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Questions and Answers
Which structure forms the anterior border of the external reproductive organs?
What is the primary function of the labia majora?
Where are the labia minora located in relation to the labia majora?
What is the role of the clitoris in the female reproductive system?
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Which of the following is included in the vestibule of the female reproductive system?
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What is the primary function of the external female genitalia?
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Which statement accurately describes the vagina?
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What is the role of Bartholin glands?
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What is the length of the cervix in the uterus?
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How does the pH of the vagina contribute to its function?
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive System Anatomy and Physiology
- General Objective: The goal is to understand the normal anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system.
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Specific Objectives:
- Describe the anatomy of the female reproductive system.
- Differentiate between the internal and external female reproductive systems.
- List the functions of the uterus.
- Classify the female genital organs.
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Female Reproductive System Components:
- Supportive structures
- Internal organs
- External organs
External Female Structures: “Vulva”
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Mons Pubis:
- Rounded soft fullness over the pubic bone.
- Covered with hair during puberty.
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Labia Majora (External Large Lips):
- Thick folds of tissue protecting the other external organs.
- Contain sweat and sebaceous glands for lubrication.
- Covered with hair during puberty.
- Extend from the mons pubis to the perineum.
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Labia Minora (Small Lips):
- Lie inside the labia majora, surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings.
- Rich blood supply gives them a pink color.
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Clitoris:
- Small protruding erectile organ with high vascularity.
- Very sensitive to sexual stimulation.
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Vestibules:
- Oval-shaped area between the labia minora, clitoris, and fourchette.
- Contains the external urethral meatus, vaginal introitus, and Bartholin's glands.
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Hymen:
- Elastic epithelial fold that partially blocks the vaginal entrance.
- Ruptured during first sexual intercourse.
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Perineum:
- Extends from the fourchette to the anus.
- Varies in length from 2 to 5 centimeters.
- Composed of fibrous and muscular tissues supporting pelvic structures.
Functions of the Female External Genitalia
- Protecting the internal genital organs from infections.
- Providing sexual pleasure.
- Enabling sperm to enter the body.
Internal Female Structures
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Uterus (Internal Female Structure):
- Hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ.
- Measures about 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 cm, weighing 50–60 grams.
- Normally anteverted (rotated forward) and slightly anteflexed (flexed forward).
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Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts or Uterine Tubes):
- Two tubes extending from the uterine cornu to the ovary.
- Run in the upper free border of the broad ligament.
- Length ranges from 8 to 14 cm, averaging 10 cm.
- Composed of three parts:
- Interstitial part
- Isthmus
- Ampulla
- Infundibulum
Uterus Parts
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Body of the Uterus (Corpus):
- Upper part, extending to the fundus.
- Fundus is above the area where the fallopian tubes enter.
- Length is about 5 cm.
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Isthmus:
- Narrow transition zone between the corpus and cervix.
- Elongates during late pregnancy, becoming the lower uterine segment.
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Cervix:
- Lowermost part of the uterus ("neck"), length is 2.5 to 3 cm.
- Internal os is the opening between the uterus and vagina.
- External os marks the lower cervix.
Layers of the Uterus
- Endometrium (Inner Mucous Layer):
- Myometrium (Muscle Layer):
- Perimetrium (Serous Layer):
Uterus Functions
- Menstruation: The uterus sloughs off the endometrium.
- Pregnancy: Supports the fetus and facilitates its growth.
- Labor and Birth: Uterine muscles contract, and the cervix dilates to expel the fetus.
Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts or Uterine Tubes)
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Parts of Oviducts:
- Infundibulum: Outer portion opening into the abdominal cavity. Contains fimbriae (fingerlike projections).
- Ampulla: Middle portion connecting the isthmus to the infundibulum. Widest part, about 5 cm long.
- Isthmus: Medial portion connecting to the uterus.
Functions of the Uterine Tubes
- Pathway for the ovum to the uterus.
- Site of fertilization by sperm.
- Fertilized egg takes 6–10 days to travel to the uterine lining.
- Mucus secreted by the tubes nourishes the ovum.
Fallopian Tube Functions (Additional)
- Gamete transport
- Ovum pickup
- Ovum transport
- Sperm transport
- Final maturation of gametes
- Post ovulatory oocyte maturation
- Sperm capacitation
- Transport of embryo and unfertilized eggs to the uterus
Requirements for Normal Fallopian Tube Function
- Patency: Open and unobstructed
- Tubal Motility: No adhesions and healthy tube wall
- Intact Mucosa: Ciliary function and tubal secretions
Ovaries (Female Gonads or Sex Glands):
- Oval solid structures, 1.5 cm thick, 2.5 cm wide, and 3.5 cm long.
- Weigh about 4–8 grams.
- Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
- Release an egg (ovulation) each month.
- Can be affected by hormones.
- Function: Secretion of estrogen and progesterone.
Vagina:
- Elastic fibro-muscular tube and membranous tissue.
- Approximately 8 to 10 cm long.
- Lies between the bladder and rectum.
- Lining has multiple folds (rugae) and a muscle layer.
- Acidic environment (pH 4.5) protects against infection.
Vagina Functions
- Discharge of menstrual flow.
- Sexual intercourse.
- Passage of the fetus during childbirth.
- Bartholin's glands (located near the vaginal opening) secrete lubrication for intercourse.
- The urethral opening is above or in front of the vagina.
Function of Bartholin’s Glands
- Secrete a thick fluid that supplies lubrication for intercourse.
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Description
Explore the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system through this quiz. Understand the functions of various components including internal and external structures such as the uterus and vulva. Test your knowledge on classifications and specific functions of these organs.
