Female Reproductive System Overview

Female Reproductive System

• External structures (vulva):

  • Mons pubis: A fatty area covered by skin and hair, located over the pubic bone. Pubic hair can be feminine with a straight top edge or masculine with a curved top edge.
  • Labia majora: Two prominent folds of skin extending from the mons pubis downwards and backwards to the perineum. Each labium major contains fat and is covered by hair, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands.
  • Labia minora: Small, soft folds of tissue underneath the labia majora, directly covering the vaginal opening.
  • Clitoris: A small erectile tissue structure, rich in blood and nerve supply, covered by the labia minora. Plays a role in sexual arousal. Homologous to the penis.
  • Vestibule: A triangular area within the labia minora, with the clitoris at the apex. It contains the external urethral meatus and the vaginal opening.
  • The external urethral meatus: Located in the anterior part of the vestibule. Measures 4-6 mm in diameter. The female urethra is 3-4 cm long.
  • Hymen: A fold of mucous membrane at the vaginal opening. It has one or more openings for menstrual blood flow. Can vary in shape (annular, crescentic, biperforate, cribriform, or imperforate). Usually torn during sexual intercourse unless abnormally elastic. Bleeding is usually slight as it is relatively avascular. During childbirth, the hymen is destroyed, leaving small fibrous tissue tags around the vaginal opening.
  • Bartholin's glands: Two glands, one on each side. Size of a pea, with each gland producing a mucoid colorless secretion that acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse.

• Internal structures:

  • Vagina: An elastic, muscular tube directed upwards and backwards, forming a 60-degree angle with the horizon. The anterior wall is about 3 inches long, and the posterior wall is 4 inches long. Connects the external genitalia with the cervix and uterus, also called the birth canal. It provides passage for sperm during conception, menstrual flow, and the fetus during childbirth.
  • Cervix: Neck of the uterus extending down into the vagina. Consists of fibrous tissue that distends during labor. Cervical mucus is alkaline (pH 8.5), contains proteins and fructose for sperm nutrition, and has bactericidal properties to prevent infection.
  • Uterus: A hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ at the superior end of the vagina. Also known as the womb. Sheds its lining (endometrium) during menstrual cycles and holds the fetus during pregnancy. The superior portion is called the fundus, and the inferior portion ends in the cervix.
    • 3 uterine layers:
      • Perimetrium: Visceral peritoneum
      • Myometrium: Smooth muscle, thickest in the fundus and thinnest in the cervix. Responsible for expulsion during labor.
      • Endometrium: Highly vascular layer with simple columnar ciliated and secretory cells. Contains uterine (endometrial) glands.
  • Fallopian tubes: Extend from the uterus to the ovary, about 4 inches long (10 cm). Divided into four sections:
    • Interstitial portion: Runs within the uterine wall (1-2 cm long, 1 mm in diameter).
    • Isthmus: Immediately lateral to the uterus (2-3 cm long, 2 mm in diameter).
    • Ampulla: The widest part (5 cm long).
    • Infundibulum or fimbriated end: Opening surrounded by finger-like projections called fimbriae. One fimbria is longer than the others and adheres to the ovary.
  • Ovaries: Almond-sized endocrine glands that secrete estrogen and progesterone. Mature one follicle and ovum during each menstrual cycle from menarche to menopause, except during pregnancy.

Mammary Glands (Breast)

• Function: Secrete milk for nourishing infants.
• Structure: Composed of 15-20 lobes, responsible for producing and secreting milk, surrounded by adipose tissue (fat).

Explore the essential external structures of the female reproductive system, including the vulva, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule. This quiz provides detailed descriptions and functions of each component, enhancing your understanding of female anatomy.