Female reproductive system of Anatomy

• The female reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that function together for reproduction, hormone regulation, and the menstrual cycle.

Primary Organ:

Ovaries:

• • The primary reproductive organs in female reproductive system responsible for producing ova (eggs) and secreting the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
  • Each ovary contains thousands of follicles, which are small sacs containing immature eggs. During each menstrual cycle, one or more follicles mature, and one egg is released during ovulation.
  • Position:
    • Located on either side of the lower abdomen, adjacent to the lateral pelvic wall.
  • Structure:
    • Almond-shaped organs containing numerous follicles (small sacs that contain immature eggs).
    • Ovarian stroma, the connective tissue, contains blood vessels, nerves, and hormone-producing cells.
  • Function:
    • Production of ova (eggs) through the process of oogenesis.
    • Secretion of hormones estrogen and progesterone to regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy, and maintain secondary sexual characteristics.

Accessory Organs:

Internal Accessory Organs

1. Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts):

• Two narrow tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Each tube has finger-like projections called fimbriae that guide the egg from the ovary into the tube.
• Fertilization typically occurs here.
  • Position:
    • Extending from the ovaries to the uterus.
  • Structure:
    • Lined with ciliated epithelial cells and smooth muscle.
    • The fimbriae are at the end near the ovary to help capture the egg.
  • Function:
    • To transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
    • To provide a suitable environment for fertilization.

2. Uterus (Womb):

• A muscular, pear-shaped organ that houses and nourishes a developing foetus during pregnancy.
• The endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) thickens during the menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy, and if fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is shed during menstruation.
  • Position:
    • Located in the lower abdomen between the bladder and rectum.
  • Structure:
    • Composed of three layers:
      1. Endometrium (inner lining)
      2. Myometrium (middle muscular layer)
      3. Perimetrium (outer serous layer)
  • Function:
    • To house and nourish a developing foetus during pregnancy.
    • To shed its inner lining during menstruation if fertilization does not occur.

3. Cervix:

• The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects it to the vagina.
• Contains a small opening called the os that allows for the passage of sperm into the uterus and the exit of menstrual blood.
• During childbirth, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

4. Vagina:

• A muscular, elastic canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva.
• Serves multiple functions: it is the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse, the passage for menstrual blood to exit the body, and the birth canal during childbirth.
  • Position:
    • Extends from the cervix (lower part of the uterus) to the vulva.
  • Structure:
    • Composed of three layers:
      • Mucosal layer (inner)
      • Muscular layer (middle)
      • Fibrous layer (outer)
      • The vaginal walls can expand and contract to aid in childbirth.
  • Function:
    • Receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse.
    • Passage for menstrual blood to exit the body.
    • Birth canal during childbirth.

External Accessory Organs

Vulva:

• The external female genitalia, including:
  • Mons pubis: A fatty, rounded area over the pubic bone, covered with pubic hair.
  • Labia majora: Large, fleshy folds that surround the vaginal opening.
  • Labia minora: Smaller inner folds that protect the clitoris and urethra.
  • Clitoris: A small, sensitive organ involved in sexual arousal and pleasure.
  • Vaginal opening: Allows for the entrance of the penis during intercourse, the exit of menstrual blood, and childbirth.

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