Female Reproductive System Overview

Female Reproductive System

• The female reproductive system comprises various organs, including ovaries, uterine/fallopian tubes, the uterus, vagina, external genitalia, and mammary glands.

Ovaries

• Almond/oval-shaped, located on the side wall of the pelvis.
• Attached to the broad ligament and to the upper angle of the uterus by ligaments.
• Composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla
• The cortex contains ovarian follicles which develop into oocytes.
• The medulla contains connective tissue and blood vessels.
• Function to produce ova (one mature ovum every month) and hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• These hormones control the menstrual cycle in the uterus.

Uterine/Fallopian Tubes

• 10 cm long, attached to each side of the uterus.
• Composed of the infundibulum (funnel-shaped end with fimbriae), ampulla (widest part), and isthmus (narrow part that opens into the uterus).
• Intramural part is the segment that pierces the uterine wall.
• Function to catch the released ovum after ovulation, providing a site for fertilization (typically in the ampulla).
• Transport the fertilized ovum to the cavity of the uterus, providing nourishment to the developing fertilized ovum.

Uterus

• Pear-shaped, thick-walled organ.
• Consist of the body (upper 2/3rds), fundus (rounded upper part of the body), and cervix (lower, narrow part).
• The cervix opens into the vagina.
• The internal opening is called internal os.
• The external opening is called external os.
• Covered by peritoneum which extends laterally as the broad ligament.
• Has three layers: perimetrium (outer), myometrium (middle smooth muscle), endometrium (inner epithelial layer that changes during the menstrual cycle).

Vagina

• Muscular tube, 10 cm long.
• Lies between the base of the bladder and urethra anteriorly, and the rectum posteriorly.
• Extends from the vestibule to the lower part of the cervix.
• Anterior and posterior walls are normally in contact.
• The upper part (fornix) surrounds the cervix.
• Opens into the vestibule.
• Supplied by vaginal branches of uterine and internal iliac arteries.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• Portion of the female genitalia external to the hymen.
• Consists of labia majora, labia minora, mons pubis, clitoris, vestibule, and hymen (membrane partially closing the vaginal orifice).

Breast (Mammary Glands)

• Not genital organs, but their development and function are related to female hormones.
• Located in the superficial fascia of the pectoral region, extending vertically from the 2nd to 6th ribs.
• Located between the sternum and the axilla.
• Composed of mammary glands, lactiferous ducts, fat, suspensor ligaments, nipple and areola.

Pelvic Floor

• A group of muscles that support pelvic organs.
• Plays a crucial role in childbirth, supporting and rotating the baby's head during labor.

Female Pelvis

• Broader than the male pelvis, important for delivery.
• Pelvic diameters are judged to determine adequate baby passage.

Clinical Anatomy (Ectopic Pregnancy)

• Implantation of a fertilized ovum outside of the uterine cavity.
• Typically occurs in the fallopian tube.
• Can cause tubal abortion or rupture, leading to bleeding into the peritoneal cavity.
• Causes severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and guarding.

Explore the anatomy and functions of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and uterine tubes. Learn about the role these organs play in reproduction and hormone production. This quiz covers essential details for understanding female reproductive health.