Female Reproductive System Lecture

Introduction

• Lecture Topic: Female Reproductive System
• Method: Using a pre-existing image of the model with drawings
• Purpose: To explain structures that are otherwise difficult to capture with a camera
• Contact: Reach out to TAs if issues arise

Orientation

• View: Mid-sagittal cut (one half of the body from the midline)
• Anterior Indicators: Pubic symphysis (front), urinary bladder (forward-pointing), genitals (more anterior than rectum and anus)

Anatomical Structures from Anterior to Posterior

Mons Pubis

• Description: Adipose (fat) tissue on top of the pubic bone

Pubic Symphysis

• Description: Blue structure where two innominate bones (hip bones) come together anteriorly

Vulva

• Collective Term: External genital area
• Difference: External genitals (vulva) vs. internal structure (vagina)

Clitoris

• Description: Purple piece on model; homologous to the glans penis in males
• Parts: Outer (labia majora) and inner (labia minora) folds

Labia Majora and Minora

• Labia Majora: Outer fold, pubic hair growth area
• Labia Minora: Inner fold, more mucosal
• Genital Vestibule: Area between two labia minora; includes urogenital structures

External Urethral Orifice

• Description: Opening leading into the urethra

Urogenital Diaphragm

• Description: Band of muscle after the external urethral orifice

Urinary System

• Urethra: Shorter in females leading to higher chance of urinary tract infections
• Bladder: Contain folds (rugae) for expansion
• Rugae: Folds that allow organs like the bladder to expand
• Internal Urethral Orifice: Leads into the bladder
• Detruser Muscle: Muscle surrounding the bladder
• Ureters: Transmit urine from the kidney to the bladder

Vaginal Structures

• External Vaginal Orifice: Opening into the vagina
• Vagina: Internal structure, can't be seen externally
• Cervix: 'Gateway' to the uterus; first part of the uterus with spaces known as fornices

Uterus

• Uterine Cavity: Inside the uterus
• Layers:
  • Mesometrium (Broad Ligament): Covers the uterus
  • Myometrium: Muscular layer
  • Endometrium: Inner layer of the uterus, shed during menstruation

Fallopian Tubes

• Alternative Names: Uterine tubes, oviducts
• Parts:
  • Fimbriæ: Finger-like structures creating currents to pull the egg into the tube
  • Infundibulum: Funnel-like opening
  • Ampulla: Where fertilization typically occurs
  • Isthmus: Narrow part leading to the uterus

Ligaments

• Broad Ligament:
  • Mesometrium: Covers the uterus
  • Mesovarium: Covers the ovaries
  • Mesosalpinx: Covers the fallopian tubes
• Ovarian Ligament: Connects ovary to the uterus
• Round Ligament of the Uterus: Anchors the uterus to the front body wall
• Suspensory Ligament of the Ovary: Contains the ovarian artery and vein

Digestive and End Systems

• Rectum: Posterior to the cervix
• Anus: Contains internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary, innervated by pudendal nerve) anal sphincters

Pouches

• Vesico-Uterine Pouch: Between the bladder and uterus
• Recto-Uterine Pouch (Douglas Pouch): Between the uterus and rectum, area where fluid often accumulates

Perineum

• Muscles:
  • Superficial Transverse Perineal Muscle
  • Ischiocavernosus Muscle
  • Bulbospongiosus Muscle
• Greater Vestibular Gland (Bartholin's Gland): Homologous to Cowper's gland in males