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.