Concepts of Human Anatomy & Physiology   5/e   Van De Graaff/Fox
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I. Structure and Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Concept: The structures of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, the secondary sex organs (vagina, uterine tubes, uterus, and mammary glands), and the external genitalia. The female reproductive system produces ova, secretes sex hormones, receives sperm from the male, and provides sites for fertilization and development of the embryo and fetus. Parturition follows gestation, and secretions from the mammary glands provides nourishment for the baby.

II. Ovaries and the Ovarian Cycle

Concept: The ovaries contain a large number of follicles, each of which encloses an ovum. Some of these follicles mature during the ovarian cycle, and the ova they contain progress to the secondary oocyte stage of meiosis. At ovulation, the largest follicle breaks open to extrude a secondary oocyte from the ovary. The empty follicle then becomes a corpus luteum, which ultimately degenerates at the end of a nonfertile cycle.

III. Menstrual Cycle

Concept: Cyclic changes in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones from the anterior pituitary cause the ovarian changes during a monthly cycle. The ovarian cycle is accompanied by cyclic changes in the secretion of estradiol and progesterone, which interact with the hypothalamus and pituitary to regulate gonadotropin secretion. The cyclic changes in ovarian hormone secretion also cause changes in the endometrium of the uterus during a menstrual cycle.

IV. Mammary Glands and Lactation

Concept: The structure and function of the mammary glands are dependent upon the action of a number of hormones. The secretion of prolactin and oxytocin is directly required for the production and delivery of milk to a suckling infant.

V. Development of the Female Reproductive System

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