The Female Reproductive System

What are the 3 parts of the female rep system?

Ovaries, Duct System, and External Genitalia

How are the ovaries supported?

Ligaments secure ovary to lateral walls of the pelvis

What are the ovaries composed of?

composed of ovarian like follicles, each consisting of an oocyte, or immature egg

What are the 3 parts of the female duct system

The uterine (Fallopian) tubes, uterus, and vagina

What are the Uterine (Fallopian) tubes?

Receive the ovulated oocyte, provide a site for fertilization, attach to the uterus supported by ligaments.

What are some additional characteristics of the Fallopian tubes?

Little or no contact between the ovaries and Fallopian tubes, contains fimbriae that wave in the oocyte from the ovaries

What is the role of peristalsis and cilia in the Fallopian tubes?

Moves the oocyte towards the uterus (3-4 days), fertilization occurs inside the uterine tube, where the oocyte will live for 24 hours

Where is the uterus located?

hollow organ located in btw the rectum and the bladdar.

What is the function of the uterus?

prepares for possible pregnancy, receives fertilized egg, retains and nourishes the fertilized egg

How is the uterus supported?

attaches to the pelvis both anteriorly and posteriorly

What is uterine prolapse?

when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken after birth, not providing enough support for the uterus. The uterus then slips down into or protrudes out of the vagina.

What are the 3 Layers of the uterus walls?

Endometrium, Myometrium, and Perimetrium

What is the endometrium?

Inner layer that allows for implantation of a fertilized egg, sloughs off if no pregnancy.

What is the myometrium?

Middle layer of smooth muscle

What is the perimetrium?

outermost serous layer of the uterus

What is the cervix?

narrow outlet of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina, opening for sperm, dilates for childbirth

What is the vagina?

tube from the cervix to the exterior of the body, located btw bladder and rectum, serves as birth canal, passage for menses, contains the hymen

What are the 4 parts of the external genitalia?

Mons Pubis, Labia, Greater Vestibular Glands, Clitoris, Orfices

What is the Mons Pubis?

Fatty Area overlying the pubic symphysis, covered with hair after puberty

What is the labia?

Majora- hair covered skin folds, Minora-delicate hair free holds

What is the Vestible/ Greater Vesitbular Glands?

Vestibule- enclosed by labia majora, contains external openings of the urethra and vagina

Greater Vestibular- one is found on each side of the vagina, secretes lubricant during intercourse

What is the clitoris?

contains erectile tissue, homologous to the penis, hooded by prepuce, becomes swollen with blood

What are the 2 orfices?

Vaginal and Urethral