Female Reproductive System

Overview

• Includes ovaries, ducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, external genitalia, and mammary glands.
• Functions: ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare.

Ovaries

• Location: One on each side of lower abdomen.
• Function: Primary sex organs, produce ova.
• Size: 2 to 4 cm in length.
• Attachment: Connected to pelvic wall and uterus by mesovarium ligaments.
• Structure:
  • Germinal Epithelium: Outer thin layer.
  • Ovarian Stroma: Divided into outer cortex and inner medulla.
  • Cortex: Contains ovarian follicles at various development stages.

Accessory Ducts

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

• Length: 10 to 12 cm.
• Parts:
  • Infundibulum: Dilated, funnel-shaped, near ovary, with fimbriae to capture ova.
  • Ampulla: Swollen, curved part, site of fertilization.
  • Isthmus: Narrow, straight, connects to uterus.

Uterus

• Shape: Hollow, pear-shaped, muscular, highly distensible.
• Location: Pelvic cavity, between bladder and rectum; connected by mesometrium ligaments.
• Opening: Connects to vagina through cervix.
• Cervical Canal: Part of the birth canal with vagina.
• Wall Layers:
  • Perimetrium: Outer thin layer.
  • Myometrium: Middle thick muscle layer, aids in delivery.
  • Endometrium: Inner glandular layer, undergoes menstrual changes.

Vagina

• Structure: Muscular tube from uterus to exterior.
• Hymen: Partially covers the opening in young females, may rupture in childhood.

External Genitalia

• Components:
  • Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue mound.
  • Labia Majora: Fleshy tissue folds around vaginal opening.
  • Labia Minora: Hidden under labia majora.
  • Clitoris: Small, sensitive structure near urethral opening.

Mammary Glands

• Function: Support reproductive system through lactation.
• Structure:
  • Modified sweat glands over pectoral muscles.
  • Lobes: 15 to 20, containing alveoli clusters.
  • Alveoli: Open into mammary tubules.
  • Mammary Ducts: Several join to form ampulla, then lactiferous duct.
  • Nipple: Opening for milk release.