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Understanding Female Reproductive Anatomy

Oct 8, 2024

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Learning Objective

  • Describe the anatomy of the female reproductive system.

Organs of the Female Reproductive System

  • Ovaries

    • Paired almond-sized glands.
    • Produce gametes (secondary oocytes) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
    • Held by ligaments: broad, ovarian, suspensory.
    • Contain ovarian follicles (oocytes in development stages).
      • Follicular Cells: Single layer.
      • Granulosa Cells: Multiple layers, secrete estrogen.
    • Mature Follicle: Fluid-filled, ready for ovulation.
    • Corpus Luteum: Remnants post-ovulation, secretes hormones.
    • Corpus Albicans: Degenerated corpus luteum if no pregnancy.
  • Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

    • Two tubes, extend from uterus, about 10 cm long.
    • Infundibulum: Funnel-shaped, ends in fimbriae.
    • Fimbriae create currents to sweep oocyte into the tube.
    • Site of fertilization (often within 24hrs post-ovulation).
    • Layers:
      • Mucosa: Inner, ciliated epithelium, moves ovum.
      • Muscularis: Middle, smooth muscle, peristalsis.
      • Serosa: Outer, serous membrane.
  • Uterus

    • Located between bladder and rectum, pear-shaped.
    • Sections: Fundus (top), body (middle), cervix (bottom).
    • Functions: Pathway for sperm, implantation site, fetal development, menstrual flow.
    • Layers:
      • Endometrium: Innermost, vascularized.
        • Stratum Functionalis: Sheds during menstruation.
        • Stratum Basalis: Replenishes functionalis layer.
      • Myometrium: Middle, smooth muscle, contracts during childbirth.
      • Perimetrium: Outer, visceral peritoneum.
  • Vagina

    • 10 cm muscular canal from exterior to cervix.
    • Functions: Receives penis, menstrual flow outlet, childbirth passageway.
    • Layers:
      • Mucosa: Inner, continuous with uterus, contains rugae.
      • Muscularis: Middle, smooth muscle, stretches.
      • Adventitia: Outer, connects to adjacent organs.
  • Vulva

    • Includes all external genitals.
    • Components:
      • Mons Pubis: Adipose tissue cushion.
      • Labia Majora: Outer folds, pubic hair, glands.
      • Labia Minora: Inner, hairless folds, protect openings.
      • Clitoris: Erectile tissue, nerves, blood vessels, sexual pleasure.
  • Breasts/Mammary Glands

    • Anterior to pectoralis major muscles.
    • Nipple: Lactiferous duct openings.
    • Areola: Pigmented area around nipple.
    • Mammary Glands:
      • Lobes and lobules with alveoli (milk production).
      • Suspensory ligaments support breasts.
    • Function: Lactation (milk production and ejection).

Upcoming Topics

  • Oogenesis (egg production).
  • Fertilization and implantation.
  • Pregnancy.