Female Reproductive System

The Female Reproductive System

• Comprises the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and breasts.
• Primary functions include:
  • Produce gametes (egg cells)
  • Support the developing embryo and fetus
  • Nourish offspring

Ovaries

• Responsible for:
  • Producing egg cells and sex hormones.
• Structure:
  • Medulla: Contains neurovasculature and lymphatics.
  • Cortex: Houses ovarian follicles where developing ova are surrounded by follicular cells.
• Ovulation: Process where follicles burst to release an egg.

Uterine Tubes

• Also known as oviducts;
• Functions include:
  • Receive ovulated eggs from ovaries.
  • Fimbrae: Finger-like projections that sweep the ovarian surface to help transport the egg into the tube.
  • Cilia and smooth muscle: Aid movement of the egg towards the uterus.
  • Site of fertilization.

Uterus

• Primary functions:
  • Harbor, nourish, and deliver the fetus during pregnancy.
  • Capable of significant stretching to accommodate the growing fetus.
• Structure:
  • Perimetrium: Outermost layer, connective tissue.
  • Myometrium: Muscular layer that stretches up to 10x during pregnancy, responsible for contractions.
  • Endometrium:
  • Functional layer: Thickens for pregnancy and sheds during menstruation if fertilization doesn’t occur.
  • Basal layer: Regenerates the functional layer in each cycle.

Cervix

• Links the uterus to the vagina via the cervical canal.
• Cervical glands: Secrete mucus that provides immune protection and thins during ovulation for easier passage of sperm.
• Functions to close off the uterus during pregnancy.

Ligaments

• Ovarian ligament: Connects ovary to uterus.
• Round ligament: Anchors ovaries to the labia majora and is homologous to the gubernaculum.

Blood Supply

• Ovarian Blood Supply:
  • Supplied by the ovarian artery (lateral ovary) and the ovarian branch of the uterine artery (medial ovary).
• Uterine Blood Supply:
  • Supplied by uterine arteries, which give rise to arcuate arteries in the myometrium, and spiral arteries in the endometrium.

Vagina

• Connects the uterus to the external environment:
  • Discharges menstrual fluid, receives penis/semen, and provides passage for newborn.
• Structure:
  • Thin-walled, highly distensible; contains vaginal rugae to increase surface area.
  • Fornices: Recesses around the cervix.

Vaginal Internal Anatomy

• Hymen:
  • A projection of mucosa across the vaginal opening, often ruptured after first intercourse.
• Microanatomy includes mucosal epithelium rich in lactic acid, aiding in pathogen inhibition.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• Comprises:
  • Mons pubis: Anterior adipose tissue pad.
  • Labia majora: Thick folds of skin and adipose tissue.
  • Labia minora: Thinner, hairless folds surrounding the vestibule.

Clitoris

• Homologous to the penis but serves solely sensory functions.
• Structure includes:
  • Glans: External portion, partially covered by prepuce.
  • Corpora cavernosa: Splits into left and right crura, covered by ischiocavernosus muscle.
  • Vestibular bulbs: Subcutaneous erectile tissue on either side of the vaginal opening, covered by bulbospongiosus muscle.

Accessory Glands

• Greater vestibular glands: Homologous to bulbourethral glands, provide lubrication.
• Paraurethral glands: Homologous to the prostate, also provide lubrication and protection for the urethra.

Breasts

• Composed of adipose tissue and mammary glands above the pectoralis major.
• Functions: Produce milk.
• Areola: Darker area around the nipple, enhances visibility.
• Breast cancer: Risk increases with age; self-exams and mammograms are recommended after age 40.

Mammary Glands

• Modified sweat glands present in both males and females; functional only in lactating females.
• Development occurs during pregnancy; acini produce milk surrounded by myoepithelial cells that contract to expel milk.
• Milk flows from 15-20 lobes into lactiferous ducts opening at the nipple.

Conclusion

• Understanding the female reproductive system is crucial for recognizing its anatomy, physiology, and the functions that support reproduction and maternal health.