REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM MALE INTERNAL STRUCTURES

MALE REPRODUCTVE SYSTEM  Epididymis

 Vas Deferens
EXTERNAL GENITAL ORGANS  Seminal Vesicles
 Scrotum  Ejaculatory Ducts
 Testes  Prostate Gland
 Penis  Bulbourethral Glands
 Urethra
SCROTUM: Function: supports the testes and help regulate
the temperature of sperm. EPIDIDYMIS

TESTES: Description  Comma shaped organ about 4 cm long that lies

 testes first form in utero in the pelvic cavity.
 descend, late in intrauterine life (about the 34th
to 38th week) into the scrotal sac - normal testes
feel firm, smooth, and egg-shaped
along the posterior border of each testis
 Consists mostly of ductus epididymis tightly
coiled approximately 20 ft. long.
Function:

Lobules consist:  Responsible for conducting sperm from the testis

to vas deferens.
 Leydig’s Cell  Absorption of fluid and addition of substances to
 Seminiferous tubule the seminal fluid to nourish the maturing sperm.

 Leydig’s Cell – interstitial cells in each lobule
 Responsible for production of testosterone
 Testosterone: The most prevalent androgen.
Promotes the development of masculine
characteristics. Promotes a man’s libido
 Seminiferous Tubules: Produce spermatozoa
(Spermatogenesis)
PENIS:
 Organ of copulation
 3 cylindrical masses of erectile tissue:
the corpus spongiosum expands to form the glans penis
which covers the distal ends of the corpora cavernosa.
 -prepuce (foreskin): hoodlike fold of skin that
covers the glans
 the urethra passes through these layers of
erectile tissue
 the penis serves as the outlet for both the uri-nary
and the reproductive tracts in men
it takes at least 12 to 20 days for them to travel the length
of the epididymis, -total of 64 days for them to reach
maturation
VAS DEFERENS (DUCTUS DEFERENS)
 Carries sperm from the epididymis through the
inguinal canal in the abdominal cavity.
 It ends at the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory
ducts.
SEMINAL VESICLES
 2 convoluted pouches.
 Lie on the lower portion of the posterior surface
of the urinary bladder.
 Empty into the urethra by way of the ejaculatory
ducts.
Function: Secretes viscous portion of the semen:
 High in sugar
 Protein
 Prostaglandins
 Sperm becomes increasingly motile because of
the nutrients and more favorable pH

EJACULATORY DUCTS

 2 Ejaculatory ducts pass through the prostate

gland and join the seminal vesicles to the urethra.
 Terminate in the prostatic urethra
 Function: Eject sperm and seminal vesicle secretions
just before the release of semen from the urethra to
the exterior.
PROSTATE GLAND
 Chest nut sized gland.
 Lies below the urinary bladder.
 Urethra passes through the center of it, like the
hole in a doughnut.
Function:
 Secretes thin, alkaline fluid.
 Added to the secretion from the seminal vesicles
and the accompanying sperm from the
epididymis.
 Alkaline fluid further protects sperm from being
immobilized by the naturally low ph level of the
urethra.
 Contribute to sperm motility and viability.
 Hypertrophy of the prostate interferes with both
fertility and urination.
BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS
 2 Bulbourethral glands (Cowpers glands).
 Lie beside the prostate
 Gland.
 Empty into the urethra
 Function: Secrete an alkaline fluid that helps
counteract the acid secretion of the urethra.
 Ensure the safe passage of spermatozoa.
SEMEN
 Mixture of sperm and seminal fluid.
 Seminal fluid consists of the secretions:
 Epididymis (5%)
 Seminal vesicles (30%)
 Prostate gland (60%)
 Bulbourethral gland (5%)
URETHRA
 Hollow tube leading from the base of the bladder.
 Passes through the shaft and glans of the penis
continues to the outside.
 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) long.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
EXTERNAL GENITALIA: Collectively known as the
vulva or pudendum.
 Mons veneris ( pubis)
 Labia Majora
 Labia Minora
 Clitoris
 Bulb of the Vestibule
 Urethral meatus
 Paraurethral Glands (Skene’s Gland)
 Hymen
 Perineum
MONS VENERIS
 Rounded, soft, fullness over the symphysis pubis.
 Covered with course dark hair during functional
years and thins after menopause.
LABIA MAJORA: 2 fatty tissue containing folds of skin that
extend downward from the mons veneris around the
external vaginal opening terminating in the perineum.
LABIA MINORA
 Narrow folds of skin and fibro-areolar tissue
extending from the clitoris to the fourchette.
 Fourchette – line of convergence of the labia
majora and minora
 Structure that is sometimes cut (episiotomy)
during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening.
CLITORIS
 Homologous to the penis.
 Erectile organ fixed beneath the arc of the pubis
 Above the urethral meatus.
 Highly sensitive to temperature, touch and
pressure sensation.
 Serves as landmark in locating the urethral
meatus for female catheterization.
BULBS OF THE VESTIBULE
 Paired elongated masses of erectile tissue.
 Located at the sides of the vaginal orifice.
URETHRAL MEATUS
 Pink, reddened, slit like opening.
 Marks the terminal or distal urethra.
Paraurethral Glands (Skene’s Glands)
 2 very short tubular structures.
  Located posteriolateral inside the urethral Cervix
meatus.
 Neck or mouth of the uterus
PERINEUM  Parts of the cervix:
 External Os
 Diamond shape area medial to the thighs and  Internal Os
buttocks of both males and females.  Cervical Canal
 It contains the external genitalia and anus.
 Interwoven and superimposed on each other. External Os
 Full dilatation of the birth canal during delivery.
 Small, round distal opening to the vagina
 Several muscles:
 After childbirth it is a transverse slit.
 Transverse
 Bulbocavernous  At the level of the ischial spine.
 Sphincter ani externus  Ischial spine – an important relationship in
 Levator ani estimating the level of the fetus in the birth canal.
 Perineal Internal Os
INTERNAL FEMALE GENITALI
 Opening of the canal at junction of the cervix and
 Vagina isthmus.
 Uterus
Cervical Canal
 Fallopian Tubes
 Ovaries  Space between external os and internal os
 Operculum – a cervical plug or mucous produced
VAGINA
by the cervical glands (Naboth) that prevents
 It extends from the introitus to the cervix. ascending infection.
 Measures about 10cm in length and 14 cm width.
Isthmus
 Situated between bladder and rectum.
 Acid medium (ph 4-5).  A constricted area immediately above the cervix
 Tends to inhibit the growth of the organisms  It descends and softens during pregnancy
 DODERLEINS BACILLI – a normal bacterial flora of (Hegar’s Sign) and forms the lower segment of the
the vagina that maintains its acidity. uterine segment.
 1-2 mm in length in non-pregnant state.
Functions:
 The portion of the uterus most commonly
 Passageway for the sperm’s entrance to the cut/incised during cesarean birth.
Uterus. Corpus
 For copulation
 Passageway for menses.  The body of the uterus.
 Uppermost part and forms the bulk of the organ.
UTERUS
Fundus
 Hollow muscular organ shaped like a flattened
pear.  Top portion of the uterus
 Located inside the true pelvis between bladder  Highly contractile portion.
(anterior) and the rectum (posterior).  Point of attachment of the fallopian tube
 Weight nonpregnant uterus 60 grams
Layers of the Uterus:
Parts of the Uterus:
 Perimetrium
 Cervix  Myometrium
 Isthmus  Endometrium
 Corpus
 Fundus Perimetrium

 Layer of the peritoneum which covers the uterus

except at the sides.
  Broad ligaments arise from the sides of the FALLOPIAN TUBES
uterus.
 Approximately 10 cm in length.
Myometrium  Conveys the ovum from the ovaries to the uterus.
 Provides a place for fertilization of the ovum by
 Middle layer the sperm.
 Made up of muscles with very great
expansile properties. Four Parts:

Endometrium  Interstitial portion

 Isthmus
 Inner lining of uterus  Ampulla
 Rich supply of blood about 1.5 mm thick.  Infundibulum
 Decidua – after implantation the endometrium is
known as decidua. Interstitial portion
- After delivery it is shed-off known as
Lochia  The most proximal division.
 Lies within the uterine wall and opens into the
POSITION OF THE UTERUS uterine cavity.
 About 1cm in length.
 Anteversion – Fundus is tipped forward  1mm lumen of the tube.
 Retrovesion – Fundus is tipped back.
 Anteflexion – Body of the uterus is bent sharply at Isthmus
the junction with the cervix
 Retroflexion – Body is bent sharply just above the  Extremely narrow
cervix  Approximately 2cm in length.
 Extreme abnormal flexion or version  The portion that is cut or sealed in a tubal ligation
positions may interfere with fertility. or tubal sterilization procedure.
 It may block the deposition or migration of
Ampulla
sperm.
 Longest portion of the tube, and relatively thin
LIGAMENTS OF UTERUS
walls.
 Broad Ligament  Approximately 5 cm in length.
 Round Ligaments  Fertilization of the ovum occurs.
 Utero-Sacral Ligament
Infundibulum
Broad Ligament: A double fold peritoneum extending
 Most distal segment
outwards from the uterus attached to the side walls of the
 Approximately 2 cm in long.
pelvis.
 Funnel shape with a number of irregular
Round Ligament: It has a little support but maintains the processes – Fimbriae.
normal position of the uterus (Anteversion).
Functions of Fallopian Tube
Utero-Sacral Ligaments: Consist of folds of peritoneum
extending backward from the sides of the isthmus and  Organ of fertilization
attached to the sacrum.  Transport eggs, sperm and zygote to the uterus.

Functions of Uterus OVARIES

 Organ of Reproduction.  2 almond shaped glands.

 Organ of Menstruation  Located on the posterior surface of the broad
 Nourishes and protects the fertilized ovum for 40 ligaments.
weeks.  Freely movable, smooth, firm and slightly
 It expels the products of conception. flattened ovoids.
 4cm long and 1.5 cm thick.
Functions:
 Release the matured ovum monthly (ovulation) –
only one ovum is released every month.
 Produces estrogen and progesterone
Ovulation – happens exactly 14 days previous to the first
day of the next menstrual period.
Subtracting 14 days from the usual menstrual cycle then
account one on the first day of bleeding.
RELATED STRUCTURES
Breast
 Accessory organs of reproduction.
 Composed of glandular, fibrous and adipose
tissue.
 15 to 20 lobes on each breast.
 Each lobe is divided into several lobules.
 Contains acini – cells that produces milk.
Nipple
 A Small cylindrical body that projects slightly from
the center of each breast.
 Composed of erectile tissue which responds to
tactile stimulation.
 Lactiferous Ducts – tip of the nipple is perforated
with 15 to 20 small opening.
 Colostrum – a thin yellowish fluid composed of
colostrum corpuscles, watery fluid and fat
globules.
 Contains more protein but less fat and
sugar than matured milk.
 Continuous to be secreted until about
3rd day postpartum.
Estrogen and Progesterone
 Inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior
pituitary gland, thus lactation is suppressed.
Oxytocin
 Hormone from the posterior pituitary gland that
stimulate expression of milk from the lactating
breast – Letdown Reflexes.
 Sounds of the infant crying may produce letdown
reflexes.
 Fright, pain or emotional stress may inhibit the
letdown reflexes.
PELVIS
 serves to support and protect the reproductive
and other pelvic organs
 a bony ring formed by four united bones:
 Right and left innominate bones
 Ilium
 Ischium
 Pubis
 Sacrum
 Coccyx
Right and Left Innominate Bones (Flaring hip bones)
 forms the anterior and lateral portion of the
ring
 Ilium
 Ischium
 Pubis
1. Ilium forms the upper and lateral portion; the flaring
superior border forms the prominence of the hip (crest of
the ilium)
2. Ischium: the inferior portion
 ischial tuberosity- two projections at the lowest
portion of the ischium upon which a person sits,
markers to determine lower pelvic width pelvis
 ischial spines-small projections that extend from
the lateral aspects into the pelvic cavity, marks
the midpoint of the pelvis
3.Pubis: the anterior portion
 symphysis pubis-junction of the innominate
bones at the front of the pelvis
Sacrum
 forms the upper posterior portion of the pelvic
ring
 the wedge bone at the back of the pelvis.
 SACRAL PROMINENCE: marked anterior
projection where it touches the lower lumbar
vertebrae;
 serves as the landmark for the pelvic
measurements
Coccyx
 composed of five very small bones fused together
located below the sacrum
 Sacrococcygeal joint: the degree of movement
permits the coccyx to be pressed backward,
allowing more room for the fetal head as it passes
through the bony pelvic ring at birth.
 For obstetric purposes, the pelvis is further
subdivided by an imaginary line, the line
terminalis:
 sacral prominence
  superior aspect of the symphysis pubis
 False Pelvis
 True Pelvis
1. False Pelvis (superior half)
 shallow upper part if the pelvis that supports the
uterus during the late months of pregnancy
 aids in directing the fetus into the true pelvis for
birth
2. True pelvis (inferior half)
 lower, smaller but deeper part of the pelvis that
must be adequate for the delivery process.
 lies below the linea terminalis.
 is also known as the bony birth canal.
Inlet - entrance to the true pelvis
 it is at the level of the linea terminalis
 marked by the sacral prominence in the back
 the ilium on the sides
 superior aspect the symphysis pubis in the front
 its transverse diameter is wider than its
anteroposterior diameter. Thus-:
Transverse diameter = 13.5 cm
Anteroposterior diameter = 11 cm.
Right and Left oblique diameter = 13.75 cm
Outlet -inferior portion of the pelvis,
Boundaries:
 coccyx
 ischial tuberosities
 inferior aspect of the symphysis pubis and the
pubic arch.
its anteroposterior (AP) diameter is wider than its
transverse diameter
Pelvic cavity - space between the inlet and outlet; curved
not a straight passage
 Slows and controls the speed of birth
 Reduces sudden pressure changes in the fetal
head which might rupture cerebral arteries
 Compresses the chest of the fetus
 Helps to expel lung fluid and mucus preparing the
lungs for good aeration after birth
Types/Variations of the Pelvis
1. Gynecoid "normal" female pelvis
 Inlet is well rounded forward and back
 most ideal for childbirth.
2. Anthropoid: transverse diameter is narrow; AP diameter
is larger than normal.
3. Platypelloid: inlet has an oval, AP diameter is shallow.
4. Android "male" pelvis: inlet has a narrow, shallow
posterior portion and pointed anterior portion.
Measurements
1. External - suggestive only of pelvic size.
a. Intercristal: distance between the middle points of the
iliac crests. Average = 28 cm
b. Interspinous : distance between the anterosuperior iliac
spines. Average = 25 cm.
c. lntertrochanteric : distance between ft trochanters of the
femur. Average = 31 cm.
d. External conjugate/Bandelocque's: the distance
between the anterior aspect of the symphysis pubis and
depression below L5. Average =18-20 cm.
2. Internal - gives the actual diameter of the inlet and outlet
a. Diagonal conjugate: distance between sacral promontory
and inferior margin of the symphysis pubis. Average =12.5
cm.
b. True conjugate/ conjugate Vera: distance between the
anterior surface of the sacral promontory and the superior
margin of the symphysis pubis.
 very important measurement because it is the
diameter of the pelvic inlet. Average =10.5 -11
cm.
c. Biischial diameter/tuberischli: transverse diameter of the
pelvic outlet. -measured at the level of the anus. Average =
11 cm.
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION and
MENSTRUATION
SPERMATOGENESIS
 The process by which the seminiferous tubules of
the testes produce sperm.
 Begins in males at puberty.
 65 to 75 days.
 Begins with spermatogonia (stem cells) with
diploid (2n) number of chromosomes.
 Some spermatogonia lose contact with the
basement membrane and undergo
developmental changes.
 Differentiate into primary spermatocytes (2n) 46
chromosomes.
  Each primary spermatocytes replicates its DNA
and meiosis begins.
 2 Secondary spermatocytes are formed by
meiosis I.
 Each secondary spermatocytes 23 chromosomes,
haploid number.
 No further replication occurs in the secondary
spermatocytes.
 Spermiogenesis – final stage of spermatogenesis.
 Development of haploid spermatids into sperm.
 No cell division occurs in spermiogenesis.
 Spermatids transform into elongated, slender
sperm.
Sperm
 300 million sperm complete the process of
spermatogenesis each day.
 60 um long
 Structures that are highly adapted for reaching
and penetrating secondary oocytes.
Parts of the sperm:
 Head – contains nucleaus with 23 chromosomes
 Acrosome – covers the anterior two thirds of the
nucleus.
o Filled with enzymes that help a sperm
penetrate a secondary oocyte for
fertilization.
o Hyaluronidase and proteases.
 Tail:
 Neck – constricted region just behind
the head that contains centrioles.
 Middle piece – contains the
mitochondria which provide the energy
(ATP) for locomotion of sperm.
 Principal piece – longest portion.
 End piece – terminal, tapering portion
of the tail.
Once ejaculated, most sperm do not survive more than 48
hours within the female reproductive organ.
HORMONAL CONTROL & SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
 Androgens – male sex hormones, produced in
testes and adrenal glands
 For devt of male sex organs and secondary sex
characteristics, spermatogenesis
 Testosterone is one major androgen
 Leydig cells (located in testes) secretes
testosterone
OOGENESIS AND FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT
Oogenesis – formation of gametes in the ovaries.
 Begins in females before they are born.
 Same manner as spermatogenesis; meiosis takes
place.
 Fetal development primordial(primitive) germ
cells migrate from the yolk sac to the ovaries.
 Germ cells differentiate within the ovary into
oogonia diploid (2n).
 Diploid oogonia divide mitotically to produce
millions of germ cells.
 Most of the germ cells degenerate, process
known as atresia.
 Few, develops into larger cells called primary
oocytes.
 Primary oocytes enter prophase of meiosis I
during fetal development but do not complete
that phase until after puberty.
 During the arrested meiosis I, each primary
oocyte is surrounded by a single layer of follicular
cell.
 Primordial follicle.
 Between 5-7 million ova are form in utero
 At birth - 2M primary oocytes remain in each
ovary.
 By age 7 – 500,000 are present in each ovary
 By 22 years – 300,000are present
 By menopause – none are left
 The remainder of the primary oocytes undergo
atresia.
 Primordial follicle starts to grow, developing into
primary follicles stimulated by the gonadotropins
(FSH and LH) secreted by the anterior pituitary.
 Primary follicles consist of a primary oocyte is
surrounded by granulosa cells.
 As the primary follicle grows, it forms a cleart
glycoprotein layer called zona pellucida between
the primary oocytes and the granulosa cells.
 Theca folliculi – encircles the basement
membrane of the granulosa cells.
o Theca interna – vascularized internal
layer
o Theca externa – outermost layer.
 Secondary follicle becomes larger turning into a
mature (graafian) follicle.
 While in this follicle, the diploid primary oocytes
complete meiosis I, producing two haploid cells of
unequal size – each with 23 chromosomes.
 First polar body: Smaller cell produced by meiosis I.
 Secondary oocytes begin meiosis II
 Then stops in Metaphase.
 Mature (graafian)
 Follicle soon ruptures and releases its secondary
oocytes
 Ovulation
 Mature (graafian) follicle releases secondary oocytes
during ovulation.
 Secondary oocyte is expelled into the pelvic cavity
together with first polar body.
 Swept into the uterine tube.
 If fertilization does not occur, it degenerates.
 If sperms are present in the uterine tube and one
penetrates the secondary oocytes, meiosis II resumes.
 Ovum or mature egg unite with sperm cell forming
diploid (2n), zygote.
 Corpus luteum – contains the remnants of a mature
follicle after ovulation.
 Produces progesterone, estrogens, relaxin and inhibin
until it degenerates into fibrous scar tissue called
corpus albicans.
HYPOTHALAMIC PITUITARY-OVARIAN/TESTICULAR AXIS
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
 Secreted by the hypothalamus.
 Controls the ovarian and uterine cycles.
 Stimulates the release, synthesis and storage of
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary.
Gonadotropic Hormones
 Involved mainly in ovarian functions.
 Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
o Released from the anterior pituitary gland
o Initiates follicular growth.
o Receptors of FSH exist primarily on the cell
membrane of the granulosa cells of the
ovarian follicle.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Main Action
Main Action:
 Stimulates androgen synthesis by the theca cells.
 Progesterone synthesis by the corpus luteum.
 Stimulates prostaglandin synthesis by
intracellular production of cAMP.
 Triggers ovulation and formation of corpus
luteum.
 Estrogen
o Secreted by ovarian Follicles.
 Progesterone
o Secreted mainly by cells of the corpus
luteum.
MENSTRUATION
 Menarche – first menstrual period in girls.
o May occur as early as 9 years old or as late as
17 years old.
o Average onsets at 12.4 years
 Normal menstrual Cycle: 23 to 35 days, average of
28 days.
 Length/duration: 2 to 7 days, ranges of 1-9 days
 Average amount blood loss of 30 to 80 ml
 Color of menstrual flow: Dark red; a combination
of blood, mucus and endometrial cells.
 Odor: Similar to marigolds.
Teaching about Menstrual Health
1. Exercise – moderate exercise
2. Sexual relations- not contraindicated
3. Activities of daily living- nothing is
contraindicated
4. Pain relief- Prostaglandin inhibitors, applying
local heat
5. Rest – more rest if dysmenorrhea is present
6. Nutrition- iron supplementation
Four body structures involved
1. Hypothalamus
2. Pituitary gland
3. Ovaries
4. Uterus
4 Phases:
 Menstrual phase
 Preovulatory phase (proliferative)
 Ovulation
 Postovulatory phase (secretory)
Menstrual Phase
 Episodic uterine bleeding in response to cyclic
hormonal changes.
 Cyclic monthly changes in ovaries and
endometrium in preparations for ovulation.
 Monthly shedding off uterine lining in response to
drop in estrogen and progesterone level
Purpose:
 To bring an ovum to maturity
 Renew uterine tissue bed that will be responsible
for its growth should it be fertilized.
Events in the Ovaries:
 Under the influence of FSH – primordial follicles
develop into primary follicles then into secondary
follicles.
 Takes several months to occur.
 Follicle that begins to develop at the beginning of
a particular menstrual cycle may not reach
maturity and ovulate until several menstrual
cycles later.
Events in the Uterus:
 Menstrual flow from the uterus
 50-150 ml of blood, tissue fluid, mucus and
epithelial cells shed from the endometrium.
Preovulatory Phase (proliferative)
 Time between the end of menstruation and
ovulation.
Events in the Ovaries:
 Secondary follicles in the ovaries begin to secret
estrogen and inhibin.
 A single secondary follicle in one of the two
ovaries become dominant follicle.
 Dominant follicle secretes estrogen and inhibin
which will decrease the secretion of FSH.
 Decrease of FSH will cause other less well
developed follicles to stop growing and undergo
atresia.
 One dominant follicle becomes the mature
(graafian follicle) and continues to enlarge and
ready for ovulation.
 During the final maturation process, the mature
follicle continues to increase its estrogen
production.
 Follicular Phase because ovarian follicles are
growing and developing.
Events in the Uterus:
 Estrogens secreted by the growing ovarian
follicles stimulate the repair of the
endometrium.
 Stratum basalis undergo mitosis and produces a
new stratum functionalis.
 The thickness of the endometrium doubles to 4 to
10 mm.
 Termed as Proliferative phase because the
endometrium is proliferating.
 The thickness of the endometrium doubles to 4 to
10 mm.
 Termed as Proliferative phase because the
endometrium is proliferating.
Ovulation Phase
 The rupture of the mature (graafian) follcile.
 Release of the secondary oocyte into the pelvic
cavity
 Occurs on day 14 in a 28-day cycle.
 High levels of estrogens during the last part of the
preovulatory phase exerts a positive feedback.
 Secrete LH and GnRH and causes ovulation.
 Mittelschmerz – the small amount of blood that
leaks into the pelvic cavity from the rupture
follcile can cause pain.
Signs and symptoms of ovulation:
 Basal body temperature slightly increases 0.2 to
0.5 ˚C on the day following ovulation preceded by
sudden drop.
 Cervical mucous under the influence of estrogen
is favorable to spermatozoa.
 Fern test: Cervical mucus forms fernlike patterns
when placed on a glass slide and allowed to dry.
 Caused by crystallization of sodium chloride on
mucus fibers known as arborization or ferning.
 Spinnbarkeit Test: Cervical mucus becomes thin
and watery and can be stretched into long
strands.
 Midmenstrual pain
 Breast tenderness
Postovulatory Phase (secretory)
 Time between ovulation and onset of the next
menses.
 It is the most constant part of the female
reproductive cycle.
 Last 14 days in a day cycle, from day 15 to day 28.
Events in One Ovary
 After ovulation, the mature follicle collapses.
 A blood clot forms from minor bleeding of the
ruptured follicle – corpus hemorrhagicum; Corpus
luteum.
 Corpus luteum secretes progesterone, estrogen,
relaxin and inhibin under the influence of LH.
 Termed as Luteal Phase.
 Oocyte is not fertilized – the corpus luteum has a
lifespan of 2 weeks.
 Its secretory activity declines
 Degenerates into corpus albicans.
 Decrease progesterone, estrogen, and inhibin
causes loss of negative feedback suppression;
Rise of GnRh, FSG, LH
 If the secondary oocyte is fertilized and begins to
divide.
 Corpus luteum persist for 2 weeks.
 Chorion of the embryo after 8 days of fertilization
will produce human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG).
 hCG like LH, stimulates the secretory activity of
the corpus luteum.

Events in the Uterus

 Progesterone and estrogens produced by the

corpus luteum promote growth and coiling of the
endometrial glands.
 VAscularization of the endometrium.
 Thickening of the endometrium to 12 to 18 mm.
 Secretory Period – secretory activity of the
endometrial glands,