Questions and Answers
What is the mons pubis?
A thick fold of fats located in front or above the symphysis pubis.
What is the lower uterine segment known as?
Isthmus
What is the medical term for pubic hair?
Escutcheon
During labor, the _____ of the cervix occurs.
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In the female reproductive system, the _____ are responsible for transporting the eggs.
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What are the four types of Fallopian tubes?
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What is the role of the clitoris?
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The urethral meatus is located above the clitoris.
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What do ovaries produce and store?
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Which gland is located near the urethral meatus?
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The Grafenberg spot is located inside the vulva and is less sensitive than the clitoris.
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What separates the internal from the external female reproductive system?
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What structures are considered analogous between female and male reproductive systems?
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive Anatomy
- Mons Pubis: A thick fold of fatty tissue located above the symphysis pubis.
- Isthmus: The lower uterine segment, commonly the site for cesarean sections.
- Escutcheon: Medical term referring to pubic hair.
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Cervix:
- Effacement: Softening of the cervix during labor.
- Dilatation: Widening of the cervix's diameter.
- Prostaglandins: Hormones involved in the processes of effacement and dilatation.
External Structures
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Labia Majora: Thick folds composed of adipose tissue, providing protection.
- Anterior and posterior commissures mark the borders.
- Labia Minora: Thinner folds of adipose tissue, highly vascularized with blood vessels.
- Clitoris: The primary site of female arousal, highly sensitive, and serves as a guide for catheterization.
- Urethral Meatus: Urine passage located below the clitoris.
- Smegma: Cheese-like secretion found in the vulvar area.
- Vestibule: Area between the labia minora housing the openings of the vulva, including Skene’s and Bartholin’s glands.
Fallopian Tubes
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Types:
- Isthmus: Narrowest portion, site of bilateral tubal ligation.
- Interstitial: Most proximal section.
- Ampulla: Longest section, common site for fertilization.
- Infundibulum: Farthest from the uterus, funnel-shaped.
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Functions:
- Transport of the ovum (egg).
- Site of fertilization.
- Provide nourishment to the ovum.
Ovarian Function
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Ovaries: Small, oval-shaped glands producing and storing eggs.
- Oogonia: Immature egg cells.
- Oocytes: Mature egg cells.
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Egg Count:
- At 2 months intrauterine: 600k oogonia.
- At 5 months intrauterine: 6-7 million oogonia.
- At birth: Approximately 2 million oocytes.
- Adolescence to adulthood: Reduced to 300k-400k.
- Age 36: 30k-40k remaining.
- Menopause: Oocytes drop to 0.
Hormonal Functions of Ovaries
- Hormone production critical for reproductive health.
- Oogenesis: Process of producing egg cells.
- Ovulation: Release of mature eggs.
Internal Structures
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Vagina: Hollow, muscular canal lying behind the bladder and in front of the rectum.
- pH shifts from alkaline pre-puberty to acidic post-puberty.
- Maintained by Doderlein bacilli.
- Cul-de-sac (Douglas): Space located between the rectum and vagina.
Comparative Anatomy
- Female and male reproductive structures are anatomically analogous:
- Ovum (female) vs. Sperm (male).
- Clitoris vs. Glands penis.
- Labia majora vs. Scrotum.
- Vagina vs. Penis.
- Ovaries vs. Testes.
- Fallopian tubes vs. Vas deferens.
- Skene’s gland vs. Prostate gland.
- Bartholin’s glands vs. Bulbourethral glands.
Additional Trivia
- Females are at higher risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a shorter urethra compared to males.
- Grafenberg spot or “G spot”, known for heightened sensitivity, is located 1 to 2 inches from the vulva's inner anterior portion.
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Description
Explore the essential components of female reproductive anatomy, including external structures and key functions. This quiz covers terms and processes such as the cervix, labia, and hormonal influences critical to reproductive health. Understand the significance of these anatomical features in both anatomy and obstetrics.
