NCM 107: Care of Mother, Child & Adolescent

Introduction to Female Reproductive System

• Reproductive ability distinguishes living from non-living matter.
• In mammals, reproduction involves distinct male and female reproductive organs with different anatomical and physiological characteristics.

Gametes

• Male gametes are called spermatozoa.
• Female gametes are called ova.
• Fertilization results from the fusion of these gametes.

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

• Formation of ova.
• Reception of spermatozoa.
• Provision of suitable environments for fertilization and fetal development.
• Parturition (childbirth).
• Lactation, providing nourishment through breast milk.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• Composed of various structures:
  • Labia majora (greater lips) – large folds that encase the vulva.
  • Labia minora (lesser lips) – thin hairless ridges at the vaginal entrance.
  • Clitoris – a pea-shaped structure with sensory nerve endings and erectile tissue, important for female sexual excitement.
  • Vaginal orifice – entrance to the vagina.
  • Vestibule – area containing the opening of the urethra and vaginal orifice.
  • Hymen – membrane typically covering the vaginal opening.
  • Vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) – located near the vaginal opening, secrete mucus for vaginal lubrication.

Blood Supply, Lymph Drainage, and Nerve Supply

• Arterial supply: branches from internal pudendal arteries (internal iliac arteries) and external pudendal arteries (femoral arteries).
• Venous drainage: forms a large plexus draining into internal iliac veins.
• Lymph drainage: conducted through superficial inguinal nodes.
• Nerve supply: provided by branches from the pudendal nerves.

Perineum

• A triangular area between the base of the labia minora and the anal canal.
• Composed of connective tissue, muscle, and fat, providing attachment for pelvic floor muscles.

Internal Genitalia

• Includes:
  • Vagina – fibromuscular tube lined with mucous membrane.
  • Uterus – where fetal development occurs.
  • Two uterine tubes – pathways for ova and sperm.
  • Two ovaries – responsible for ova production.

Introduction to Female Reproductive System

• Reproductive ability distinguishes living from non-living matter.
• In mammals, reproduction involves distinct male and female reproductive organs with different anatomical and physiological characteristics.

Gametes

• Male gametes are called spermatozoa.
• Female gametes are called ova.
• Fertilization results from the fusion of these gametes.

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

• Formation of ova.
• Reception of spermatozoa.
• Provision of suitable environments for fertilization and fetal development.
• Parturition (childbirth).
• Lactation, providing nourishment through breast milk.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• Composed of various structures:
  • Labia majora (greater lips) – large folds that encase the vulva.
  • Labia minora (lesser lips) – thin hairless ridges at the vaginal entrance.
  • Clitoris – a pea-shaped structure with sensory nerve endings and erectile tissue, important for female sexual excitement.
  • Vaginal orifice – entrance to the vagina.
  • Vestibule – area containing the opening of the urethra and vaginal orifice.
  • Hymen – membrane typically covering the vaginal opening.
  • Vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) – located near the vaginal opening, secrete mucus for vaginal lubrication.

Blood Supply, Lymph Drainage, and Nerve Supply

• Arterial supply: branches from internal pudendal arteries (internal iliac arteries) and external pudendal arteries (femoral arteries).
• Venous drainage: forms a large plexus draining into internal iliac veins.
• Lymph drainage: conducted through superficial inguinal nodes.
• Nerve supply: provided by branches from the pudendal nerves.

Perineum

• A triangular area between the base of the labia minora and the anal canal.
• Composed of connective tissue, muscle, and fat, providing attachment for pelvic floor muscles.

Internal Genitalia

• Includes:
  • Vagina – fibromuscular tube lined with mucous membrane.
  • Uterus – where fetal development occurs.
  • Two uterine tubes – pathways for ova and sperm.
  • Two ovaries – responsible for ova production.