FEMALE REPRODUCTION
Female Reproduction
Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is essential for human reproduction. There are two main parts to the female reproductive system which are the uterus and ovaries. The uterus is used to accommodate a developing fetus, produce vaginal and uterine secretions, and pass male’s sperm to the fallopian tubes.Eggs are produced by a gland called the ovaries. The mass majority of eggs within ovaries gradually die, until they are depleted during menopause. A female has 1 million eggs at birth. The process known as ovulation starts at puberty, where the egg matures and breaks throught the ovarian wall about every 28 days. The eggs continue to degenerate during pregnancy, with the use of birth control pills, and in the presence or absence of menstrual cycles.
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Fallopian tubes have small hair-like projections called cilia on the lining. These l cilia are necessary to the movement of an egg through the tube, and into the uterus. The egg may not progress along and stay in the tube, if the cilia are damaged by infection.
Infection can also cause partial or complete blockage of the tube, physically preventing the egg from moving to the uterus.
Any process such as, endometriosis, infection, tumors, or scar tissue, damages the Fallopian tube or narrows its diameter and increases the chance of an ectopic pregnancy which is a pregnancy that develops in the Fallopian tube or another abnormal location outside the uterus.
In order to facilitate the transport of sperm, Cervical mucus increases and becomes thinner with a more stretchy consistency. The uterine structure must be anatomically suitable for the successful implantation of an embryo. Abnormalities of the uterus include a wall in the center of the uterine body called a Septum, a one- sided or banana shaped uterus called Unicornate, or Bicornate which is two banana shaped uteri side by side; may end at one or have two cervices and vaginas.
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Terms
Vagina- Muscular, membranous tube that connects external genitalia with cervix and uterus; also called birth canal. The vagina provides passageway for sperm, menstrual flow and fetus during childbirth
Cervix- Neck of uterus that extends down into the vagina; it dilates during labor
Uterus- Hollow muscular organ at upper end of vagina; also called womb; sheds endometrium lining during menstruation and holds fetus during pregnancy
Fallopian Tubes- Connect ovaries to uterus; transports the ovum to the uterus
Ovary- Almond sized and shaped gland that produces eggs
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)- Secreted by the anterior pituitary to help follicles mature
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Secreted by the anterior pituitary hormone that regulates menstrual cycle and completes maturation of follicles
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRh) – Secreted by hypothalamus; stimulates the release of FSH and LH from pituitary gland
Estrogen- Produced by ovaries; helps female genital tract suitable for fertilization, implantation and embryonic nutrition
Progesterone- Secreted by Corpus Luteum; prepares endometrium lining for fertilization
Corpus Luteum- Endocrine organ structure on the ovary surface; maintains the uterine endometrium
Endometrium- Mucous membrane lining the uterus; changes in thickness structure with menstrual cycle
Fertilization- Act or process of initiating biological reproduction
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References:
Como, D. (2006). Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professions (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO. Mosby Elsevier
Hogan, M. A. (2008). Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN. Saddle River, NJ. Prentice Hall
Nihira, M. (2009). Your Guide to the Female Reproductive System. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/female-reproductive-system-overview