ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
OF
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
Overview
 The female reproductive system is designed to
carry out several functions.
 4 is the normal pH of the vagina.
 40 weeks is the normal gestation period.
 400 oocytes released between menarche and
menopause.
 400,000 oocytes present at puberty.
 28 days in a normal menstrual cycle.
 280 days (from last normal menstrual period) in a
normal gestation period.
Terminology
 OOGENESIS- The development of the egg
ovum in the ovary.
 OOGONIA: during fetal growth the oogonia
(2n) divide to form primary oocytes (2n), at
puberty these will form secondary oocytes (n)
and later eggs (n) each month.
 GRANULOSA CELLS: nourish the
developing egg cells
Contin….
 Diploid (2n)-human cell contains 46
chromosomes and is called diploid (2n).
 Haploid (n). sex cells, called gametes, contain
only 23 chromosomes, haploid (n).
 VAGINA: canal that connects the uterus to the
environment
 CERVIX: muscular ring of tissue at mouth of
uterus separating it from the vagina, holds the
fetus in place
Functions of Female
Reproductive System
 Formation of ova
 Reception of spermatozoa
 Provision of suitable environment for
fertilization and fetal development
 Parturition
 Lactation, the production of breast milk,
which provides complete nourishment
for the baby in its early life.
Divisions
External
genitalia
Internal
genitalia
Accessory
reproductive
organs
External genitalia (vulva )
The function of the external
female reproductive structures
 To enable sperm to enter the body
 Protect the internal genital organs
from infectious organisms.
The function of the internal
female reproductive structures
The internal genital organs form a pathway (the
genital tract). This pathway consists of the
following functions:
 Vagina (part of the birth canal), where sperm are
deposited and from which a baby can emerge
 Uterus, where an embryo can develop into a fetus
 Fallopian tubes (oviducts), where a sperm can
fertilize an egg
 Ovaries, which produce and release eggs
External
structures
 Mons pubis
 Labia majora
 Labia minora
 Clitoris
 Vestibule
Urethral opening
Vaginal orifice and
Hymen
Bartholin's glands
Skene’s gland
 Vestibular bulbs
 Vagina
 Uterus
 Fallopian
tubes
 Ovaries
Internal
structures
EXTERNAL GENITAL ORGANS
MONS PUBIS
 A region of adipose tissue above the vagina
that is covered with hair.
LABIA
– Rich in nerve endings and blood vessels
– Protects internal organs against pathogens
– Functions in sexual arousal
Labia majora
 Has two folds of adipose tissue that border
each side of the vagina.
 The labia majora enclose and protect the other
external reproductive organs.
 Literally translated as "large lips," the labia
majora are relatively large and fleshy,
 It contain sebaceous glands . After puberty, the
labia majora are covered with hair.
Labia minora
 The labia minora are smaller folds (forchette) of
skin that lie inside the labia majora.
 Contains no hair follicles or sweat glands.
 The folds contain connective tissues,numerous
sebaceous gland, erectile muscle fibers and
numerous vessels and nerve endings
 surround the openings to the vagina (the canal that
joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of
the body) and urethra (the tube that carries urine
from the bladder to the outside of the body).
Clitoris
 It is small cylindrical erectile body
 Measuring about 1.5 to 2cm
 Situated in the most anterior part of the vulva
 The two labia minora meet at the clitoris,
 A small, sensitive protrusion.
 The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called
the prepuce, richly supplied with nerves.
 The clitoris is very sensitive to stimulation
and can become erect.
Vestibule
 The vestibule is formed by the labia
minora.
 It encloses
Urethral opening,
Vaginal orifice and hymen,
Ducts from the greater vestibular
Urethral opening
 Situated in midline just infront of the
vaginal orifice
 About 1-1.5 cm below the pubic arch
Vaginal orifice and hymen
 Lies in the posterior end of the vestibule
 It completely enclosed by a septum of
mucous membrane called hymen
 Hymen Located just inside the vaginal
Opening
 No known function; not always present
 It is usually ruptured at the consummation of
marriage
Ducts from the greater vestibular
Bartholin's glands:
 There are two bartholin’s glands
 One on each side
 Each gland has a duct which measures about 2
cm and open into vestibular outside
 Close to the posterior end of the vestibular
bulb
 During sexual excitement it secretes abundant
alkaline mucus which helps in lubrication.
Conti.
Skene’s gland
 The largest paraurethral gland.
BLOOD SUPPLY
 Arteries – Branch of internal pudendal
artery
– Branch of femoral artery
 Veins – Internal pudendal vein
– Vesicle or vaginal venous
plexus
– Long saphenous vein
NERVE SUPPLY
Bilateral somatic nerve
Posteroinferior part
 Pudental branch
from posterior
cutaneoys nerve
Anterosuperior part
 Cutaneous branch
from ilioinguinal
 Genital branch from
genitofemoral nerve
Between 2 groups the vulva – Pudental nerve
LYMPHATIC
 Superficial inguinal nodes
 Intermediate groups of inguinal lymph
nodes
 External and internal iliac lymph nodes
INTERNAL GENITAL ORGAN-
VAGINA
• Vagina = “birth canal”
• A tube like, muscular but elastic organ
• About 4 to 5 inches long in an adult woman.
• PH- 4 acidic
• It is the passageway for sperm to the egg and
for menstrual bleeding
• Organ of copulation and forms the birth canal
of parturition
VAGINA
Structures
 Posterior wall of vagina is 10 c m long
 Anterior wall is only 7.5 cm length
 The upper end of the vagina is known as
the vault
 Pink in appearance
 It connects the external genital organs to
the uterus. the organ of sexual intercourse
in women.
Fornics of vagina
Formed at the top of vagina due to projection of
the uterine cervix
Four fornics are there
One anterior – front of cervix
One posterior – behind
Two lateral – either side of cervix
Relations of vagina
 Anterior to the vagina – lie the bladder and the
urethra which are closely connected to the anterior
vaginal wall
 Posterior to the vagina – lie the pouch of
douglas, the rectum and the perineal body; each
occupying one third of the posterior vaginal wall
 Laterally – on the upper two third are the pelvic
fascia and the ureters, which pass beside the cervix
 Superior to the vagina – lies the utreus
 Inferior to the vagina – lies the external genitalia
BLOOD SUPPLY
 Arteries – cervico vaginal branch of
uterine artery
– vaginal artery-anterior
division of internal iliac
- Internal pudendal
 Veins – Internal iliac vein
– Internal pudendal vein
LYMPHATIC
 Internal iliac group
 Superficial inguinal group
NERVE SUPPLY
 Sympathetic and parasympathetic from
the pelvic plexus
 Lower part is supplied by the pudendal
nerve
UTERUS
 Girls are born with over
a million egg cells, but
only about 400 are
released during a
lifetime of menstrual
cycles.
 No new eggs develop
after birth.
UTERUS
Structure
 The uterus is a thick-walled, muscular,
pear-shaped organ
 Located in the middle of the pelvis,
behind the bladder, and in front of the
rectum. The uterus is anchored in
position by several ligaments.
 The uterus consists of the cervix and the
main body (corpus).
 The cervix is the lower part of the uterus,
which protrudes into the upper part of the
vagina. It can be seen during a pelvic
examination. Like the vagina, the cervix is
lined with a mucous membrane, but the
mucous membrane of the cervix is smooth.
 Sperm can enter and menstrual blood can exit
the uterus through a channel in the cervix
(cervical canal).
 The cervical canal is usually narrow, but
during labor, the canal widens to let the
baby through.
 The cervix is usually a good barrier
against bacteria, except around the time
an egg is released by the ovaries
(ovulation), during the menstrual period,
or during labor..
Functions
 The main function of the uterus is to
sustain a developing fetus.
 It prepare for this possibility for each
month
 At termination of pregnancy it expels
the uterine contents
Relations
 Anterior – the uterovesical pouch and the
bladder
 Posterior – the rectouterine pouch of the
douglas
 Laterally – the broad ligament, the uterine
tubes
 Superior – the intestine
 Inferior – the vagina
Measurements and parts
 Measures 8 cm long, 5 cm wide ,1.25 cm thick
 Weight 50 gms
 Parts
 The body of corpus
 The fundus
 The cornua
 The isthumus
 The cervis
 Internal and external os
 Cervical canal
LAYERS
 Endometrum
 Myometrium
 Perimetrium
 ENDOMETRIUM: inner lining of
uterus, nourishes developing embryo,
built up each month for pregnancy, if not,
shed during menstruation
 MYOMETRIUM: muscular, supports
fetus, contracts at birth and to shed the
endometrium during menstruation.
PERIMETRIUM
 The perimetrium is a serous membrane
that lines the outside of the uterus.
BLOOD SUPPLY
 Arteries –uterine artery- branch of
internal iliac artery
 Veins – Internal iliac vein
LYMPHATIC
Deep and Superficial
lymph vessels
NERVE SUPPLY
Parasympathetic and
sympathetic
FALLOPIAN TUBES: or
oviducts
 connect to each ovary, egg will enter
through an opening called a FIMBRIA,
cilia sweep the egg down towards the
uterus
 fertilization will occur here, or it will
die within 48 hours
FALLOPIAN TUBES: or oviducts
Fallopian tubes
 The two fallopian tubes, which are about 4 to 5
inches (about 10 to 13 centimeters) long, extend
from the upper edges of the uterus toward the
ovaries.
 The fallopian tubes are lined with tiny hairlike
projections (cilia). The cilia and the muscles in the
tube's wall propel an egg downward through the
tube to the uterus. The egg may be fertilized by a
sperm in the fallopian tube
Relations
 Anterior, Posteriorand Superior – the
peritoneal cavity and intestine
 Laterally – the sidewall of pelvis
 Inferior – the broad ligament and the
ovaries
 Medial – the uterus lies between th
euterine tubes
Parts
 The intestinal portion
 The isthumus
 The ampulla
 The infundibulum
 The intra mural part
Blood supply
 Artery – uterine and ovary
 Venous – ovarian vein
LYMPHATIC
Along with the ovarian vessels to para-aortic
nodes
NERVE SUPPLY
Uterine and ovarian nerves
OVARIES
 The ovaries are usually pearl-colored, oblong, and
about the size of a walnut.
 They are attached to the uterus by ligaments. In
addition to producing female sex hormones
( estrogen and progesterone ) and male sex
hormones, the ovaries produce and release eggs.
 The developing egg cells (oocytes) are contained in
fluid-filled cavities (follicles) in the wall of the
ovaries. Each follicle contains one oocyte.
OVARIES
Relations
 Anterior to the ovaries are the broad
ligaments
 Posterior to the ovaries are the intestine
 Laterally to the ovaries are the
infundibulopelvic ligaments and side walls of
the pelvis
 Superior to the ovaries lie the uterine tube
 Inferior to the ovaries lies the ovarian
ligaments
Structure
 Medulla
 Cortex
MEDULLA
-supporting frame work
Made of fibrous tissue
- Has ovarian blood vessels
- Lymphatics and nerve travels through it
CORTEX
 Functioning part of the ovum
 Contains ovarian follicals in different
stage
Blood supply
 Artery –ovarian and abdominal aorta
 Venous – ovarian vein
LYMPHATIC
Along the ovarian vessels to para-aortic nodes
NERVE SUPPLY
ovarian nerves from T10 segment
Ovulation
 Process of releasing one mature ovum each
month into that ovary’s fallopian tube
 2-300,000 immature ova in ovaries at birth
 Hormones from pituitary cause ovaries to
begin producing female sex hormones
 Ova begin to mature
 Ovum can live about 2 days in fallopian tube
 One sperm will enter ovum = fertilization/con
ception
Menstrual Period
 If the ovum is not fertilized
– it doesn’t attach to the
uterine lining/endometrium
 Muscles of the uterus
contract  lining breaks
down (“cramps”)
 Lining passes through the
cervix into the vagina and
out of the vaginal opening
 Each month, uterus prepares for
possible pregnancy
 Hormones cause thickening of
endometrium
 If ovum is fertilized, it moves into
the uterus and may burrow into this
lining
 Will divide millions of times over
9-10 months
Menstruation
• Process of shedding the lining of
the uterus
• Usually lasts 4-7 days (may be
shorter or longer depending on the
female’s individual cycle)
• Regulated by hormones
• 2-3 tablespoons of blood
CONTI…
• Rest of flow is other tissue that makes up
the endometrium
–Blood and tissue are not needed, person
should not be weak or ill from loss
–After period (“menses”), cycle begins
again.
REPRODUCTION
Mammary glands
The mammary glands are sweat glands
specialized for the production of milk.
The milk-producing secretory cells form
walls of bulb-shaped chambers called
alveoli that join together with ducts, in
grapelike fashion, to form clusters called
lobules.
 Numerous lobules assemble to form a
lobe. Each breast contains a single
mammary gland consisting of 15 to 20 of
these lobes. Lactiferous ducts leading
away from the lobes widen into
lactiferous sinuses that serve as
temporary reservoirs for milk.
 The breasts begin to enlarge in females at the
onset of puberty. Proliferating adipose (fat)
tissue expands the breast, while suspensory
ligaments attached to the underlying fascia
provide support. In nonpregnant females (and
in males), the glands and ducts are not fully
developed.
THANK YOU

anatomyandphysiologyoffemalereproductivesystem-160229181400 (1).pptx

  • 1.
  • 3.
    Overview  The femalereproductive system is designed to carry out several functions.  4 is the normal pH of the vagina.  40 weeks is the normal gestation period.  400 oocytes released between menarche and menopause.  400,000 oocytes present at puberty.  28 days in a normal menstrual cycle.  280 days (from last normal menstrual period) in a normal gestation period.
  • 4.
    Terminology  OOGENESIS- Thedevelopment of the egg ovum in the ovary.  OOGONIA: during fetal growth the oogonia (2n) divide to form primary oocytes (2n), at puberty these will form secondary oocytes (n) and later eggs (n) each month.  GRANULOSA CELLS: nourish the developing egg cells
  • 5.
    Contin….  Diploid (2n)-humancell contains 46 chromosomes and is called diploid (2n).  Haploid (n). sex cells, called gametes, contain only 23 chromosomes, haploid (n).  VAGINA: canal that connects the uterus to the environment  CERVIX: muscular ring of tissue at mouth of uterus separating it from the vagina, holds the fetus in place
  • 6.
    Functions of Female ReproductiveSystem  Formation of ova  Reception of spermatozoa  Provision of suitable environment for fertilization and fetal development  Parturition  Lactation, the production of breast milk, which provides complete nourishment for the baby in its early life.
  • 7.
  • 8.
  • 9.
    The function ofthe external female reproductive structures  To enable sperm to enter the body  Protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms.
  • 10.
    The function ofthe internal female reproductive structures The internal genital organs form a pathway (the genital tract). This pathway consists of the following functions:  Vagina (part of the birth canal), where sperm are deposited and from which a baby can emerge  Uterus, where an embryo can develop into a fetus  Fallopian tubes (oviducts), where a sperm can fertilize an egg  Ovaries, which produce and release eggs
  • 11.
    External structures  Mons pubis Labia majora  Labia minora  Clitoris  Vestibule Urethral opening Vaginal orifice and Hymen Bartholin's glands Skene’s gland  Vestibular bulbs  Vagina  Uterus  Fallopian tubes  Ovaries Internal structures
  • 12.
    EXTERNAL GENITAL ORGANS MONSPUBIS  A region of adipose tissue above the vagina that is covered with hair. LABIA – Rich in nerve endings and blood vessels – Protects internal organs against pathogens – Functions in sexual arousal
  • 13.
    Labia majora  Hastwo folds of adipose tissue that border each side of the vagina.  The labia majora enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs.  Literally translated as "large lips," the labia majora are relatively large and fleshy,  It contain sebaceous glands . After puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.
  • 14.
    Labia minora  Thelabia minora are smaller folds (forchette) of skin that lie inside the labia majora.  Contains no hair follicles or sweat glands.  The folds contain connective tissues,numerous sebaceous gland, erectile muscle fibers and numerous vessels and nerve endings  surround the openings to the vagina (the canal that joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).
  • 15.
    Clitoris  It issmall cylindrical erectile body  Measuring about 1.5 to 2cm  Situated in the most anterior part of the vulva  The two labia minora meet at the clitoris,  A small, sensitive protrusion.  The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce, richly supplied with nerves.  The clitoris is very sensitive to stimulation and can become erect.
  • 16.
    Vestibule  The vestibuleis formed by the labia minora.  It encloses Urethral opening, Vaginal orifice and hymen, Ducts from the greater vestibular
  • 17.
    Urethral opening  Situatedin midline just infront of the vaginal orifice  About 1-1.5 cm below the pubic arch
  • 18.
    Vaginal orifice andhymen  Lies in the posterior end of the vestibule  It completely enclosed by a septum of mucous membrane called hymen  Hymen Located just inside the vaginal Opening  No known function; not always present  It is usually ruptured at the consummation of marriage
  • 19.
    Ducts from thegreater vestibular Bartholin's glands:  There are two bartholin’s glands  One on each side  Each gland has a duct which measures about 2 cm and open into vestibular outside  Close to the posterior end of the vestibular bulb  During sexual excitement it secretes abundant alkaline mucus which helps in lubrication.
  • 20.
    Conti. Skene’s gland  Thelargest paraurethral gland.
  • 21.
    BLOOD SUPPLY  Arteries– Branch of internal pudendal artery – Branch of femoral artery  Veins – Internal pudendal vein – Vesicle or vaginal venous plexus – Long saphenous vein
  • 22.
    NERVE SUPPLY Bilateral somaticnerve Posteroinferior part  Pudental branch from posterior cutaneoys nerve Anterosuperior part  Cutaneous branch from ilioinguinal  Genital branch from genitofemoral nerve Between 2 groups the vulva – Pudental nerve
  • 23.
    LYMPHATIC  Superficial inguinalnodes  Intermediate groups of inguinal lymph nodes  External and internal iliac lymph nodes
  • 24.
    INTERNAL GENITAL ORGAN- VAGINA •Vagina = “birth canal” • A tube like, muscular but elastic organ • About 4 to 5 inches long in an adult woman. • PH- 4 acidic • It is the passageway for sperm to the egg and for menstrual bleeding • Organ of copulation and forms the birth canal of parturition
  • 25.
  • 26.
    Structures  Posterior wallof vagina is 10 c m long  Anterior wall is only 7.5 cm length  The upper end of the vagina is known as the vault  Pink in appearance  It connects the external genital organs to the uterus. the organ of sexual intercourse in women.
  • 27.
    Fornics of vagina Formedat the top of vagina due to projection of the uterine cervix Four fornics are there One anterior – front of cervix One posterior – behind Two lateral – either side of cervix
  • 28.
    Relations of vagina Anterior to the vagina – lie the bladder and the urethra which are closely connected to the anterior vaginal wall  Posterior to the vagina – lie the pouch of douglas, the rectum and the perineal body; each occupying one third of the posterior vaginal wall  Laterally – on the upper two third are the pelvic fascia and the ureters, which pass beside the cervix  Superior to the vagina – lies the utreus  Inferior to the vagina – lies the external genitalia
  • 29.
    BLOOD SUPPLY  Arteries– cervico vaginal branch of uterine artery – vaginal artery-anterior division of internal iliac - Internal pudendal  Veins – Internal iliac vein – Internal pudendal vein
  • 30.
    LYMPHATIC  Internal iliacgroup  Superficial inguinal group
  • 31.
    NERVE SUPPLY  Sympatheticand parasympathetic from the pelvic plexus  Lower part is supplied by the pudendal nerve
  • 32.
    UTERUS  Girls areborn with over a million egg cells, but only about 400 are released during a lifetime of menstrual cycles.  No new eggs develop after birth.
  • 33.
  • 34.
    Structure  The uterusis a thick-walled, muscular, pear-shaped organ  Located in the middle of the pelvis, behind the bladder, and in front of the rectum. The uterus is anchored in position by several ligaments.  The uterus consists of the cervix and the main body (corpus).
  • 35.
     The cervixis the lower part of the uterus, which protrudes into the upper part of the vagina. It can be seen during a pelvic examination. Like the vagina, the cervix is lined with a mucous membrane, but the mucous membrane of the cervix is smooth.  Sperm can enter and menstrual blood can exit the uterus through a channel in the cervix (cervical canal).
  • 36.
     The cervicalcanal is usually narrow, but during labor, the canal widens to let the baby through.  The cervix is usually a good barrier against bacteria, except around the time an egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation), during the menstrual period, or during labor..
  • 37.
    Functions  The mainfunction of the uterus is to sustain a developing fetus.  It prepare for this possibility for each month  At termination of pregnancy it expels the uterine contents
  • 38.
    Relations  Anterior –the uterovesical pouch and the bladder  Posterior – the rectouterine pouch of the douglas  Laterally – the broad ligament, the uterine tubes  Superior – the intestine  Inferior – the vagina
  • 39.
    Measurements and parts Measures 8 cm long, 5 cm wide ,1.25 cm thick  Weight 50 gms  Parts  The body of corpus  The fundus  The cornua  The isthumus  The cervis  Internal and external os  Cervical canal
  • 40.
  • 41.
     ENDOMETRIUM: innerlining of uterus, nourishes developing embryo, built up each month for pregnancy, if not, shed during menstruation  MYOMETRIUM: muscular, supports fetus, contracts at birth and to shed the endometrium during menstruation.
  • 42.
    PERIMETRIUM  The perimetriumis a serous membrane that lines the outside of the uterus.
  • 43.
    BLOOD SUPPLY  Arteries–uterine artery- branch of internal iliac artery  Veins – Internal iliac vein
  • 44.
    LYMPHATIC Deep and Superficial lymphvessels NERVE SUPPLY Parasympathetic and sympathetic
  • 45.
    FALLOPIAN TUBES: or oviducts connect to each ovary, egg will enter through an opening called a FIMBRIA, cilia sweep the egg down towards the uterus  fertilization will occur here, or it will die within 48 hours
  • 46.
  • 47.
    Fallopian tubes  Thetwo fallopian tubes, which are about 4 to 5 inches (about 10 to 13 centimeters) long, extend from the upper edges of the uterus toward the ovaries.  The fallopian tubes are lined with tiny hairlike projections (cilia). The cilia and the muscles in the tube's wall propel an egg downward through the tube to the uterus. The egg may be fertilized by a sperm in the fallopian tube
  • 48.
    Relations  Anterior, PosteriorandSuperior – the peritoneal cavity and intestine  Laterally – the sidewall of pelvis  Inferior – the broad ligament and the ovaries  Medial – the uterus lies between th euterine tubes
  • 49.
    Parts  The intestinalportion  The isthumus  The ampulla  The infundibulum  The intra mural part
  • 50.
    Blood supply  Artery– uterine and ovary  Venous – ovarian vein LYMPHATIC Along with the ovarian vessels to para-aortic nodes NERVE SUPPLY Uterine and ovarian nerves
  • 51.
    OVARIES  The ovariesare usually pearl-colored, oblong, and about the size of a walnut.  They are attached to the uterus by ligaments. In addition to producing female sex hormones ( estrogen and progesterone ) and male sex hormones, the ovaries produce and release eggs.  The developing egg cells (oocytes) are contained in fluid-filled cavities (follicles) in the wall of the ovaries. Each follicle contains one oocyte.
  • 52.
  • 53.
    Relations  Anterior tothe ovaries are the broad ligaments  Posterior to the ovaries are the intestine  Laterally to the ovaries are the infundibulopelvic ligaments and side walls of the pelvis  Superior to the ovaries lie the uterine tube  Inferior to the ovaries lies the ovarian ligaments
  • 54.
    Structure  Medulla  Cortex MEDULLA -supportingframe work Made of fibrous tissue - Has ovarian blood vessels - Lymphatics and nerve travels through it
  • 55.
    CORTEX  Functioning partof the ovum  Contains ovarian follicals in different stage
  • 56.
    Blood supply  Artery–ovarian and abdominal aorta  Venous – ovarian vein LYMPHATIC Along the ovarian vessels to para-aortic nodes NERVE SUPPLY ovarian nerves from T10 segment
  • 57.
    Ovulation  Process ofreleasing one mature ovum each month into that ovary’s fallopian tube  2-300,000 immature ova in ovaries at birth  Hormones from pituitary cause ovaries to begin producing female sex hormones  Ova begin to mature  Ovum can live about 2 days in fallopian tube  One sperm will enter ovum = fertilization/con ception
  • 58.
    Menstrual Period  Ifthe ovum is not fertilized – it doesn’t attach to the uterine lining/endometrium  Muscles of the uterus contract  lining breaks down (“cramps”)  Lining passes through the cervix into the vagina and out of the vaginal opening
  • 59.
     Each month,uterus prepares for possible pregnancy  Hormones cause thickening of endometrium  If ovum is fertilized, it moves into the uterus and may burrow into this lining  Will divide millions of times over 9-10 months
  • 60.
    Menstruation • Process ofshedding the lining of the uterus • Usually lasts 4-7 days (may be shorter or longer depending on the female’s individual cycle) • Regulated by hormones • 2-3 tablespoons of blood
  • 61.
    CONTI… • Rest offlow is other tissue that makes up the endometrium –Blood and tissue are not needed, person should not be weak or ill from loss –After period (“menses”), cycle begins again.
  • 62.
  • 63.
    Mammary glands The mammaryglands are sweat glands specialized for the production of milk. The milk-producing secretory cells form walls of bulb-shaped chambers called alveoli that join together with ducts, in grapelike fashion, to form clusters called lobules.
  • 65.
     Numerous lobulesassemble to form a lobe. Each breast contains a single mammary gland consisting of 15 to 20 of these lobes. Lactiferous ducts leading away from the lobes widen into lactiferous sinuses that serve as temporary reservoirs for milk.
  • 66.
     The breastsbegin to enlarge in females at the onset of puberty. Proliferating adipose (fat) tissue expands the breast, while suspensory ligaments attached to the underlying fascia provide support. In nonpregnant females (and in males), the glands and ducts are not fully developed.
  • 67.