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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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