FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Reproductive structure of the female are generally considered in terms of interval organs and
external organs, or external genitals.

Reproductive role of the female is muca more complex than the male.

OVARIES- the primary reproductive organs of the female.

• Almond Shape
• Graafian Follicle- unrupture, glistening, clear, fluid-filled structure an ovum about to be
discharge.
• Corpus Luteum- miniature yellowish structure left after ovum had been released.
• Contains about 2 million immature ova at birth.
• REMEMBER- Ovarian cancer present no early signs because the ovary are not fixed
organs and move about to accommodate their increasing size when there is an
abnormality.

FALLOPIAN TUBES- 10cm (4inch) long and extends medially from an ovary to empty into
the superior region of the uterus. Catch as and transports matured egg cell, and is the site of
fertilization.

Parts of Fallopian Tube

1. Infindibulum- finger like projection in the fallopian tubes responsible in cathching the
released ovum.
2. Ampula- upper third of the fallopian tubes responsible in caching the released ovum.
3. Isthmus- smallest and narrowest portion of the fallopian tubes where tubal ligation
performed.
4. Interstitium- portion that is connected to the uterus.

FUNCTION: to provides upward transport of the sperm and the downward transport of
the sperm.

UTERUS- located in the pelvis between the urinary bladder and rectum. Site of menstruation,
site of implantation, houses the fetus.
• Pear shaped, slightly bent forward.
• Abnormal if;
➢ Anteroverted- fundus so tipped forward.
➢ Retroverted- fundus so tipped backwards.
➢ Anteroflexed- cervix folded forward.
➢ Retroflexed- cervix folded backward.
➢ Bicornuate- has oddly shape “horns” at the junction of the fallopian tubes.
➢ Extreme version and flexion may cause infertility.
➢ Mothers younger than 17 may have low birth weight babies because their uterus have
not reached mature size.
• Fundus- site to assess uterine growth, contraction, and involution (return to pregnancy
stage).
• Endometrium- thickens and nourished for possible pregnancy, inner layer becomes
menstrual flow when no pregnancy occurs.
• Myometrium- muscle that supports the uterus. Prevents regurgitation of blood flow to
fallopian tubes during menstruation, prevents preterm birth, and post partal bleeding.
• Perimetrium- outer covering providing additional support to uterus.
• Blood Supply- originates from the large abdominal aorta connecting to the hygogastric
arteries. REMEMBER: ALWAYS ASSESS URINE OUTPUT AFTER A TUBAL
LIGATION, CESARIAN DELIVERY, AND HYSTERECTOMY. THE URETERS ARE
VERY CLOSELY SITUATED BESIDE THE UTERINE ARTERY AND MAY BE
INJURED DURING THESE PROCEDURES.
• Nerve Supply
➢ Contraction- T5 to T10 spinal ganglia.
➢ Pain Sensation- T11 & T12.
➢ REMEMBER: ANESTHESIA IS INJECTED AT T11 & T12 to reduce pain but not
stop contraction.

FUNCTION: to receive, retain and nourish a fertilized egg.

 It is the organ of menstruation.
  It is the organ of gestation.

4 Parts of the Uterus

1. Broad Ligaments- function holds the uterus in the cervix.
2. Round Ligaments- pair of rounded ligaments which arises from the corpus. Capable for
contracting.
3. Utero- sacral ligaments. Maintain the position of the uterus.
4. Cardinal Ligaments of Mackenrody- most important of the uterus because when there
is damage the uterus will prolapsed.

CERVIX- lower most pusiform.

• Divided to the attachment of the vigina.
• Divided and portion vaginali.
• Secrete mucus during fertile period to facilitate passage of sperms.
• It becomes plugged with operculum (thick mucus) during pregnancy to prevent invasion
of microorganisms.

2 Opening of the Cervix

1. External OS- varico greatly in appearance.
2. Internal OS- anterior the uppuer boundary of the cervix.
-Correspounds approximately to the level at which the peritoneum is
reflected uppond the bladder.

VAGINA- thin walled 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4inch)long.

• The distal end of the vagina is partially closed by a thin fold of the mucosa called the
HYMEN.
• Accommodates the penis, passage of menstruation, and childbirth.
• It stretches during childbirth to control fetal head descent.
• Shorter anteriorly than posteriorly, (inward and downward to facilitate pooling of seminal
fluids).
• PH level of vagina mucus is acidic to prevent infection.
• REMEMBER: EATING YOGURT HELPS MAINTAIN VAGINAL FLORA.

FUNCTION: excretory ducts of the uterus which it it secration and menstrual flow
escape.
 Form female organ of the capulation.
 Form part of the birth canal allowing for the passage of the baby to
delivery.

Vascular Supply of the Vagina

1. Upper 3rd- supplied by cervico vaginal branches of the uterine arteries.
2. Middle 3rd- supply by the inferior vesical arteries.
3. Lower 3rd- supplied by the middle hemmorrhoidial and pudendal arteries.

EXTERNAL GENITALIA- also called the vulva.

• Mons Pubis- a pad of adipose tissue protecting the notch of the symphisis pubis.
• Labia Minora- area filled by sebaceous tissues.
• Labia Majora- protects the vestibule from trauma.
• Clitoris- site of orgasm in women, highly sensitive erectile tissue.
• Skene’s Glands- at the sides of the urethral opening, produce fluids during coitus.
• Fourchette- ideal site of episiotomy, has lesser blood loss and less painful.
• Perineum- muscle supporting fetal head upon delivery.

3 Stage of the Menstrual Cycle

1. Days 1-5 Mentrual Phase
2. Days 6-14 Protiferative Phase
3. Days 15-18 SecretoryPhase

DISORDERS AFFECTING MENSTRATION

 Disorder Signs & Symptoms Causes Central
Management
Amenorrhea- absence Primary- no menses Stress, excessive Treat the cause.
of manses. by 16 y/o physical exercises,
Secondary- no menses extreme dieting,
for 3 months hypothyroidism,
hormonal problems.
Dysmenorrhea- Mittlelschmerz- slight Increase in Ibuprofen, heat
“menstrual cramps” abdominal cramping prostaglandins. application, oral
around the time of contraceptives.
ovulation.

Severe abdominal
cramping
Menorrhagia- Saturating more than Recent puberty, Manage cause.
excessive menstrual one pad in an hour. menopause. Increase iron intake.
bleeding Endometriosis
(abnormal
proliferation of
endometrial tissue
outside uterus).
Anemia, clotting
defect, tumor, PID,
pregnancy loss.
Metrorrhagia- Mittlestaining- Normal in If not associated with
bleeding between spotting at ovulation mittlestaining & oral contraceptives,
periods in adolescents. breakthrough report immediately
Breakthrough bleeding. and evaluate.
bleeding- spotting due Vaginal irritation,
to oral contraceptive carcinoma, cysts.
use.
Premenstrual Anxiety, fatigue, Drop in progesterone, Increase vitamin &
dysphoric disorder abdominal bloating, Vit B complex due to calcium intake, low
(PDD) headache, irritability, unproven reason. salt.
appetite disturbance, Lupron- suppress
depression- occurs estrogen.
before menstruation, Antidepressants-
relieved after, and Paroxetine (Paxil).
occurs every cycle