Female Reproductive System Overview

Overview

This lecture explains the anatomy and function of the female reproductive system, covering both external genitalia (the vulva) and internal structures, including hormone roles.

External Anatomy (Vulva)

• The mons pubis is a fatty pad over the pubic symphysis at the front of the pelvis.
• Labia majora are outer skin folds extending from the mons pubis to the perineum, homologous to the scrotum.
• Labia minora are inner skin folds stretching from the clitoris to the vaginal orifice.
• The vestibule is the recess between the labia majora, containing the clitoris, urethral orifice, and vaginal orifice.
• The clitoris is highly innervated, sensitive, and important for sexual arousal.
• The external urethral orifice passes urine from the bladder out of the body.
• The vaginal orifice is the external opening of the vagina, separating the external and internal environments.

Internal Anatomy (Reproductive Tract)

• The vagina has an acidic pH to maintain cleanliness and protect from pathogens, but can be damaging to sperm.
• Sperm in semen (which is alkaline) helps neutralize vaginal acidity for fertilization.
• The cervix is the neck of the uterus, connecting the vagina and uterus.
• The uterus is a muscular organ with two key layers: endometrium (inner, nutrient-rich) and myometrium (outer, muscular).
• The endometrium thickens and becomes vascularized under estrogen and progesterone, preparing for implantation.
• The myometrium contracts to expel the baby during childbirth in response to oxytocin.
• The fundus is the top part of the uterus.
• Uterine (fallopian) tubes transport eggs and sperm; fertilization usually occurs in the ampulla region.
• The isthmus is the narrowest portion of the fallopian tube.
• The infundibulum is the end of the fallopian tube, with finger-like fimbriae to help capture the ovulated egg.
• Ovaries release an egg about every 28 days and produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones essential for the endometrium.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Mons pubis — Fatty pad above pubic symphysis.
• Labia majora — Outer skin folds of the vulva.
• Labia minora — Inner skin folds of the vulva.
• Vestibule — Recess between labia majora containing clitoris, urethra, and vaginal orifice.
• Clitoris — Sensitive organ involved in sexual arousal.
• Cervix — Neck-like opening between uterus and vagina.
• Endometrium — Inner lining of the uterus, thickens for implantation.
• Myometrium — Muscular outer layer of the uterus.
• Fundus — Top portion of the uterus.
• Fallopian (uterine) tubes — Tubes connecting ovaries to uterus; site of fertilization.
• Ampulla — Commonest site of fertilization in the tube.
• Isthmus — Narrow section of fallopian tube near uterus.
• Infundibulum — Funnel-shaped end of fallopian tube with fimbriae.
• Fimbriae — Finger-like projections at tube end for egg capture.
• Ovary — Organ that releases eggs and produces hormones.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review anatomical diagrams to identify each external and internal structure.
• Study the functions and importance of estrogen and progesterone in the reproductive cycle.