Female Reproductive System - Anatomy

Flashcards reviewing the components and functions of the female reproductive system.

Ovaries

Produce oocytes (female gametes) and sex hormones (estrogen & progesterone).

Ovarian Follicle

Structure that protects & nourishes the developing oocyte.

Ovulation

Process of oocyte release from a mature follicle.

Uterine Tubes

Transport ovulated oocyte towards uterus; site of fertilization. If fertilization occurs, transport fertilized oocyte to uterus for implantation.

Uterus

Muscular organ that supports, protects, & nourishes the embryo/fetus. Part of birth canal for delivery.

Gubernaculum

Thin band of CT that guides each gonad to final position. Forms ovarian ligament & round ligament of uterus in females.

Ovarian Ligament

Embryological remnant of gubernaculum that guided each ovary to its final position in pelvic cavity that tethers ovaries to lateral aspects of uterus

Suspensory Ligament

Cord-like structure that anchors ovary to lateral pelvic wall. Contains blood vessels & nerves.

Tunica Albuginea

Fibrous capsule of ovary - deep to germinal epithelium & composed of dense irregular CT

Medulla (Ovary)

Inner region of ovary containing blood vessels, nerves, & lymphatic vessels.

Germinal Epithelium

Layer of simple cuboidal epithelium surrounding ovaries, closely associated with/ peritoneum which reflects descent of ovaries from abdominal cavity

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes/Oviducts)

Extend laterally from uterus, transporting ovulated oocyte to uterus.

Infundibulum

Most lateral part of uterine tube, closest to ovary; funnel-shaped with fimbriae that sweep ovulated oocyte into uterine tube.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections of infundibulum that guide oocyte into uterine tube.

Ampulla (Uterine Tube)

Dilated part of uterine tube medial to infundibulum; site of fertilization.

Isthmus (Uterine Tube)

Narrow part of uterine tube medial to ampulla; forms 1/3 length of uterine tube

Uterine Part

most medial that is continuous w/ wall of uterus & opens into lumen of uterus. aka. intramural part of uterine tube (in the walls of a structure

Fundus (Uterus)

Most superior part of uterus that projects above where uterine tubes connect.

Body of Uterus

Main part of uterus.

Isthmus (Uterus)

Narrow part of uterus between body & cervix.

Cervix

Neck of uterus; most inferior part projecting into vagina.

Cervical Canal

Narrow channel within the cervix with internal os (to lumen) and external os (to vagina).

Broad Ligament

Fold of peritoneum that drapes over uterus.

Round Ligament

Embryological remnant of gubernaculum; connects uterine horns to external genitalia via inguinal canal.

Vagina

Fibromuscular canal connecting uterus to external environment; forms birth canal; passageway for menstrual fluid.

Vaginal Orifice

External opening of vagina, partially guarded by hymen.

Vulva

External female genitalia.

Mons Pubis

Pad of skin and connective tissue anterior to pubic symphysis.

Vestibule

Space between labia minora; contains external urethral orifice and vaginal orifice.

Bulb of Vestibule

Bodies of erectile tissue on either side of vaginal orifice.

Greater Vestibular Glands

Paired glands in posterolateral walls of vestibule; secrete mucous for lubrication.

Labia Minora

Smaller, paired folds of skin internal to labia majora; contain sebaceous glands that lack pubic hair.

Labia Majora

Paired, thickened folds of skin; contain sweat & sebaceous glands; outer surfaces covered by pubic hair after puberty.

Clitoris

Small mass of erectile tissue at anterior margins of labia minora; has root (crura) and body (corpora cavernosa).

Glans (Clitoris)

End of the body of the clitoris.

Prepuce (Clitoris)

Foreskin formed by folds of labia minora.