Female Reproductive System: Internal Genital Organs

• Female genital organs are divided into internal and external groups.
• Internal organs include the ovary, uterine tube, uterus and and vagina.
• External organs include the labia majora/minora, vestibule, clitoris, greater vestibular gland, mons pubis and breast.
• The functions of the female reproductive system include formation of ova, reception of spermatozoa, providing a suitable environment for fertilization and fetal development, and parturition/childbirth.

Internal Genital Organs

• Consist of paired ovaries and uterine tubes, the uterus, and the vagina.

Ovary

• Paired primary organs that produce oocytes or female gametes/germ cells.
• Almond-shaped and gray in color.
• Situated in the ovarian fossa on the lateral pelvic wall.
• Hormonally controlled with FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Lutenizing Hormone).
• Contains the ovarian ligament, which is attached to the ovary inferiorly and connects the ovary to the side of the uterus.
• Contains the suspensory ligament and mesovarium - the suspensory ligament extends outwards from the ovary to the lateral abdominal wall.
• Mesovarium is the portion of the broad ligament of the uterus that suspends the ovaries

Structure of the Ovary

• Has two layers of tissue: cortex and medulla.
• The cortex surrounds the medulla, has a framework of connective tissue/stroma covered by germinal epithelium, and contains ovarian follicles with an ovum.
• The medulla lies in the center and consists of fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

Function of the Ovary

• Producing the ovum.
• Follicles produce mature ovum each month, upon ovulation.
• Producing female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Uterine Tube (Fallopian Tube)

• Approximately 10 cm long.
• Lies in the free margin of the broad ligament of the uterus.
• Medial end opens into the uterine cavity.
• Lateral end communicates with the peritoneal cavity through the abdominal ostium.
• Consists of 4 main parts: infundibulum (with fimbria), ampulla, isthmus, and intramural part.
• The infundibulum includes fimbria and mucosal finger-like folds.
• The ampulla is the dilated part where fertilization takes place.
• The isthmus is rounded, muscular, and firm, and is the narrowest part of the tube.
• The intramural part lies within the myometrium.
• Propels the ovum from the ovary to the uterus via peristalsis and ciliary movement.
• Secretions nourish both the ovum and spermatozoa
• Fertilization typically occurs in the uterine tube, and the zygote is propelled into the uterus for implantation.

Clinical Aspects of the Uterine Tube

• Blockage is a major cause of infertility.
• Salpingography is a radiological technique for viewing the patency of the uterine tube.
• Salpingitis or Tubal inflammation is usually secondary, having spread from the vagina or uterus.
• Ectopic pregnancy can occur in the uterine tube.
• Tubectomy is an operation for female sterilization.

Uterus (Womb)

• A thick, hollow muscular, pear-shaped organ where the embryo and fetus develop.
• Located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and rectum.
• Leans forward (anteversion) and bends forward (anteflexion).
• Its upper part gives opening for uterine tubes, one on each side
• About 7.5 cm long, 5 cm wide, and 2.5 cm thick, weighing about 30-40 grams.
• Sub divisions of the regions include the fundus, body, cervix, isthmus and os.
• The external os is a small round opening at the lower end of the cervix

Ligaments of the Uterus

• True ligaments include the transverse cervical, pubocervical, uterosacral, and round ligaments.
• False ligaments include the broad, recto-uterine, utero-vesicle, and recto-vesicle ligaments.

Layers of the Uterus

• Perimetrium (outer layer): peritoneum, distributed differently on various surfaces.
• Myometrium (middle layer): thickest layer, composed of three layers of smooth muscle. Endometrium (inner layer): tissue that lines the uterus and changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Blood Supply to the Uterus

• Via the uterine and ovarian arteries.

Vagina

• Musculomembranous tube (8-10cm in length) that extends from the cervix of the uterus to the vestibule.
• Superior end surrounds the cervix.
• The vaginal orifice is covered externally by the hymen, a membrane about 2 cm from the vaginal orifice.
• Functions include enabling sexual intercourse, facilitating the exit of the menstrual cycle, and functioning as the birth canal.
• The vaginal wall has three layers: an outer covering of areolar tissue; a middle layer of smooth muscle; and an inner lining of stratified squamous epithelium forming ridges (rugae).
• It has no secretory glands, but the surface is kept moist by cervical secretions.

Hymen

• A thin layer of mucous membrane that partially occludes the opening of the vagina.
• Normally incomplete to allow for menstrual flow, and stretched or torn away by sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, or childbirth.

External Genital Organs (Vulva)

• Consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, vestibule (area between labia minora), clitoris (most sensitive organ), and greater vestibular Bartholin's glands.
• Bartholin's glands secrete mucous for lubrication to avoid dryness of the vagina.
• Labia majora are two large folds forming the boundary of the vulva; hair grows at puberty on the mons pubis and on the lateral surfaces.
• Labia minora are two smaller folds of skin between the labia majora, containing numerous sebaceous sweat glands, where the vagina, urethra, and vestibular gland ducts open.
• The clitoris corresponds to the penis in the male, contains sensory nerve endings and erectile tissue.
• The vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) are situated on each side near the vaginal opening and secrete mucus that moistens the vulva

Perineum

• A roughly triangular area extending from the base of the labia minora to the anal canal.
• Consists of connective tissue, muscle, and fat.
• It is the attachment point for the muscles of the region.

Overview of the female reproductive system, focusing on internal organs such as the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina. Discusses the functions, hormonal control, and key structures of these organs, including the ovarian ligament. The ovaries produce oocytes.