The female reproductive system is anatomically divided into external and internal components, with the uterus and ovaries playing central roles in its cyclic functionality. The uterus, a muscular organ anchored by ligaments, undergoes hormonally driven transformations to support both endocrine signaling and reproductive potential. Meanwhile, the ovaries orchestrate folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis through a tightly regulated cycle of follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. A key focus of this chapter is the integration of ovarian and endometrial dynamics. Midcycle surges of LH and FSH trigger ovulation, after which the corpus luteum secretes progesterone to prepare the endometrium. Concurrently, the endometrium transitions through three phases: proliferative (estrogen-mediated growth), secretory (progesterone-dependent glandular maturation), and menstrual (shedding due to hormonal withdrawal). These processes are unified under the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which ensures precise neuroendocrine coordination. By emphasizing structural adaptations and hormonal interplay, this chapter establishes a framework for understanding reproductive health, menstrual disorders, and pathologies such as anovulation or endometrial hyperplasia. The insights provided here are foundational for clinical assessment and therapeutic innovation in reproductive medicine.

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Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

  • Da Li,
  • Zhijing Na

摘要

The female reproductive system is anatomically divided into external and internal components, with the uterus and ovaries playing central roles in its cyclic functionality. The uterus, a muscular organ anchored by ligaments, undergoes hormonally driven transformations to support both endocrine signaling and reproductive potential. Meanwhile, the ovaries orchestrate folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis through a tightly regulated cycle of follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. A key focus of this chapter is the integration of ovarian and endometrial dynamics. Midcycle surges of LH and FSH trigger ovulation, after which the corpus luteum secretes progesterone to prepare the endometrium. Concurrently, the endometrium transitions through three phases: proliferative (estrogen-mediated growth), secretory (progesterone-dependent glandular maturation), and menstrual (shedding due to hormonal withdrawal). These processes are unified under the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which ensures precise neuroendocrine coordination. By emphasizing structural adaptations and hormonal interplay, this chapter establishes a framework for understanding reproductive health, menstrual disorders, and pathologies such as anovulation or endometrial hyperplasia. The insights provided here are foundational for clinical assessment and therapeutic innovation in reproductive medicine.