3. introduction
Reproduction is the process in which an
organism produces its offspring.
In human reproductive system, two gametes i.e.
male and female gametes are involved.
In human, the female reproductive system is
immature at birth and develops maturity at
puberty to be able to produce gametes, and to
carry a foetus to full term.
4. Female Genital Organs
There are two types of genital organs- External and Internal.
1. External genital organs/Vulva
The area having external genitalia is characterized by following parts-
i. Labia majora - Outer, thicker and hairy with sebaceous glands.
ii. Labia minora – Inner, thin and non-hairy.
iii. Clitoris – near the front junction of labia minora.
iv. Vestibule – The area between labia minora.
A pair of Bartholin’s glands/major vestibular glands are
located in the lateral walls of vestibule near the vaginal
opening. They discharge an alkaline secretion for vestibular
lubrication and counteracting urinary acidity.
5. 1. Internal genital organs
1. Uterus : It is shaped like an upside down pear with a thick lining and muscular wall.
Function – It contains some of the strongest muscles in female body which are able to
expand and contract to accommodate a growing foetus.
2. Fallopian tubes/Oviducts : Located at extended upper part of the uterus on other
side.
Function – Egg transportation from ovary to uterus ( fertilization usually takes place
here)
3. The Ovary : considered as female gonads. Located at pelvic region on either side of
the uterus.
Function – Provides and environment for maturation of oocyte.
Corpus Luteum – It is hormone secreting structure that develops in an ovary after an
ovum has been discharged but degenerates after a few days unless pregnancy has begun.
Synthesize and secretes sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
6.
7. MAMMARY GLANDS
These produce milk for the sustenance of a
baby.
These exocrine glands are enlarged and
modified sweat glands.
Development of mammary glands is controlled
by hormones. (Estrogen promotes formation)
8. HORMONES REGULATING FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONES –
Produced by Hypothalamus.
When it circulates in blood, it causes the release of two important
hormones from the Pituitary gland
1) FSH (FOLLICULAR STIMULATING HORMONES) – Produced during the
first half of menstrual cycle. It stimulates development of mature
ovarian follicle and control ovum production in female.
2) LH(LEUTENIZING HORMONES) – Stimulates ovary to produce
estrogen and progesterone. It triggers the ovulation and promotes
the development of corpus luteum.
9. OESTROGEN
Produced by ovaries.
Promotes maturation and release of an
ovum in every menstrual cycle.
PROGESTERONE
Produced by corpus luteum in ovary.
Prepare the endometrium for reception and
development of fertilized ovum.
10. REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE
OVARIAN CYCLE EVENTS UTERINE CYCLE EVENTS
FOLLICULAR PHASE
(Day 1 – 13)
• FSH secretion begins
• Follicular
maturation occurs
• Estrogen secretion is
prominent
Menstruation
(Day 2 – 5)
Proliferative days
(Day 6-13)
Endometrium breaks
down
Endometrium rebuilds
OVULATION
(Day 14)
• LH spike occurs
LUTEAL PHASE
(Day 15-28)
• LH secretion occurs
• Corpus Luteum is
formed
• Progesterone
secretion is
prominent.
SECRETORY PHASE
(Day 15-28)
Endometrium thickens
and glands are
secretory
