Study Notes on External Genitalia and Vagina, Ovaries, Uterine Tubes, and Uterus

Both female and male reproductive systems remain dormant until puberty.
During puberty, the gonads begin to secrete significant quantities of sex hormones:
- In females: Estrogen and Progesterone from the ovaries.
- In males: Androgens from the testes.
Changes occurring in females during puberty:
- External genitalia become more prominent.
- Development of pubic hair.
- Lubrication of the vagina.
- Enlargement of breasts.

The area between the thighs from the coccyx to the pubis is termed the perineum.
The vulva comprises the external genitalia in females and occupies most of the perineum.

Mons Pubis
- A mound of skin and adipose tissue located over the symphysis pubis.
- In postpubescent females, it is covered with pubic hair.
Labia Majora
- Pair of thick skin folds, connective tissue, and adipose tissue.
- In postpubescent females, they have coarse hair on the outer surface, while the inner surface contains numerous sweat and sebaceous glands.
Labia Minora
- Pair of thin, hairless skin folds located immediately internal to the labia majora.
- Contains sebaceous glands and melanocytes giving dark pigmentation.
- They anteriorly converge to form the prepuce (hood) of the clitoris and posteriorly merge with the labia majora.
Clitoris
- A small erectile body featuring a cap called the glans.
- Contains two corpora cavernosa surrounded by connective tissue and numerous sensory nerve receptors.
Vestibular Bulb
- An erectile body located deep to the labia majora on either side of the vaginal orifice.
- Becomes congested with blood and increases sensitivity during sexual arousal.
Greater Vestibular Gland (Bartholin Gland)
- A pea-sized gland located posterior to the vestibular bulbs.
- Secretes mucin to lubricate the vagina, with secretion increased during sexual arousal and intercourse.

The vagina, also referred to as the birth canal, is a fibromuscular tube measuring 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in length.
It serves as the connection between the vulva and the uterus.
Functions of the Vagina:
- Discharge of menstrual fluid.
- Receipt of the penis and semen.
- Birth of a baby.

Located between the rectum and urethra, with the urethra embedded in its anterior wall.
Paraurethral (Skene) glands present around the urethra open into it.
Posteriorly, the vagina extends past the cervix to form the anterior and posterior fornices (blind spaces).
The lower end features numerous transverse folds (rugae).
A thin membranous fold known as the hymen stretches across the external opening, typically featuring one or two openings for menstrual fluid escape.

Ovaries are the primary sex organs, also known as the female gonads.
Internal accessory organs include:
- Pair of uterine (fallopian) tubes.
- Uterus.
- Vagina.

Females are born with all the eggs (ova) they will release, but maturation starts at puberty.
Ovarian hormones:
- Estrogen and Progesterone are essential for menstruation and pregnancy.
The pituitary gland produces hormones that control ovarian, uterine, and breast functions, which are critical to the reproductive system.

Each ovary is shaped like an almond and located in a shallow depression called the ovarian fossa in the pelvic cavity.
Dimensions of the ovary: Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter.
The ovary is enclosed in a protective capsule called the tunica albuginea.
Ligaments secure each ovary to the pelvic wall and uterus.