NATS 1675 18.2 LNs

Female Reproductive System - Internal and External Accessory Organs

Internal accessory organs

• oviduct, uterus and vagina

External accessory organs

• Collectively called vulva or pudendum

• Pubic symphysis, labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, clitoris

Oviduct

• open into the uterus – transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization occurs in the upper third of the fallopian tube.

• The oviduct is an approx. 10 cm long tube, about 0.7 cm diameter

Uterus function

thick muscular chamber that opens into the roof of the vagina – tilts forward over urinary bladder – (1) harbours fetus, (2) provides a source of nutrition, and (3) expels the fetus at the end of its development

Oviduct structure

• Outer layer has a covering of connective tissue

• Middle portion is smooth muscle

• Innermost layer

  • highly folded and lined with ciliated epithelial cells

  • secrete fluid to help transport egg

Uterus structure consists of 2 parts

• Fundus → broad superior (upper) curvature

• Body (Corpus) → main body of the uterus

• lumen is roughly triangular

Where does the uterus sit in the body?

The uterus extends from the oviduct to the cervix.

The 2 superior corners of the uterus

• Opens to the oviduct

• Oviduct considered extension of uterus

The inferior portion of the uterus

• Opens to the cervix

• Cervix is exterior to uterus

• Cervical canal has cervical glands that secrete mucus that prevents spread of microorganisms

What are the 3 uterine walls layers?

1. Perimetrium

2. Myometrium

3. Endometrium

Perimetrium (uterine wall)

external layer of connective tissue

Myometrium (uterine wall)

• middle muscular layer

• most of the uterine wall

• smooth muscle near cervix

• produces labour contractions

Endometrium (uterine wall)

• inner epithelial layer

• Composed of Stratum functionalis and Stratum basalis

Stratum functionalis

• facing lumen

• shed each menstrual period

Stratum basalis

• deeper layer

• stays behind and reneeragtes new stratum with each menstrual period

• during pregnancy, is site of implantation

• later forms maternal portion of placenta