THE STRUCTURE OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: We can have to classes of organs: - the external organs - the internal organs External Organs: - Collectively, all of the external parts is known as the vulva. It includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethral opening, vaginal opening or introitus. Internal organs: - Vagina: an elastic muscular tube that is connected to the cervix and external parts, because of this it is slightly acidic. Surrounding the vagina, on either side are two small glands known as Bartholin’s glands. They secrete fluid to act as lubrication. It functions as an entrance for the penis during coitus and a receptacle for sperm, which is delivered to the Fallopian tubes. It also acts as the birth canal by expanding to allow delivery of fetus to occur. - Cervix: - it is the lower end of the uterus, and acts as a canal connecting the vagina and uterus, allowing fluids to enter and exit the uterus. Similarly to the vagina, the cervix also widens during child birth. - Uterus: a pear-shaped organ consisting of the fundus, body and cervix. The body consists of the perimetrium (outermost protective layer), myometrium (muscular middle layer) and endometrium (innermost layer). It serves as the site of implantation for a fertilised egg (blastocyte). This blastocyte embeds into the endometrial lining of the uterus. The uterus stretches out to accommodate the developing fetus. The uterus tightens and relaxes (contractions) to help push the fetus out. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22467-uterus - Uterine Tubes: also known as fallopian tubes or oviducts, aid in transportation of sperm towards the egg, and take a fertilised egg to the uterus for implantation. Each tube is roughly 10cm in length and 1 cm in diameter. They are located bilaterally at upper portion of the uterine cavity. These tubes exit the uterus at an area called the cornua. They consist of 3 parts: -isthmus: closest part to the uterus -ampulla: thicker part and most common site for fertilisation -infundibulum: consists of fimbriae which are finger-like projections connected over the ovaries that pick up released egg https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1949193-overview?form=fpf#a1 - Ovaries: oval shaped organs attached to the posterior surface of the uterus through the mesovarium. They are responsible for the production of the female gametes (ovum) and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Ovaries are made up of the outer cortex, a protective layer. The ovarian cortex, consisting of connective tissue and contains the ovarian follicles. The medulla,the inner most layer and contains blood and lymphatic vessels. Each ovary consists of thousands of ovarian follicles. These are small sacs that contain immature eggs. Every month one ovary, alternating, releases an egg. Between days 6-14 FSH causes a ovarian follicle to mature and then an increase in LH causes the ovary to release an egg. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22999-ovaries Functions of the Female Reproductive System: - Oogenesis Menstruation: lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for fertilisation, if this does not occur the lining sheds Hormone Production: oestrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, maintain the uterine lining Support Pregnancy: after implantation, the placenta is produced from maternal and fetal tissues. This then produces human chorionic gonadotropin which maintains the level of corpus luteum in the ovary until the placenta is able to produce progesterone and oestrogen.
