THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The female organs of reproduction include: the ovaries, which produce ova
(eggs); the uterine or fallopian tubes (also called the oviducts), which
transport the ova to the uterus (womb); the vagina and the external organs that constitute
the vulva or pudendum. The mammary glands or breasts are also considered part of the
female reproductive system.
Word root
Gynaec
Combining form
Gynaec/o
Meaning
woman
Gynaecology – study of women (diseases peculiar to the female reproductive tract).
Ovaries
The ovaries or female gonads are paired glands resembling unshelled almonds in size and
shape. They are positioned in the upper pelvis cavity, one each side of the uterus. The
ovaries produce and discharge ova (ovulation) and secrete the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogens.
Word root
Oo
Oophor
Ovari
Combining form
Oo/o
Oophor/o
Ovari/o
Meaning
Egg
Ovary, the egg bearing gland
ovary
Activity 1 write the meaning of
1. oocyte _______________________________________________________
2. oogenesis ____________________________________________________
build words which mean
3. removal of an ovary _____________________________________________
4. surgical puncture of an ovary ______________________________________
Uterine Tubes
The female body contains two uterine or fallopian tubes (also known as oviducts) which
transport the ova from the ovaries to the uterus. Each measures about 10cm long. The
funnel-shaped open end of each tube, called the infundibulum, lies close to the ovary but is
not attached to it and is surrounded by a fringe of fingerlike projections called fimbriae.
Approximately once a month an ovum erupts from the surface of the ovary and is released
into the uterine tube, a process called ovulation. If the ovum is fertilised by a sperm cell, it
usually occurs in the upper third of the uterine tubes.
Word root
Salping
Combining form
Salping/o
Meaning
Trumpet shaped
Activity 2 write the meaning of
1. salpingo-oophorectomy _____________________________________________
2. salpingo-oophoritis ________________________________________________
Uterus
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The uterus is the site of menstruation, implantation of fertilised ovum, development of the
foetus during pregnancy and labour. Situated between the urinary bladder and the rectum,
the uterus is shaped like an upside-down pear. The dome-shaped portion above the
fallopian tubes is called the fundus, the major tapering centre is called the body and the
inferior, narrow portion opening into the vagina is called the cervix. The uterus is composed
of three layers: the outer layer is referred to as the serous layer or the serosa; the middle
layer of the uterus, the myometrium is composed of smooth muscle fibres and during
childbirth its co-coordinated contractions help expel the foetus; the inner layer is called the
endometrium - the inner layer of which is shed during menstruation.
The menstrual cycle is a series of changes in the endometrium of a nonpregnant female.
Each month the endometrium is prepared to receive a fertilised ovum. If implanted, the
fertilised ovum eventually develops into an embryo and then a foetus, which normally
remains in the uterus until delivery. If no fertilisation occurs the inner portion of the
endometrium is shed. The ovarian cycle is a monthly series of events associated with the
maturation of an ovum.
Word root
Uter
Hyster
Metr
Combining form
Uter/o
Hyster/o
Metr/a, metr/o
Meaning
Womb or uterus
Womb or uterus
Womb or uterus
Activity 3 build words which mean
1. hardening of the uterus ___________________________________________
2. removal of the womb _____________________________________________
3. instrument to view the womb _______________________________________
write the meaning of
4. metrostaxis _____________________________________________________
5. endometritis _____________________________________________________
6. endometriosis ___________________________________________________
Word root
Men
Combining form
Men/o
Meaning
menstruation
Activity 4 write the meaning of
1. menopause _________________________________________________
2. menarche ___________________________________________________
3. dysmenorrhoea ______________________________________________
4. premenstrual ________________________________________________
Curettage of the lining of the uterus is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is scraped
with a curette.
Word root
Cervic
Combining form
Cervic/o
Meaning
cervix
Pap test – a sample of cells (smear) is taken from the cervix and subjected to cytological
examination.
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Vagina
The vagina serves as a passageway for the menstrual flow. It is also a receptacle for the
penis during coitus or sexual intercourse and the lower portion of the birth canal. It is a
muscular, tubular organ lined with mucous membrane. At the lower end of the vaginal
opening is a thin fold of mucous membrane called the hymen, which forms a border around
the orifice, partially closing it.
Word root
Colp
Vagin
Combining form
Colp/o
Vagin/o
Meaning
Vagina
vagina
Activity 5 write the meaning of
1. colposcopy _________________________________________________________
2. metrocolpocele ______________________________________________________
3. vaginitis ____________________________________________________________
4. vaginovesical ______________________________________________________
Investigation of disorders of the vagina and cervix usually require the use of a vaginal
speculum to hold the walls of the vagina apart.
Vulva
The term vulva, or pudendum, is a collective designation for the external genitalia of the
female. The labia majora are the outer lips of the vulva and are covered with pubic hair on
their outer surface. Medial to the labia majora are two folds of skin called the labia minora.
The clitoris is a small mass of erectile tissue and nerves. It is located at the anterior junction
of the labia minora. A layer of skin called the prepuce or foreskin covers the body of the
clitoris. The clitoris is the female equivalent of the penis in that it assumes a role in sexual
excitement in the female.
The cleft between the labia minora is called vestibule. Within the vestibule are the hymen,
vaginal orifice, urethral orifice and the openings of several ducts. These ducts secrete
mucous produced by the Bartholin’s glands. These secretions supplement lubrication during
sexual intercourse.
Word root
Vulv
Culd
Combining form
Vulv/o
Culd/o
Meaning
Vulva, pudendum femina or external genitalia
Rectouterine pouch/Douglas cavity
Perineum
The perineum is the diamond-shaped area at the inferior end of the trunk, between the
thighs and buttocks of both the males and females. In the female it is from the vagina to the
anus. The perineum should not be confused with the peritoneum, which refers to the
abdominal cavity.
Abbreviations
D&C
-Dilate and curettage
PV
Per vaginal
PID Pelvic inflammatory disease
LMP
Last menstrual period
THBSO
Total hysterectomy and bi-lateral salpingo-oophorectomy
IUCD
Interuterine contraceptive device
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