Female Reproductive System

Gynecology

  • Study of the female reproductive system.

Female Anatomy

  • Breasts are part of the female anatomy but will not be discussed in detail.
  • Ovaries are the female gonads.

Ovaries and Ovulation

  • Follicle grows on the ovary until it pops, releasing an egg.
  • The process of the follicle popping and releasing the egg is called ovulation.
  • Sometimes, the popping of the follicle can be felt.

Analogy of the Female Reproductive System

  • The speaker uses the analogy of a steer to describe the uterus and fallopian tubes.
  • The uterus is the head, and the fallopian tubes are the horns, with the ovaries at the end of the horns.
  • Ovaries are not directly connected to the fallopian tubes.

Fallopian Tubes

  • Fertilization happens in the fallopian tubes.

Uterus and Pregnancy

  • When pregnant, the uterus pushes on the rectum and bladder, causing frequent urges to poop or pee.
  • The uterus prepares for a fertilized egg by building up a highly vascular inner layer.

Menstruation

  • If the egg is not fertilized, the body sheds the inner layer of the uterus.
  • This shedding is the menstrual period, which consists of blood because the layer is highly vascular.

Rare Phenomenon

  • A rare, painful phenomenon exists where the inner layer of the uterus comes out in the shape of the uterus.

Vagina

  • The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to the outside of the body.

Cervix

  • The cervix is located at the end of the uterus.
  • During dilation, the cervix expands from a small opening (tip of a pen) to the size of a dinner plate (10 centimeters).

Functions of the Vagina

  • Passageway for menstrual flow (menses).
  • Organ of copulation for intercourse; receives the penis and semen.
  • Birth canal.

Elasticity of the Vagina

  • The vagina has folds (rugae) that allow for expansion.
  • The elasticity of the vagina and uterus is crucial to prevent tearing during childbirth.

Estrogen and Elasticity

  • The amount of elasticity is roughly the same for everyone.
  • Lack of estrogen happens as you grow old.