Female Reproductive System Notes

Female Reproductive System

External Anatomy

• Anus: Located posterior to the female reproductive structures.
• Vaginal Orifice: The opening to the vagina.
• Urethral Orifice: The opening where urine exits the body.
• Pubic Hair: Hair surrounding the external genitalia.
• Clitoris: Located just above the urethral orifice.
• Labia Minora: Inner folds of the vulva.
• Hymen: A membrane around the vaginal orifice, commonly broken during first intercourse but can be broken at other times.

Cross-Sectional View

• Anus and Rectum: Located far behind the reproductive organs; the rectum stores fecal matter.
• Urethra: The bladder is positioned in front of and below the uterus and vagina. Unlike males, the female urinary and reproductive systems are separate.
• Cervix: The opening to the uterus.
• Sacrum: The tailbone.
• Ovary: Where eggs (oocytes) are produced.
• Fimbriae: Finger-like projections with villi that catch the egg upon release from the ovary and draw it into the oviduct or fallopian tube.
• Most women have two ovaries, oviduct, and a single uterus, although rare cases exist where individuals are born with two uteri and four ovaries. This could potentially allow for pregnancy at two different times, but it is uncommon due to hormonal regulation tied to the menstrual cycle.
• Uterus: A thick, muscular sac.
• Urinary Bladder: Stores urine.
• Pubic Symphysis: The joint between the two pubic bones.
• Vagina: The opening to the uterus.

Key Components

• Fimbriae
• Ovary
• Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts)
• Uterus
• Cervix: The opening to the uterus.
• Vagina
• Labium Minora
• Labium Majora
• Clitoris: Located at the anterior end of the vulva.

Ovaries and Ovarian Follicles

• Ovaries contain ovarian follicles, which are sac-like structures.
• An ovarian follicle consists of an oocyte (developing egg) and follicular cells (cells surrounding and supporting the oocyte).
• The female reproductive system utilizes a two-stage growth system. Part of the follicle stays in the ovary when the oocyte is released; the lecturer will explore this in more detail next lesson.

Next time the lecture will cover the ovaries in more detail, including the related hormones and how the ovaries and uterus are affected by them.