Female reproductive system

• What is the aim of introducing the structure and function of the female reproductive system?

  To understand the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
• What is one of the objectives related to the female reproductive system?

  Describe the anatomy of the female reproductive system
• What does the term 'menarche' refer to?

  The onset of menstruation in females
• What are the stages of the menstrual cycle that should be described in relation to the endocrine system, ovary, and uterus?

  • Proliferative (follicular) stage
  • Secretory (luteal) stage
  • Menstrual stage
  • Consider effects of fertilization
• What is the external genitalia of the female reproductive system collectively known as?

  The vulva
• What are the internal reproductive organs in the female reproductive system?

  • Vagina
  • Uterus
  • Two uterine tubes
  • Two ovaries
• What is the mons pubis?

  A rounded pad of fat lying anterior to the symphysis pubis
• What are the labia majora?

  Two folds of fat and areolar tissue covered with skin and pubic hair
• What is the function of the labia minora?

  They lie between the labia majora and form the prepuce and frenulum of the clitoris
• What is the vestibule in the female reproductive system?

  The area enclosed by the labia minora containing the openings of the urethra and vagina
• What is the urethral orifice?

  The opening immediately in front of the vaginal orifice
• What are the greater vestibular glands also known as?

  Bartholin’s glands
• What is the primary function of the clitoris?

  To provide sexual pleasure due to its dense nerve endings
• What is the blood supply to the female reproductive system?

  Internal and external pudendal arteries and corresponding veins
• What is the function of the vagina?

  It serves as a passage for menstrual flow, receives the penis during intercourse, and provides an exit for the fetus during birth
• What is the length of the posterior wall of the vagina?

  10 cm long
• What are the layers of the vagina?

  Squamous epithelium lining, muscle layer, and pelvic fascia
• What is the shape of the cavity within the body of the uterus?

  Triangular in shape
• What are the layers of the uterus?

  1. Perimetrium: Layer of peritoneum
  2. Myometrium: Muscle layer with circular, spiral, and longitudinal fibres
  3. Endometrium: Functional and basal layers
• What is the function of the cervix?

  It connects the vagina to the uterus and secretes mucus
• What is the blood supply to the uterus?

  Uterine and ovarian arteries, branches of the internal iliac artery
• What are the uterine tubes also known as?

  Fallopian tubes
• What is the function of the uterine tubes?

  To propel the ovum towards the uterus and provide a site for fertilization
• What is the infundibulum of the uterine tube?

  The funnel-shaped fringed end composed of fimbriae
• Where does fertilization usually occur in the uterine tube?

  In the ampulla, the wider portion of the tube
• What are the parts of the uterine tube?

  • Interstitial portion
  • Isthmus
  • Ampulla
  • Infundibulum
• What are the fallopian tubes also known as?

  Uterine tubes
• What is the primary function of the fallopian tubes?

  To propel the ovum towards the uterus and provide a site for fertilization
• How long is the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube?

  1. 25 cm
• What is the width of the lumen of the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube?

  1 mm
• How long is the isthmus of the fallopian tube?

  1. 5 cm
• What is the length of the ampulla of the fallopian tube?

  5 cm
• What is the function of the fimbriae at the infundibulum of the fallopian tube?

  To help catch the ovum released during ovulation
• What type of epithelium lines the fallopian tubes?

  Ciliated columnar epithelium
• What is the role of the cilia in the fallopian tubes?

  To waft the ovum from the infundibulum towards the uterus
• What do the goblet-shaped cells in the fallopian tubes produce?

  Secretions to nourish the ova
• What are the blood supply sources for the fallopian tubes?

  Ovarian and uterine arteries
• What is the lymphatic drainage for the fallopian tubes?

  Lumbar glands
• What is the nerve supply for the fallopian tubes?

  Ovarian plexus and the parasympathetic system
• What hormones do the ovaries produce?

  Oestrogen and progesterone