The primary functions of both female and male reproductive systems are to produce sex cells and transport them to locations where their union can occur. The sex cells, called gametes, are produced by specialized organs called gonads. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The female reproductive system consists of the external and internal genitals and the accessory organs of the breasts. EXTERNAL GENITALS also referred to as the vulva. include the seven following structures: a) mons pubis b) labia majora c) labia minora d) clitoris e) urethral meatus and opening of the paraurethral (Skene’s) glands f) vaginal vestibule (vaginal orifice, vulvovaginal glands, hymen, and fossa navicularis) g) perineal body Mons Pubis is a softly rounded mound of subcutaneous fatty tissue beginning at the lowest portion of the anterior abdominal wall. is also known as mons veneris, this structure covers the front portion of the symphysis pubis after puberty. protects the pelvic bones, especially during coitus. Labia Majora labium majus (singular). are longitudinal, raised folds of pigmented skin, one on either side of the vulvar cleft. protect the structures lying between them. are covered by hair follicles and sebaceous glands, with underlying adipose and muscle tissue. Labia Minora labium minus (singular). are soft folds of skin within the labia majora that converge near the anus, forming the fourchette. have the appearance of shiny mucous membrane, moist and devoid of hair follicles. are rich in sebaceous glands, which lubricate and waterproof the vulvar skin and provide bactericidal secretions. Clitoris is the seed of a woman’s arousal and orgasm. is located between the labia minora, is about 5 to 6 mm long and 6 to 8 mm across. is partly covered by a fold of skin called prepuce, or clitoral hood. secretes smegma, which along with other vulval secretions has a unique odor that may be sexually stimulating to the male.
Urethral Meatus and Paraurethral (Skene’s) Glands are the passageways of urine. the urethral meatus is located 1 to 2.5 cm beneath the clitoris in the midline of the vestibule; often appears as a puckered, slit-like opening. the paraurethral glands, or Skene’s glands, open into the posterior wall of the urethra close to its opening. their secretions lubricate the vaginal opening, facilitating sexual intercourse. Vaginal Vestibule is a boat-shaped depression enclosed by the labia majora and visible when they are separated. contains the vaginal opening, or introitus, which is the border between the external and internal genitals. the hymen is a thin, elastic collar or semi-collar of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening; covers the vaginal opening and is a sign of virginity; can be torn not only through sexual intercourse but also through strenuous physical activity, masturbation, menstruation, or the use of tampons. external to the hymen at the base of the vestibule are two small papular elevations containing the openings of the ducts of the vulvovaginal (Bartholin’s) glands; these glands secrete a clear, thick, alkaline mucus that enhances the viability and motility of the sperm deposited in the vaginal vestibule. Perineal Body is a wedge-shaped mass of fibromuscular tissue found between the lower part of the vagina and the anus. the perineum is referred to as the superficial are between the anus and the vagina. INTERNAL GENITALS include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. these are target organs for estrogenic hormones, and they play a unique part in the reproductive cycle. Vagina is a muscular and membranous tube that connects the external genitals with the uterus. is often called the birth canal because it forms the lower part of the pelvis through which the fetus must pass during birth. the walls of the vagina are covered with ridges, or rugae, crisscrossing each other; these rugae allow the vaginal tissues to stretch enough for the fetus to pass through during childbirth. during a woman’s reproductive life, an acidic vaginal environment is normal (pH 4 to 5). the acidic environment is maintained by a symbiotic relationship between lactic acid-producing bacilli (Döderlein’s bacillus or lactobacillus) and the vaginal epithelial cells. the vagina has three functions: a) to serve as the passage for the sperm and for the fetus during birth. b) to provide passage for the menstrual products from the uterine endometrium to the outside of the body. c) to protect against trauma from sexual intercourse and infection from pathogenic organisms.
Uterus is considered as the core of reproduction and hence the continuation of human race. is a hollow, muscular, thick-walled organ, shaped like an upside down pear; lies in the center of the pelvic cavity between the base of the bladder and the rectum and above the vagina. weighs about 40 to 70 g and is approximately 6 to 8 cm long and 1 to 2.5 cm thick. (uterus of a mature woman) is supported by four pairs of ligaments (i.e., the cardinal, uterosacral, round, broad, single anterior and posterior). is divided into two major parts: an upper triangular portion called the corpus or uterine body and a lower cylindric portion called the cervix; the upper two thirds of the uterus (the corpus or the uterine body) is composed mainly of a smooth muscle layer (myometrium); the lower third is the cervix or neck; the rounded uppermost (dome-shaped top) portion of the corpus that extends above the points of attachment of the fallopian tubes is called the fundus; the elongated portion of the uterus where the fallopian tubes enter is called the cornua; the isthmus is that portion of the uterus between the internal cervical os and the endometrial cavity, is about 6mm above the uterine opening of the cervix (the internal os), and it is in this area that the uterine lining changes into the mucous membrane of the cervix, it joins the corpus to the cervix. is the site for lower segment cesarean births. Uterine Corpus is made up of three layers: the outermost layer is the serosal layer, or perimetrium, which is composed of peritoneum; the middle layer is the muscular uterine layer, or myometrium; the innermost layer is the mucosal layer, or endometrium. Cervix is the narrow neck of the uterus. meets the body of the uterus at the internal os and descends about 2.5 cm to connect with the vagina at the external os; provides a protective entrance for the body of the uterus. is divided by its line of attachment into the vaginal and supravaginal areas; the vaginal cervix projects into the vagina at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees; the supravaginal cervix is surrounded by the attachments that give the uterus its main support: the uterosacral ligaments, the transverse ligaments of the cervix (Mackenrodt’s ligaments), and the pubocervical ligaments. the cervical mucus has three functions: a) to lubricate the vaginal canal b) to act as a bacteriostatic agent c) to provide an alkaline environment to shelter deposited sperm from the acidic vagina
Uterine Ligaments support and stabilize the various reproductive organs. 1. broad ligament keeps the uterus centrally placed and provides stability within the pelvic cavity. 2. round ligaments help the broad ligament keep the uterus in place. 3. ovarian ligaments anchor the lower pole of the ovary to the cornua of the uterus. 4. cardinal ligaments are the chief uterine supports and suspend the uterus from the side walls of the true pelvis. 5. infundibulopelvic ligament suspends and supports the ovaries. Fallopian Tubes also known as the oviducts or uterine tubes, arise from each side of the uterus and reach almost to the sides of the pelvis, where they turn toward the ovaries. may be divided into three parts: the isthmus, the ampulla, and the infundibulum, or fimbria. the isthmus is straight and narrow, with a thick muscular wall and an opening (lumen) 2 to 3 mm in diameter; is the site of tubal ligation, a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. the ampulla comprises the outer two thirds of the tube; fertilization of the secondary oocyte by a spermatozoon usually occurs here. the fimbria is a funnel-shaped enlargement with many projections called fimbriae. the wall of the fallopian tube is made up of four layers: peritoneal (serous), subserous (adventitial), muscular, and mucous tissues. the fallopian tubes have three functions: a) to provide transport for the ovum from the ovary to the uterus (transport time through the fallopian tubes varies from 3 to 4 days) b) to provide a site for fertilization c) to serve as a warm, moist, nourishing environment for the ovum or zygote (fertilized egg) Ovaries are two almond-shaped structures just below the pelvic brim. each ovary weighs approximately 6 to 10 g and is 1.5 to 3 cm wide, 2 to 5 cm long, and 1 to 1.5 cm thick. are composed of three layers: the tunica albuginea, the cortex, and the medulla. are the primary sources of two important hormones: the estrogens and progesterone. estrogens are associated with those characteristics contributing to femaleness, including breast alveolar lobule growth and duct development. progesterone is often called the hormone of pregnancy because of its effects on the uterus allow the pregnancy to be maintained; the placenta is the primary source of progesterone during pregnancy; this hormone also inhibits the action of prolactin, thereby preventing lactation during pregnancy. BONY PELVIS has two unique functions: a) to support and protect the pelvic contents (ovaries, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes) b) to form the relatively fixed axis of the birth passage
Bony Structure is made up of four bones: two innominate bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx. the pelvis resembles a bowl or basin; its sides are the innominate bones, and its back is the scrum and coccyx. the innominate bones, popularly known as the hip bones, are made up of three separate bones: the ilium, ischium, and pubis; these bones fuse to form a circular cavity, the acetabulum, which articulates with the femur. Pelvic Floor acts as a buttress to the irregularly shaped pelvic outlet, thereby providing stability and support for surrounding structures. Pelvic Division is divided into the false pelvis and the true pelvis. the false pelvis is the portion that lies below the linea terminalis; the bony circumference of the true pelvis is made up of the sacrum, coccyx, and innominate bones and represents the bony limits of the birth canal; the relationship between the true pelvis and the fetal head is of paramount importance: the size and shape must be adequate for normal fetal passage during labor and at birth. the true pelvis consists of three parts: the inlet, the pelvic cavity, and the outlet. the pelvic inlet is the upper border of the true pelvis and is typically rounded; its size and shape are determined by assessing three anteroposterior diameters. the pelvic cavity (canal) is a curved canal with a longer posterior than anterior wall. the pelvic outlet is at the lower border of the true pelvis. Pelvic Types there are four basic types: the gynecoid, android, anthropoid, and platypelloid. BREASTS also called as the mammary glands. is considered accessories of the female reproductive system. are specialized sebaceous glands. suspending the breasts are fibrous tissues, called Cooper’s ligaments that extend from the deep fascia in the chest outward to just under the skin covering the breast. the nipple is a protrusion about 0.5 to 1.3 cm in diameter; is composed mainly of erectile tissue, which becomes more rigid and prominent during menstrual cycle, sexual excitement, pregnancy, and lactation. the nipple is surrounded by the heavily pigmented areola, which is 2.5 to 10 cm in diameter. both the nipple and the areola are roughened by small papillae called tubercles of Montgomery. the biological function of the breasts is: a) to provide nourishment and protective maternal antibodies to infants through the lactation process b) source of pleasurable sexual sensation