FRS

• Reproductive system


  Consists of primary and secondary sex organs and sex glands. The primary function is to perpetuate the species through sexual or germ cell fertilization and reproduction.
• Female reproductive system


  • Includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, and vulva
• Uterus


  Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ about the size of a woman's clenched fist. Has 3 layers: perimetrium (outside layer), myometrium (muscular inside layer), and endometrium (mucous membrane lining)
• Uterus


  • Tipped forward in a normal 'anteflexion' fundus position
  • Supported and held in position by ligaments
  • Cervical opening is about the diameter of a pencil
• Functions of the uterus

  1. Endometrium sheds the lining every 21 to 40 days by menstruation

  2. Provides a place for the protection and nourishment of the fetus during pregnancy

  3. Contracts during labor to expel the fetus
• Fallopian tubes


  • Tube widens to form the ampulla
  • Isthmus connects to uterus
  • Fimbria are finger-like projections that trap the egg
  • Infundibulum is the end of the tube with the ostium (opening)
• Fallopian tube


  1. 6 inches long. Egg released from ovary is captured by fimbria and moved along by muscular contractions and cilia. Fertilization occurs here.
• Ovaries


  • Oval-shaped, about the size of a large olive, attached to uterus by ligament
  • Filled with egg-containing follicles
  • One follicle ripens and ruptures every 21 days, releasing the ovum/egg (ovulation)
• Corpus luteum


  Temporary, progesterone-producing structure that forms after the follicle ruptures
• Vagina


  3.5 inch long muscular tube that expands during sexual arousal. Passageway for menstruation and childbirth.
• Organs of the vulva

  • Mons pubis
  • Labia majora
  • Labia minora
  • Vestibule
  • Clitoris
• Perineum


  Area between vaginal opening and anus. Muscular sheet that can tear during childbirth.
• Episiotomy


  Surgical incision made to avoid uncontrolled tearing of the perineum during childbirth
• Breasts


  • Mammary glands varying in size. Each has 15-20 glandular lobes separated by connective tissue. Produce milk after childbirth.
• Areola


  Dark-colored circle at the tip of the breast containing sebaceous glands
• Colostrum


  First secretion from the breast after childbirth, a thin yellowish substance containing nutrients and mother's immunities
• Menstrual cycle


  1. Follicular phase (menstruation)

  2. Ovulatory phase (estrogen stimulates follicle maturation and endometrium thickening)

  3. Luteal phase (corpus luteum develops, progesterone secretion, endometrium preparation for implantation)
• Female reproductive organs


  • Clitoris
  • Vagina
  • Cervix
  • Uterus
  • Endometrium
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Ovaries