Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

Functions:a. To enable sperm to enter the body.b. To protect the internal genital organs

from infectious organisms.

Female Reproductive System

A. External GenitaliaB. Internal Genitalia

The External Genitalia

1. Mons Pubis: pad of fats which lie over the symphysis pubis covered by skin which functions to protect the surrounding delicate tissues from trauma or injury.

 2. Labia Majora: 2 folds of hairless skin

covered with fat and connective tissue. It contains the Bartholin’s gland which is believed to produce yellowish mucus which acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse. 

3. Labia Minora: 2 thin folds of delicate tissues; form an upper fold encircling the clitoris and unite posteriorly to the fourchette. It is highly sensitive to stimulation and trauma. It is usually torn apart during delivery of the baby.

 4. Glans Clitoris: small, erectile structure

at the anterior junction of the labia minora. It is compared to the penis of the male genitalia.

5. Urethral Meatus: external opening of the urethra, where urine passes out.

 6. Vestibule: narrow opening found between

the 2 labia which contains the opening of the urethra and vagina.

 7. Vaginal Orifice: also known as the

Introitus. It is the external opening of the vagina, covered by a thin membrane (hymen) in virgin women.

Internal Genitalia

Internal Genitalia

1. Vagina: tubular structure lies in front of rectum and behind the bladder. It is upper end has four fornicles.

2. Cervix: the lower most portion of uterus. It lies in the upper end of the anterior vaginal wall.

3. Uterus:

a hollow pear-shaped fibromuscular organ in which the baby grow during pregnancy. It is divided into three parts namely:a. Fundus - upper dome of the uterus where

implantation of the fertilized ovum set-in.b. Corpus – body of the uterus. Rich in fibro-muscular

tissue which helps to nourish the growing fetus during pregnancy.

c. Isthmus – the lower end uterus where the hymen maybe located.

Positions of uterus pelvis:

1. Anteverted – tilted anteriorly in relation to vagina.

2. Anteflexed – the body at uterus is further anteriority tilted in relation to cervix.

4. Fallopian tubes

tubes arising form the upper corner at the uterus extending laterally. Their ends lie near the ovary. The eggs enter from the ovary to the tubes. It has four parts.

a. Interstitial part - the most proximal to uterus

b. Isthmus- next proximalc. Ampulla – third and the longest here

where usually fertilization occur.d. Infundibulum- they have fimbriae

(small hairs)

5. Ovary: almond shaped organ. It produces, mature and expel matured ova and manufacture 2 essential hormones:

1. estrogen 2. progesterone.

The Pelvis

a part of the skeletal system but is a very important body structure during the stage of pregnancy and childbirth.

It is comprised of the following structures:

Os Coxae / Innominate Bones: also divided into 2 parts:

a. Ilium: upper, extended part; curved upper border of the iliac crest.

b. Ischium: lower part.c. Pubes: front part; join to form an

articulation of the pelvis called the symphysis pubis.

Types of Pelvis:

1. Gynecoid Pelvis: normal female pelvis. Inlet of the pelvis is well rounded, forward and back. Most ideal for childbirth.

2. Anthropoid Pelvis: transverse diameter is narrow; anterior-posterior diameter is larger than normal.

3. Platypelloid Pelvis: inlet is oval; anterior-posterior diameter is shallow.

4. Android Pelvis: also known as the “male pelvis”. Inlet is narrow and the posterior area is shallow. Not good for childbirth.

The end

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