Female Reproductive

System
Learning Objectives

•Describe the location, structure & function of all the

component parts within the female reproductive systems.
•Outline the events of Oogenesis.
•Describe the phases of the ovarian & menstrual cycles.
•Describe the hormonal control mechanisms involved in
ovarian function & the menstrual cycle.
•Describe the physiological effects of oestrogen &
progesterone.

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Female Reproductive Anatomy

• Introduction

1. More complex than male in terms of function:

• Prepares for nurturing a developing fetus.

2. Ovaries: primary female reproductive organs.

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Female Reproductive System
• Ovaries - female gonads (the primary
reproductive organs)
1. Produce female gametes (ova).
2. Produce female sex hormones, estrogen (estradiol,

Internal Genitalia
estrone, estriol) and progesterone.

&
• Accessory ducts include
• Uterine tubes
• Uterus
• Vagina 4
Ovaries
• Follicle
• Immature egg (oocyte) surrounded by:
• Follicle cells (one cell layer thick)
• Granulosa cells (when more than one layer is present)

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 Follicles

• Several stages of development

• Primordial follicle: squamous like follicle cells
surrounding the oocyte

• Primary follicle: cuboidal or columnar follicle cells

surrounding the oocyte

• Secondary follicle: two or more layers of granulosa

cells + oocyte (more mature)

• Vesicular follicle: contains fluid-filled space between

granulosa cells; coalesces to form a central antrum
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Ovaries

• Vesicular (Graafian) follicle

• Fluid-filled antrum forms; follicle bulges from ovary
surface

• Ovulation
• Ejection of the oocyte from the ripening follicle

• Corpus luteum develops from ruptured follicle

after ovulation (a glandular structure)
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 Tunica
albuginea Oocyte Granulosa cells
Late secondary follicle
Degenerating corpus Cortex Mesovarium and
luteum (corpus blood vessels
albicans)
Germinal Vesicular
epithelium (Graafian)
Primary follicle
follicles Antrum
Oocyte

Ovarian
Zona
ligament
pellucida
Theca
Medulla folliculi
Ovulated
oocyte
Corpus luteum Developing Corona
corpus luteum radiata
Diagrammatic view of an ovary sectioned to reveal the follicles in its interior
Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Female Duct System

• Ducts have no contact with ovary:

• Oocyte cast into peritoneal cavity; some lost
there. Think of
ectopic
pregnancy
• Uterine (fallopian) tubes or oviducts
• Uterus
• Vagina

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Uterine Tubes (Oviduct)
• Receives ovulated Oocyte, usual site of fertilization
• Isthmus: constricted region where tube joins uterus
• Ampulla
• Distal expansion with infundibulum near ovary
• Usual site of fertilization

• Ciliated fimbriae of infundibulum create currents to

move oocyte into uterine tube

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Uterine Tubes

• Oocyte is carried along by peristalsis and ciliary

action (ciliated cells)

• Nonciliated cells nourish the oocyte and the sperm

• Mesosalpinx: mesentery that supports the uterine

tubes

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Uterus
The Uterus (receives, retain and
nourishes fertilized ovum)
1) Body: major portion
2) Fundus: rounded superior region
3) Isthmus: narrow interior region

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 Uterine Wall

• Three layers
• Perimetrium: serous layer (visceral peritoneum)

• Myometrium: interlacing layers of smooth muscle,

contract during childbirth to expel the baby…..

• Endometrium: mucosal lining (simple columnar

epithelium)

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Endometrium

• Stratum functionalis (functional layer)

• Changes in response to ovarian hormone cycles
• Is shed during menstruation

• Stratum basalis (basal layer)

• Forms new functionalis after menstruation
• Unresponsive to ovarian hormones

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 The endometrium and its blood supply.
Lumen of uterus

Epithelium

Uterine glands
Stratum
functionalis
of the
endometrium Lamina propria of
connective tissue

Stratum
basalis
of the
endometrium

Portion
of the Smooth muscle
myometrium fibers

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 Cervix

• Cervix: narrow neck, or outlet; projects into the

vagina
• Cervical canal communicates with the
• Vagina via the external os
• Uterine body via the internal os

• Cervical glands secrete mucus that blocks sperm

entry except during midcycle
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Vagina
• Birth canal and organ of copulation
• Mucosa near the vaginal orifice forms an incomplete
partition called the hymen

• Vaginal fornix: upper end of the vagina surrounding

the cervix

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 Suspensory
ligament of ovary Uterine (fallopian) tube Uterine
Ovarian blood Fundus Lumen (cavity) tube
vessels of uterus of uterus Ampulla
Mesosalpinx Ovary Isthmus
Mesovarium Infundibulum
Broad Fimbriae
ligament
Mesometrium
Round ligament of uterus
Ovarian ligament
Body of uterus Endometrium
Ureter Myometrium Wall of uterus
Uterine blood vessels Perimetrium
Isthmus Internal os
Uterosacral ligament Cervical canal
Lateral cervical External os
(cardinal) ligament
Vagina
Lateral fornix
Cervix

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.

 The External Genitalia (VULVA)

• Check figure 27.16 to Identify:

Look closely to
• Mons pubis what is meant by
• Prepuce of clitoris the perineum

• Clitoris (glans)
• Vestibule (greater vestibular glands – mucus for lubrication)
– (homologous to the bulbourethral gland in males)
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Hymen
• Vaginal orifice
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Ovarian Cycle
• Monthly series of events associated with maturation of
egg.

• Two consecutive phases (in 28-day cycle)

• Follicular phase - period of follicle growth (days 1–14)

• Luteal phase - period of corpus luteum activity

(days 14–28)

• Ovulation occurs midcycle

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Ovarian Cycle

• Only 10 – 15% women have 28-day cycle

• Time of follicular phase varies

• Luteal phase constant – always 14 days from

ovulation to end of cycle

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Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

Primordial follicle is activated

~ 1 year before its possible ovulation

Theca folliculi
3a 3b
2 Primary
oocyte
7
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Secondary
4
oocyte
6 5 Secondary 1 Primordial
6
Corona
oocyte
follicles
radiata

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Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

The follicle is called Primary follicle

Theca folliculi
3a 3b
2 Primary
oocyte
7
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Secondary
4
oocyte
6 5 Secondary
6 oocyte
Corona

2 Primary
radiata

follicle 24
Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

As soon as more than one cell layer

is present (stratified epithelium), the
follicle is called a secondary follicle
(granulosa cells have FSH
receptors)

Theca folliculi
3a 3b
2 Primary
oocyte
7
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Secondary
4
oocyte
6 5 Secondary
6 oocyte
Corona
3a Secondary
radiata

follicle 25
 Follicular Phase

• Secondary follicle becomes late secondary follicle

• Connective tissue + epithelial cells form (theca
folliculi) and granulosa cells cooperate to produce
estrogens
• Inner thecal cells produce androgens in response to
LH ( which the granulosa cells convert to estrogen)
• Zona pellucida (formed from glycoproteins produced
by the oocyte) forms around oocyte
• Fluid accumulates between granulosa cells
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 Follicular Phase
• Late secondary follicle becomes vesicular
follicle
• Antrum forms; expands to isolate oocyte
• Vesicular follicle bulges from external surface
of ovary
• Primary oocyte completes meiosis I producing
secondary oocyte and first polar body
See
Image 27
Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

• A secondary follicle becomes a late secondary follicle

(a clear fluid begins to accumulate between the
granulosa cells).
• A layer of connective tissue and epithelia cells formed
around the follicle
Theca folliculi Theca
3a 3b folliculi
2
Primary
7 oocyte
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Secondary
4 oocyte

6 5 Secondary
oocyte 3b Late Forming
6 secondary antrum
Corona
follicle
radiata

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Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

A late secondary follicle becomes a vesicular

(antral) follicle. Preovulatory stage. Antrum is
formed. Corona radiata

Theca folliculi
3a 3b Zona
pellucida
2
Primary
7 oocyte
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Antrum
Antrum
Secondary
4 oocyte

6 5 Secondary
oocyte
6 4 Mature vesicular
4

Corona
follicle carries out
radiata meiosis I; ready to
be ovulated
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Ovulation

• Ovary wall ruptures, expels secondary oocyte

with its corona radiata (a surrounding capsule

of granulosa cells) into the peritoneal cavity

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Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

Theca folliculi
3a 3b
2
Primary
7 oocyte
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Secondary
4 oocyte

6 5 Secondary
6
oocyte 5 Follicle ruptures;
Corona secondary oocyte
radiata ovulated

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Luteal Phase of the Ovarian Cycle
• Ruptured follicle collapses; antrum fills with clotted
blood
• corpus hemorrhagicum

• Granulosa cells and internal thecal cells form

corpus luteum

• Corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some

estrogen

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Luteal Phase of the Ovarian Cycle

• If no pregnancy:
• corpus luteum degenerates into corpus albicans
(scar) in 10 days

• If pregnancy occurs:
• corpus luteum produces hormones that sustain
pregnancy until the placenta takes over at about
3 months
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Schematic and microscopic views of the ovarian cycle: development and fate of ovarian follicles.

Theca folliculi
3a 3b
2
Primary
7 oocyte
Zona pellucida
Antrum
Secondary
4 oocyte

6 5 Secondary
oocyte 6 Corpus luteum
6
Corona (forms from
radiata ruptured follicle)

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Establishing the Ovarian Cycle

• During childhood:
• ovaries grow and secrete small amounts of estrogens
that inhibit hypothalamic release of GnRH

• As puberty nears:
• GnRH released; FSH and LH released by pituitary,
and act on ovaries

• These events continue until an adult cyclic pattern

achieved and menarche occurs

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Hormonal Regulation of the Ovarian Cycle

• Hormone interaction produces cyclic events in

ovaries
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• Pituitary gonadotropins
• Ovarian estrogen
• Ovarian progesterone

• Onset of puberty linked to amount of adipose

tissue via hormone leptin

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Establishing the Ovarian Cycle
• During childhood, until puberty
• Ovaries secrete small amounts of estrogens
• Estrogen inhibits release of GnRH

• If leptin levels adequate hypothalamus less

sensitive to estrogen as puberty nears
1. releases GnRH in rhythmic pulse-like manner
2. FSH and LH release
3. ovarian hormone release

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Onset of Puberty
• Gonadotropin levels increase for about four years
• no ovulation; no pregnancy

• Adult cyclic pattern achieved and menarche occurs

• First menstrual period

• Three years before cycle becomes regular and all

ovulatory

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Hormonal Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

1. GnRH stimulates release of FSH and LH

2. FSH and LH stimulates growth of several follicles, and
hormone release
3. High plasma estrogen levels inhibit release of FSH
and LH
Within the ovary, estrogen levels enhance further estrogen
output by intensifying the effect of FSH on follicle
maturation.
Inhibin from granulosa cells also inhibits FSH release

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Hormonal Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

4. When estrogen levels high  brief positive feedback

on brain and anterior pituitary

5. Stored LH, and some FSH, suddenly released by anterior

pituitary at midcycle  surge triggers ovulation

 primary oocyte to complete meiosis I  secondary oocyte

Secondary oocyte  meiosis II

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Hormonal Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

• LH effects at midcycle
• Increases local vascular permeability
• Triggers inflammatory response  weakens
ovarian wall
•  Blood flow stops through protruding follicle
wall  wall thins, bulges, ruptures
• Oocyte with corona radiata exits (ovulation)

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Hormonal Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

• After ovulation
• Estrogen levels decline
• LH transforms ruptured follicle  corpus luteum
• LH stimulates corpus luteum  progesterone and
some estrogen almost immediately
• Progesterone helps maintain stratum
functionalis
• Maintains pregnancy, if occurs

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Hormonal Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

6. Negative feedback (from rising plasma

progesterone and estrogen levels) inhibits
LH and FSH release
o Inhibin, from corpus luteum and granulosa
cells, enhances effect
o Declining LH ends luteal activity, inhibits
follicle development

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Hormonal Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

• If no fertilization
• Corpus luteum degenerates when LH levels
fall  sharp decrease in estrogen and
progesterone  ends blockage of FSH and
LH secretion
•  Cycle starts anew

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 Regulation of the ovarian cycle.
Hypothalamus Hypothalamus
GnRH
4 Positive
4
feedback exerted
GnRH by large in
estrogen output 6
Travels via
portal blood by maturing
follicle.
1

Anterior pituitary
1 4 Progesterone
LH surge Estrogens
Inhibin
FSH LH Ruptured 5
2 2 follicle 6
Thecal cells
3 Slightly 2
Androgens 5
elevated
estrogen and Granulosa
rising inhibin cells
levels inhibit 2 Mature vesicular
Inhibin
FSH Convert androgens follicle Ovulated Corpus luteum
secretion. to estrogens secondary
2 oocyte
Estrogens
Early and Late follicular and
midfollicular phases luteal phases
Stimulates
Inhibits
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 Correlation of anterior pituitary and ovarian hormones with structural changes of the ovary and uterus.

Plasma hormone level

LH

FSH

Days 1 5 10 15 20 25 28

(a) Fluctuation of gonadotropin levels: Fluctuating levels of pituitary

gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone)
in the blood regulate the events of the ovarian cycle.
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 Correlation of anterior pituitary and ovarian hormones with structural changes of the ovary and uterus.

Primary Secondary Vesicular Ovulation Corpus Degenerating

follicle follicle follicle luteum corpus luteum

Days 1 5 10 15 20 25 28

Follicular Ovulation Luteal

phase (Day 14) phase

(b) Ovarian cycle: Structural changes in the ovarian follicles during the
ovarian cycle are correlated with (d) changes in the endometrium of the
uterus during the uterine cycle.

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The Menstrual Cycle
• Cyclic changes in endometrium in response to
fluctuating ovarian hormone levels

• Three phases
• Days 1–5 - menstrual phase
• Days 6–14 - proliferative (preovulatory) phase
• Days 15–28 - secretory (postovulatory) phase
(constant 14-day length)
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The Uterine Cycle

• Menstrual phase (Days 1 - 5)

• Ovarian hormones at lowest levels
• Gonadotropins beginning to rise
• Stratum functionalis shed; menstrual flow
(blood and tissue) 3 - 5 days
• By day 5 growing ovarian follicles produce
more estrogen

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The Uterine Cycle

• Proliferative phase (Days 6 - 14)

• Rising estrogen levels prompt generation of new stratum
functionalis layer; increased synthesis of progesterone
receptors in endometrium; glands enlarge and spiral arteries
increase in number

• Normally thick, sticky cervical mucus thins in response to rising

estrogen (allows sperm passage)

• Ovulation occurs at end of proliferative phase

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The Uterine Cycle
• Secretory phase (Days 15 – 28)
• Most constant timewise
• Endometrium prepares for embryo
• Rising progesterone levels prompt
• Functional layer forms secretory mucosa
• Endometrial glands secrete nutrients
• Formation of cervical mucus plug

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Correlation of anterior pituitary and ovarian hormones with structural changes of the ovary and uterus.
Plasma hormone level

Estrogens

Progesterone

Days 1 5 10 15 20 25 28

(c) Fluctuation of ovarian hormone levels: Fluctuating levels of ovarian

hormones (estrogens and progesterone) cause the endometrial changes of the
uterine cycle. The high estrogen levels are also responsible for the
LH/FSH surge in (a).

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Correlation of anterior pituitary and ovarian hormones with structural changes of the ovary and uterus.

Endometrial Blood vessels

glands

Menstrual
flow
Functional
layer
Basal layer
Days 1 5 10 15 20 25 28
Menstrual Proliferative Secretory
phase phase phase
The three phases of the uterine cycle:
• Menstrual: The functional layer of the endometrium is shed.
• Proliferative: The functional layer of the endometrium is rebuilt.
• Secretory: Begins immediately after ovulation. Enrichment of the blood
supply and glandular secretion of nutrients prepare the endometrium to
receive an embryo.
Both the menstrual and proliferative phases occur before ovulation, and
together they correspond to the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle. The
secretory phase corresponds in time to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.

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No Fertilization
• If fertilization does not occur
• Corpus luteum degenerates toward end of secretory
phase
• Progesterone levels fall
• Spiral arteries kink and spasm
• Endometrial cells begin to die; glands regress
• Spiral arteries constrict again, then relax and open
wide
• Rush of blood fragments weakened capillary beds and
functional layer sloughs

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Effects of Estrogens and Progesterone

• Estrogen
• Promote oogenesis and follicle growth in ovary
• Exert anabolic effects on female reproductive
tract
• Support rapid but short-lived growth spurt at
puberty

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Effects of Estrogens and Progesterone

• Other Effects of Estrogen

• Secondary sex characteristics
• Growth of breasts
• Increased deposit of subcutaneous fat (hips and
breasts)
• Widening and lightening of pelvis
• Metabolic effects
• Maintain low total blood cholesterol and high HDL
levels
• Facilitate calcium uptake
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Effects of Estrogens and Progesterone

• Progesterone
• Progesterone works with estrogen to establish and
regulate uterine cycle
• Promotes changes in cervical mucus
• Effects of placental progesterone during
pregnancy
• Inhibits uterine motility
• Helps prepare breasts for lactation

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Menopause

Is considered to have occurred when a

whole year has passed without
menstruation.

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 Reference

Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2016). Human anatomy & physiology (10th ed.). Pearson.

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