Structures of Female Reproductive System

uterus

central organ of the female reproductive system, three main parts- fundus, corpos, isthmus

cervix uteri

neck of the uterus tappering to connect to the vagina

cervix

protrudes into the upper vagina canal

fornix/fornices

refers to the anterior and posterior recesses of the upper vagina surrounding the vaginal attachment to the cervix

cervical os/ external os

opening in the cervix communicates with the vagina

internal os of the cervix

communicates with the corpus of the uterus

fundus(corpus uterine)

part where the fetus develops during pregnancy

endometrium

outer part of the uterus that will thicken and slough each month during the menstrual cycle. If fertilization and pregnancy occurs, the thickened lining provides a comfortable home for the embroyo growth and will provide some nutrition early on while the placenta is forming

moyometrium

middle part of the uterus/ muscle fibers running vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to provide strong uterine contractions during labor and childbirth

perimetrium

inner layer of the uterus/ secretes a lubricating fluid that helps to reduce friction

fallopian tubes

one on either side of the uterus, sit opposite from the bilateral ovaries leading to the uterus

infundibulum

distal end of the fallopian tubes

fimbria(fingers)

near the ovaries help capture the ovum(egg) at the ovulation as they make their way into the tubes to the uterus

ampulla

the section of the fallopian tubes that are the widest and longest/ Fertilization often takes place in this section of the tube

ovaries

actual egg-producing reproductive organs/ They also produce hormones related to the female reproductive cycles, making them part of the female reproductive and endocrine system

uterine adnex

fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments

broad ligaments

this is a thin sheet of peritoneum that drapes over the uterus and Fallopian tubes to connect these organs with the lateral wall of the pelvis. 3 layers: mesosalpinx, mesovarium, and mesometrium

mesovarium

adjacent to the ovaries

mesosalpinx

adjacent to the fallopian tubes

mesometrium

area below the utero-ovarian ligament

cardinal ligaments

this connection between the cervix and the pelvic wall is supported by this ligament

round ligaments

this is a thickening of a broad ligaments as it comes off the anterior surface of the uterus, connecting the anterior uterine horns to the anterior abdominal wall

utero-ovarian ligament

also known as the ovarian ligament, it connects the uterus to the ovary

uterosacral ligament

this connects the back of the uterus at the bottom of the sacrum. This ligament is intregral to the structural support of the uterus, such as preventing urine prolapse into the vagina

vagina

a tubular, muscular canal leading from the uterus to the outside of the body. top surrounds the cervix and distal end opens into the vulva and perineum

vaginal septum

either longitudinal, essentially creating a double vagina

transverse septum

may block flow or if incomplete may be the cause of a dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) it may obstruct vaginal delivery of the fetus

vulva

external structures that comprises the genitalia for a human female

mons pubis

a pad of fat that is located on the anterior over the pubic bone

labia majoria

folds of hair covering skin that begins just posterior to the mons pubis

labia minora

thinner and more pigmented are situated on the inside of the labia majora

clitotior

a structure that originates from the same cells as the glans penis and has abundant nerves that make it important in sexual sensation, stimulation, and orgasm

hymen

thin membrane located in the bottom portion of the vagina

vaginal introitus

the opening of the vagina and is the location of the hymen

Bartholin’s gland

are located slightly inferior and to either side of the vaginal introitus. They secrete a fluid used to lubricate the vagina

Skene’s gland

located on the anterior wall of the vagina around the lower end of the urethra. Plays an important role in both the urinary and sexual health. Releases fluids into the urethra to lubricate it. Contains antimicrobial substance that may help urinary tract infections.