Main components of female reproductive system A. Ovaries B. Uterine tubes C. Uterus D. Mammary gland Ovary: Produces oocytes -oogenesis Produces female sex hormones: o Oestrogens (theca interna cells) o Progesterone (CL) o Inhibin (granulosa cells) Uterine tubes: Conducts ova towards uterus Site of fertilisation Uterus: Site of implantation Vagina: Site of intoduction of spermatozoa Birth canal Co-ordination of function due to Hypothalamic-pituitary axis Secretory status of tissues/organs The timing of secretion and the sites of action of hypothalamic, pituitary and ovarian hormones are essential to understanding the physiology of reproductive function. A: Ovary Three histological regions: 1. Cortex: Cellular region: o Follicles = oocyte + follicular/granulosa cells stroma Fibroblasts + collagen types I and III 2. Medulla: loose ct, bvs, nerves 3. Hilum: stalk-like region of entry/exit of bvs + nerves, ct Oocytes Develop in the embryo ~6 weeks Primordial germ cells from yolk sac colonise embryonic gonad. Mitosis of primordial germ cells oogonia several million 1 - 2 million at birth ~400,000 at puberty ~400 will ovulate, the rest become atretic (will degrade)