Female Reproductive System - PPT/PDF
Download notes (PPT/PDF) on the Female Reproductive System, covering both internal and external structures. These notes provide detailed anatomical descriptions of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia (mons veneris, labia minora, labia majora, vestibule, clitoris, Skene's glands, Bartholin's glands, fourchette, perineal body, and hymen). Suitable for B.Pharm and related health science programs.
Keywords: Female Reproductive System, Internal Structures, External Structures, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, Uterus, Vagina, Mons Veneris, Labia Minora, Labia Majora, Vestibule, Clitoris, Skene's Glands, Bartholin's Glands, Fourchette, Perineal Body, Hymen, Human Anatomy and Physiology, B.Pharm, PPT, PDF, Download.
Female Reproductive System - Anatomical Description
1. Internal Structures of the Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries:
- Paired, almond-shaped organs located in the pelvic cavity, on either side of the uterus.
- Primary female reproductive organs, responsible for:
- Oogenesis: Production of ova (eggs).
- Hormone Production: Secretion of estrogen and progesterone.
- The ovaries are held in place by ligaments, including the ovarian ligament (connecting the ovary to the uterus) and the suspensory ligament of the ovary (connecting the ovary to the pelvic wall).
- Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes):
- Paired tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus.
- Not directly connected to the ovaries; the fimbriae (finger-like projections) at the ovarian end of the tube sweep over the ovary to capture the released ovum.
- The usual site of fertilization.
- Regions of the fallopian tube (from ovary to uterus):
- Infundibulum: The funnel-shaped opening near the ovary, with fimbriae.
- Ampulla: The widest and longest part of the tube; fertilization typically occurs here.
- Isthmus: The narrow portion of the tube that connects to the uterus.
- Intramural Part- part connect to uterus
- The wall of the fallopian tube has ciliated cells and smooth muscle, which help transport the ovum (or zygote) towards the uterus.
- Uterus:
- A hollow, pear-shaped, muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity, between the bladder and the rectum.
- The site of implantation of a fertilized egg and development of the fetus.
- Regions of the uterus:
- Fundus: The dome-shaped superior portion, above the entry points of the fallopian tubes.
- Body: The main, central portion.
- Cervix: The narrow, inferior portion that projects into the vagina. The cervical canal connects the uterine cavity to the vagina. The external os is the opening of the cervix into the vagina.
- Layers of the uterine wall:
- Perimetrium (Serosa): The outermost layer, part of the visceral peritoneum.
- Myometrium: The thick, middle layer of smooth muscle, responsible for uterine contractions during labor.
- Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus. It undergoes cyclical changes during the menstrual cycle, preparing for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization doesn't occur, the superficial layer of the endometrium is shed during menstruation.
- Vagina
- A fibromuscular canal extending from the cervix to the exterior of the body.
- Located posterior to the bladder and urethra, and anterior to the rectum.
- Serves as the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse, the passageway for menstrual flow, and the birth canal.
2. External Structures of the Female Reproductive System (Vulva or Pudendum)
- Mons Veneris (Mons Pubis): A rounded pad of fatty tissue overlying the pubic symphysis (the joint between the pubic bones). Covered with pubic hair after puberty.
- Labia Majora: Two large, longitudinal folds of skin that extend inferiorly and posteriorly from the mons veneris. Homologous to the scrotum in males. Contain adipose tissue, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Covered with pubic hair after puberty.
- Labia Minora: Two smaller, longitudinal folds of skin located medial to the labia majora. Devoid of pubic hair and fat, but contain numerous sebaceous glands.
- Vestibule: The space between the labia minora. Contains the openings of the urethra, vagina, and the ducts of the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands).
- Clitoris: A small, cylindrical structure located at the anterior junction of the labia minora. Homologous to the penis in males. Composed of erectile tissue and is highly sensitive to sexual stimulation. The prepuce of the clitoris is a fold of skin formed by the anterior extensions of the labia minora.
- Skene's Glands (Paraurethral Glands): Small glands located on either side of the urethral opening. Homologous to the prostate gland in males. Their function is not entirely clear, but they may secrete a fluid during sexual arousal.
- Bartholin's Glands (Greater Vestibular Glands): Paired glands located on either side of the vaginal opening. Homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males. They secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina during sexual arousal.
- Fourchette: The transverse fold of skin formed by the posterior joining of the labia minora and labia majora.
- Perineal Body: A fibromuscular mass located between the vaginal opening and the anus. An important site of attachment for muscles of the pelvic floor.
- Hymen: A thin fold of mucous membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. Its presence and appearance can vary considerably.
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