The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina. The ovaries produce eggs and female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The uterine tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. The uterus supports embryo implantation and fetal development during pregnancy. The vagina allows for childbirth. The mammary glands produce milk for infant nutrition.

1. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

2. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMConsists of paired internal ovaries, paired uterine tubes (oviducts), and a single uterus, and vaginaAccessory gland – mammary gland

3. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

4. ANATOMY

5. MAIN FUNCTION/SSecretion of female sex hormonesProduction of oocytesfor fertilization by spermTransportation of embryo to the uterusImplantation of embryoDevelopment of fetus (pregnancy)Nutrition of newborn

6. OVARIESFlattened almond – shaped bodiesSituated deep in the pelvic cavityOne section is attached to the broad ligament by a peritneal fold, mesovariumAnother section is attached to the uterine wall by ovarian ligament

7. OVARIESSurface is covered by simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium called germinal epitheliumUnder the covered surface is the tunica albugineamade of dense irregular connective tissueResponsible for whitish color of ovaryHISTOLOGY

8. HISTOLOGY

9. HISTOLOGY

10. OVARIESBelow that tunica albuginea is the cortex of the ovaryPredominance of ovarian folliclesDeep in the cortex is highly vascularized connective tissue core of ovary, medullaNo distinct boundary line exists HISTOLOGY

11. HISTOLOGY

12. HORMONES (OVARIES)EstrogenProgesterone

13. ESTROGENManufactured mostly in ovaries by developing egg follicles In addition, produced by the corpus luteum, placenta, liver, breasts and adrenal glands in smaller quantitiesEssential to the menstrual cyclePrepares uterus for pregnancyEnriching and thickening of endometriumESTROGENContributes to the development of secondary characteristicsBreasts, widened pelvis, increased body fat in buttocks, thigh and hip region

14. Less facial hair and smoother skinLuteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) help to control production of estrogen

15. PROGESTERONEResponsible for the changes in the endometrium in the second half of the menstrual cycleFor fertility and pregnancyPrepare the endometrium for implantation of fertilized egg and its developmentMaintain the uterus throughout pregnancy

16. PROGESTERONELow progesterone hormones have negative influences on your body, fertility, pregnancy and can even lead to an expelling of a fertilized egg