Female Reproductive System

Functions of the Vagina

• The vagina has three main functions: sexual intercourse, childbirth, and menstruation

Uterus

• The uterus is a hollow muscular organ responsible for the development of the embryo and fetus during pregnancy
• It is divided into three parts: Fundus, Body, and Cervix
• The Cervix plays a vital role in controlling movement into and out of the uterus, protecting the fetus during pregnancy, and delivering the fetus during childbirth
• The uterus is composed of three distinct layers: Endometrium, Myometrium, and Perimetrium

Fallopian Tubes

• The Fallopian tubes are two long, fine tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus
• The tubes are composed of the Fimbriae, Infundibulum, Ampulla, and Isthmus
• Fertilization usually takes place in the Fallopian tubes

Oogenesis

• Oogenesis is the process of producing female gametes in the ovaries
• Unlike males, females produce all oocytes during fetal development
• During fetal development, oogonium differentiate into primary oocytes, which remain in prophase I of mitosis

Follicle Development

• Primary follicles are produced during fetal development
• At puberty, secondary follicles develop, which eventually become Graafian follicles
• The Graafian follicle releases the secondary oocyte during ovulation, and the remaining follicle becomes the Corpus Luteum

The Journey of the Egg

• Ovulation occurs under the influence of FSH and LH, releasing a mature ovum
• The mature ovum is caught by the Fimbriae and directed down the Fallopian tube
• If sperm penetrate the ovum, it becomes a fertilized zygote
• After a two-week period of rapid cell division, the zygote forms a solid cluster of cells, which eventually turn into a hollow Blastocyst

Implantation

• Implantation occurs when the Blastocyst exchanges hormones with the endometrium and adheres to the wall

External Genitalia

• The external female genitalia (vulva) include the Mons pubis, Labia majora, Labia minora, Clitoris, Opening of the urethra, and Perineum
• The Mons pubis is a rounded, hair-covered area containing sebaceous glands involved in sexual attraction
• The Labia majora are large, fleshy folds of tissue that enclose and protect the other external genital organs
• The Labia minora are small folds of tissue that surround the openings to the vagina and urethra
• The Clitoris is a small, sensitive protrusion that can become erect and stimulate orgasm
• The Perineum is the area between the opening of the vagina and the anus, below the Labia majora