Lec1, 2019-2020 University of Kirkuk 3rd year students College of Nursing

Dr Jenan &Dr Suhailah

Reproductive System

The female reproductive organs include the , fallopian tubes & the . During reproductive years (13-50 years) about 450 follicle develop & expel their ova one each month.

Female Reproductive System

 Functions of Female Reproductive System  Allow for sexual intimacy and fulfillment  Produce children through the process of conception, pregnancy and childbirth  Composition  The external genitalia () and internal reproductive organs

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External genitalia of the female reproductive system:

majora   Vestibule  Perineum

Internal Reproductive Organs

(Birth canal) - A muscular tube that leads from the vulva to the uterus  Uterus (Womb) A hollow, pear-shaped muscular structure Functions of the uterus: 1. Prepare for pregnancy each month 2. Protect and nourish the growing child

Four sections:

- Connect the vagina and uterus - Outer os  Uterine Isthmus - Connects the cervix to the main body of the uterus - Thinnest portion of the uterus, and does not participate in the muscular Contractions of labor - Most likely to rupture during childbirth  Corpus (Body) - Main body of the uterus

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 Fundus

Topmost section of the uterus

Walls of the corpus and fundus have three layers - - -  Paired fallopian tubes - Tiny, muscular corridors 8-14 cm long

3 sections

1. Isthmus 2. Ampulla 3. Infundibulum  Ovaries

Two sex glands homologous to the male testes; located on either side of the uterus

Functions: - Produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone - Store ova and help them to mature - Regulate the menstrual cycle in response to anterior pituitary hormones

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Regulation of Reproductive function:

 Puberty - The time of life in which an individual become capable of sexual reproduction. - Occurs between 10 and 14 years of age. - Development of secondary sex characteristics. - Menarche  Menstrual Cycle

The normal reproductive years in female characterized by monthly changes in rate of secretion of female hormones, in the ovaries & sexual organs. The duration of menstrual cycle averages 28 days but may be as short as 20 days or as long as 45 days . As a result of this cycle :

Only one mature ovum is released from the ovaries each month . The uterine endometrium is prepared for implantation of the fertilized ovum. The absence of cyclic menstruation is called amenorrhea The ovarian cycle consist of follicular phase & luteal phase.

 Ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle  Ovarian cycle  Follicular phase Encompasses days 1-14 of a 28 day cycle  Ovulation  Luteal phase Large quantities of LH secreted by the anterior pituitary called the LH surge ,

LH is necessary for final follicular growth & ovulation & without

this hormone ovulation not occur . Two days before ovulation LH secretion

increase 6-10 folds & peaks 16 hours before ovulation (LH surge ).

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Includes 15-28 days  Uterine cycle - Refers to the changes that occur in the inner lining of the uterus It has four phases 1. Menstrual phase - Day 1 , onset of menstruation - Uterine lining is shed - Follicle begins to develop - Ends when the menstrual period stops on approximately day 5 of the cycle 2. Proliferative phase - Uterine lining becomes thicker - Ends with ovulation on day 14 3. Secretory phase - begins to produce progesterone - Prepares for pregnancy 4. Ischemic phase - Days 27 and 28, estrogen and progesterone levels fall - Uterine lining becomes ischemic and begins to slough

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Cervical mucus changes

- Menstrual phase: Cervix does not produce mucus - Proliferative phase: a tackey, crumbly type of mucus that is yellow or white - Ovulation: Distensible, stretchable quality called Spinnbarkheit - After ovulation: mucus becomes scanty, thick and opaque

Menopause

- Reproductive capability ends - Ovaries cease to function - Hormone levels fall (Usually between 47- 55 years of age)

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