ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

The female
reproductive system
consists of the
ovaries, uterine tubes
(or fallopian tubes),
uterus, vagina,
external genitalia, and
mammary glands. The
internal reproductive
organs of the female
are located within the pelvis, between the urinary bladder and the
rectum. The uterus and the vagina are in the midline , with an
ovary to each side of the organ. The internal reproductive organs
are held in place within the pelvis with ligaments. The most
conspicuous is the brad ligament, which spreads out on both sides
of the uterus and to which the ovaries and the uterine tubes
attach.

OVARIES
 Also called as the female gonads;
they produce, mature, and
discharge ova.
 The two ovaries are small organs
suspended in the pelvic cavity by ligaments. The suspensory
ligament extends from each ovary to the lateral body wall, and
 the ovarian ligament attaches the ovary to the superior margin
of the uterus. In addition, the ovaries are attached to the
posterior surface of the broad ligament by folds of the
peritoneum called the mesovarium. The ovarian arteries, veins,
and nerves transverse the suspensory ligament and enter the
ovary through the mesovarium.
 They also produce estrogen and progesterone which initiates
and regulates the menstrual cycle, influences the growth and
enlargement of the breasts and uterus and stimulate
endometrial growth.
 Ovarian follicles are can be seen inside which are saclike
structures. And consist of immature eggs called the oocyte, it is
surrounded by one or more germ layers called ovarian follicles.
Two almond-sized glands which consists of three surface
germinal
Epitheliums:
• tunica albugniea- dense connective tissue; outer layer
stroma
• cortex- dense outer layer
• medulla- loose inner layer

UTERINE TUBES
 uterine tube, fallopian tube, or oviduct (named after the
italian anatomist, Gabriele Fallopio) is associated with each
ovary.
  Thin-walled tubes with serosal covering, with a muscular
layer and ciliated mucus lining, transport the ova after
fertilization. It is approximately 10cm or 4 inches long.
 The uterine tubes extend from the area of the ovaries to the
uterus. The open directly into the peritoneal cavity near
each ovary and receive an oocyte. The opening of each
uterine tube is surrounded by long, thin processes called
fimbriae.

FIMBRIAE
 It is the distal end of the fallopian tube, which has finger like
projections and catches the ova when it is ejected by the
ovaries. As a result, as soon as the oocyte is ovulated, it
comes into contact with the surface of the fimbriae. Cilia on
the fimbriae surface sweep the oocyte into the uterine tube.
Fertilization usually occurs in the part of the uterine tube
near the ovary known as the ampulla.

UTERUS
 Uterine growth is the formation of a few new muscle fibers
and the stretching of existing muscle fibers in the uterine
myometrium which is influenced by estrogen and
progesterone.
 A pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity
( 2-5 cm thick, 5 cm long, 5 cm at widest point, 2 cm at
 narrowest point). Provides as an environment for
implantation, development, and delivery of fetus.
 It is suspended in the pelvis by the broad and uterosacral
ligament.
 The part of the uterus superior to the entrance of the
fallopian tubes is called the fundus. The main part of the
uterus is called the body, and the narrower part is termed
the cervix and is directed inferiorly. Internally, the uterine
cavity in the fundus and uterine body continues through the
cervix as the cervical canal, which opens into the vagina.
The cervical canal is lined by mucous glands.
 It is supported by the broad ligament and the round
ligament. In addition to these ligaments that support the
uterus, much support is provided inferiorly to the uterus by
skeletal muscles of the pelvic floor. If ligaments that support
the uterus or the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened
such as in childbirth, the uterus can extend inferiorly into the
vagina, a condition termed as a prolapsed uterus. Severe
cases require surgical correction.

UTERINE WALLS
 It is composed of three layers namely:
• Endometrium- inner mucosal layer, which is the site of
implantation. It is consists of smooth muscle is quite
thick and accounts for the bulk of the uterine wall.
Simple tubular glands, called enometrial glands, are
 formed by folds of the endometrium. The superficial
part os the endometrium is sloughed off during
menstruation.
• Myometrium- the bulky middle layer made of bundles of
inert lacing smooth muscles. Plays a role in delivering
the baby.
• Perimetrium- the outer most serous layer. It receives an
ovum from the ovaries, and provides a place for
implantation and nourishment during fetal growth.
VAGINA
 It is the female organ of copulation and functions to receive
the penis during intercourse. It also allows menstrual flow
and childbirth. The vagina extends from the uterus to
outside the body. The superior portion of the vagina is
attached to the sides of the cervix so that a part of the
cervix extends into the vagina. The wall of the vagina
consists of an outer muscular layer and an inner mucous
layer. The muscular layer is smooth muscle and contains
many elastic fibers. Thus the vagina can increase in size to
accommodate the penis during intercourse, and it can
stretch greatly during childbirth. The mucous membrane is
moist stratified squamous epitheliam that forms a protective
surface layer. Lubricating fluid passes through the vaginal
epithelium into the vagina. In young females, the vaginal
opening is covered by a thin mucous membrane known as
the hymen. The hymen can completely close the vaginal
 oriface in which case it must be removed to allow menstrual
flow. More commonly, the hymen is perforated by one or
several holes. The openings of the hymen are usually greatly
enlarged during the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can
also be perforated during a variety of activities including
strenuous exercise. The condition of the hymen is therefore
not a reliable indicator of virginity.

CERVIX
 Lower, narrow portion of the uterus cylindrical or conical in
shape and rotrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall. It
allows the passage of sperm from the vaginal canal during
intercourse.

EXTERNAL GENITALIA
 It is also called the vulva, or pudendum, consists of the
vestibule and its surrounding structures. The vestibule is the
space into which the vagina and urethra open. The urethra
opens just anterior to the vagina.
• labia minora - pair of thin longitudinal skin folds that
bordered the vestibule.
• clitoris - A small erectile structure located in the
anterior margin of the vestibule. The two labia minora
unite over the clitoris to form a fold of skin known as
the prepuce.The clitoris consists of a shaft and a distal
glans. Like the glans penis, the clitoris is well supplied
 with sensory receptors, and it is made up of erectile
tissue. An additional erectile tissue is located on either
side of the vaginal opening. On each side of the
vestibule, between the vaginal opening and the labia
minora, are openings of the greater vestibular glands.
These glands produce a lubricating fluid that helps
maintin the moistness of the vestibule.
• labia majora - are two prominent rounded folds of skin
lateral to the labia minor. The two labia majora unite
anteriorly at the elevation of tissue over thepubic
symphysis calle dthe mons pubis. The lateral surfaces
of the labia majora and the surface of the mons pubis
are covered with coarse hair. The medial surfaces of
the labia minora are covered with numerous sebaceous
and sweat glands. The space between the labia minor
is called the pudendal cleft. Most of the time, the labia
minora are in contact with each other across the
midline , closing the pudendal cleft and covering the
deeper structures within the vestibule.
• clinical perineum - The region between the vagina and
the anus. The skin and muscle of this region can tear
during childbirth. To prevent such tearing, an incision
called an episiotomy is sometimes made in the clinical
perineum. Traditionally, this clean, straight incision is
thought to result in less injury, and less trouble in
healing, and less pain. However, many studies indicate
 that there is less injury and pain when no episiotomy is
performed.

MAMMARY GLANDS
 are located inside the breasts of sexually mature female
body. They are in actuality modified sweat glands which are
in fact comprised of secretory mammary alveoli and the
appropriate ducts. Mammary glands are considered to be
part of the integumentary system rather than the
reproductive system. The glands are associated with the
female reproductive system in part due to their assistance in
attracting a mate as well as their role in nourishing a baby.
Size and shape of the female breast are different for every
human body and factors such as race, age, body fat, and
pregnancy can make a large difference in these variations.
The release of estrogen during puberty releases hormones
that stimulate the growth of the breasts and the functions of
the mammary glands. Pregnant women as well as nursing
women experience hypotrophy of the breasts while it is not
uncommon for atrophy of the breasts to occur after
menopause. Breasts are situated over ribs 2 through 6 and
overlap the pectoral muscle as well as some portions of the
oblique muscles. The lateral margin of the sternum creates
an unintentional margin for the edge of each breast. Each
breast also follows the anterior margin of the respective
axilla. Coming within very close proximity to the Axillary
 vessels, the breasts upward and laterally toward the axilla,
which contributes to the high incidence of breast cancer due
to the axillary process’ lymphatic drainage.
 15 to 20 lobes compose the mammary gland, and each
lobe is equipped with its own duct to the outside of the body.
Adipose tissue in varying amounts segregates each lobe.
While this tissue controls the size and shape that the breast
takes, there is no determination by this tissue when it comes
to the woman’s ability to suckle her young. Lobules are
subdivisions of each lobe. These subdivisions contain
mammary alveoli. The milk of a lactating female are
produced within the mammary alveoli. Suspensory ligaments
support the breasts which are attached between the lobules
and run deep into the fascia which overlap the pectoral
muscles. Breast milk is secreted into a network of mammary
ducts which receive the milk from the clusters of mammary
alveoli. These mammary ducts converge to form lactiferous
ducts. Near the nipple, each lactiferous duct expands into
the lumen to allow for outward flow of milk. The lactiferous
sinuses store the milk before the suckling action, or
additional pressure, releases it from the body. The milk
leaves the body from the tip of the nipple.
 Nipple contains some erectile tissue that protrudes into a
cylindrical projection. The circular area around the nipple
that contrasts in color is the areola. Sebaceous areola glands
create a bumpy surface around the areola which reside just
under the surface of the areola’s skin. These glands secrete
fluids during lactation as well as when a woman is not
lactating, which keep the nipple supple. The complexion of
the areola is based on the complexion of the skin that covers
the rest of the body, varying in pigments and tints. During
gestation most areola surfaces darken. It also becomes
larger in most cases. This is thought to be more obvious for a
nursing infant to find.