ova is called ovulation.

4. Uterine tube
•Female have two uterine (fallopian tube), or oviduct that extend laterally from uterus.
•
•The tubes which measure about 10 cm (4inc) long, lie between the folds of the broad ligaments of the uterus.
•The provide a route for sperm to reach an ovum and transport secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from the
ovaries to the uterus.
Uterine tube
•The funnel shaped portion of each tube called infundibulum it end finger like projection called fimbriae.
•The ampulla of the uterine tube is the widest longest portion.
•The isthmus of the uterine tubes is the more medial short narrow thick wall portion that join the uterus.
Uterus
•The uterus serve as part of the pathway for sperm deposition in the virginal to reach the uterine tubes.
•It also the site of implantation of a fertilized ovum development of fetus during pregnancy.
• During reproductive cycles when implantation does not occur the uterus is the source of menstrual flow.
Uterus
•Situated between the urinary bladder and rectum the uterus is the size and shape of an inverted pear.
•It is about 7.5cm (1 inch)
•Anatomically sub division of the uterus include
•A dome shaped portion superior to the uterine tube called fundus
•A tapering central portion called the body and the inferior narrow portion called the cervix
•Between the body of the uterus and cervix is the isthmus constricted region 1 cm (0.5in) long.
•The interior of the body of the uterus is called uterine cavity.

5. Vulva
•The term vulva or pudendum refer to external genitals of the female
•Anterior to the vaginal and urethral opening is the mons pubis
•From the mons pubic two longitudinal folds of skin the labia majora
•Medial to the labia majora are two smaller folds of the skin called the labia minora
•The clitoris is a small cylinder mass of erectile tissue and nerves
•Vestibular Bartholin glands
Perineum
•The Perineum is the diamond shaped area medial to the thighs and buttocks of females
•It contain external genitals and anus
Female External Genitalia

7. Mammary Glands
The mammary gland is a highly evolved and specialized organ present in pairs, one on each side of the anterior
chest wall.
The organ's primary function is to secrete milk. Though it is present in both sexes, it is well developed in females
and rudimentary in males.
It is also a vital accessory organ of the female reproductive system.

8. Female Reproductive Cycles
The follicular phase
•FSH stimulates the development of several follicles in the ovary, usually only one of these follicles matures. This
dominant follicle produces oestrogen, which causes the endometrium to start to thicken.
•It also causes the mucus in the cervix to become thinner and more stretchy, allowing sperm to reach the egg more
easily.
Female Reproductive Cycles
The luteal phase
•The levels of FSH and LH decrease.
•The ruptured follicle closes (after releasing the egg) and forms a corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
•This prepares the endometrium even further, ensuring it is spongy, thick and full of nutrients so that a fertilized
egg can implant into it.
•If the egg is not fertilized the corpus luteum starts to degenerate and progesterone and oestrogen levels start to
fall.
•The endometrial blood vessels constrict and the endometrium breaks down and is shed as a period
(menstruation).
•The length of the follicular phase can vary between women. However, the duration of the luteal phase is fairly
constant, being 14 days in most women.
•The first day of the period is counted as day one of the cycle.
•The cycle runs from the first day of menstruation to the next first day.
Female Reproductive Cycles

9. Female Reproductive Cycles
References
•Tortora J.D Derkison , B Principal of Anatomy and physiology (11 Ed) USA john Willey & Son