Female Reproductive System

• The primary reproductive organs are the ovaries.
• The ovaries produce gametes (eggs).
• Ovaries produce the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• The Mons Pubis is a fatty eminence that cushions the pubic symphysis.
• After puberty, the Mons Pubis is covered with pubic hair and adipose tissue.
• Labia Majoria are two elongated, hair-covered skin folds that extend from the mons pubis.
• Sebaceous and apocrine glands are contained in the Labia Majora, which also contains adipose tissue secreting sebum.
• Labia Minora are two smaller folds enclosed by the labia majora.
• Labia Minora have sebaceous glands and no hair.
• The vestibule is the region between the labia minora.
• The vestibule contains numerous structures.
• The clitoris is a small mass of erectile tissue where the labia minora meet anteriorly.
• The prepuce covers the clitoris.
• The external urethral orifice is the outlet for the urinary system.
• The hymen is a thin fold of vascular, mucous membrane that may partially cover the vaginal opening.
• Greater vestibular glands secrete mucus on either side of the hymen to lubricate the vagina during intercourse.

Internal Organs

• Internal organs include the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
• Ligaments and connective tissue support the internal organs.

Vagina

• The vagina extends for 4 inches from the vestibule to the uterus.
• The vagina is also known as the birth canal.
• The vagina allows for the passage of menstrual flow.

Uterus

• The uterus sits between the rectum and the bladder.
• The body is the major portion of the uterus.
• The fundus is the portion below the entrance of the fallopian tubes.
• The endometrium is a thick, mucousal lining of the uterus closest to the lumen.
• The superficial layer, the functional layer or stratum functionalis, dissociates during menstruation, facing the lumen of the uterus.
• The basal layer, or stratum basalis, forms a new functional layer.

Fallopian Tubes

• Fallopian Tubes are about 4 inches long and run from the superolateral uterus to the ovary.
• Distal ends have finger-like projections called fimbriae.
• The fallopian tube and ovary are not fully connected.

Supporting Structures

• The broad ligament encloses the uterus and fallopian tubes, anchoring them to the lateral walls.
• The mesometrium is a broad ligament that supports the uterus laterally.
• The mesosalpinx is a broad ligament that anchors the fallopian tube.
• The mesovarium: is a broad ligament that supports the ovaries
• Round ligaments attach the uterus to the anterior pelvic wall.
• Uterosacral ligaments secure the uterus to the sacrum posteriorly.
• Cardinal ligaments connect the cervix and vagina to the pelvic wall laterally.
• Suspensory ligaments are a lateral continuation of the broad ligament that attaches ovaries to the lateral wall.
• Ovarian ligaments anchor the ovaries to the uterus medially and are enclosed within the broad ligament.

Mammary Gland

• The areola is a pigmented area that surrounds the nipple.
• Internally, each mammary gland consists of 15 to 25 lobes that radiate around the nipple.
• The lobes are separated by fibrous connective tissue and adipose.
• Lobes contain lobules, which are smaller chambers containing alveoli that produce milk.
• Milk goes from alveoli to lactiferous ducts, then to the lactiferous sinus, and finally to the nipple.