Fem repz

• Functions of the female reproductive system

  • Produce sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone)
  • Produce egg (ova)
  • Support & protect developing embryo
  • Give birth to new baby

  
• Major organs of the female reproductive system

  • Cervix
  • Vagina
  • Ovaries (gonads)
  • Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
  • Uterus

  
• Ovaries


  Also known as female gonads, they produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone)

  
• Fallopian tubes


  • Stretch from the uterus to the ovaries, measure 8-13 cm, have fimbria and cilia to capture and move the egg
  • Have 4 parts: fimbria, infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus
  • Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla

  
• Uterus


  • Pear-shaped muscular organ, fundus is upper portion where pregnancy occurs
  • Cervix is lower portion that connects to vagina and acts as a sphincter
  • Uterus expands 10-20 times normal size during pregnancy
• Fertilization and pregnancy


  1. Fertilized egg implants in uterine lining

  2. Cells divide and grow into embryo and fetus

  3. Fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from placenta via umbilical cord

  4. Uterus contracts to dilate cervix and push out fetus during birth
• Uterus structure


  • Outer muscular layer (myometrium)
  • Inner glandular lining (endometrium) that thickens during menstrual cycle for implantation
• Endometrium


  • Central, echogenic, average thickness 6.7 mm
  • Blood vessels increase in size and number to form placenta during pregnancy
• Cervix


  • Produces mucus for lubrication and sperm transport
  • Mucus changes consistency during ovulation
  • Expands 50x normal width during childbirth
• Vagina


  • Muscular sheath connecting external genitals to uterus
  • Accepts penis during intercourse
  • Provides passage for menstrual flow and childbirth
• External genitalia

  • Vulva
  • Labia majora
  • Labia minora
  • Clitoris
• External female genitalia


  • Urethral orifice below clitoris
  • Vaginal opening below urethral orifice
  • Hymen partially covers vaginal opening

  
• Major organs


  • Cervix
  • Vagina
  • Ovaries
  • Uterine tubes
  • Uterus
• Fimbriae


  • Finger-like, ciliated projections which capture the ovum from the surface of the ovary
• Infundibulum


  • Funnel-shaped opening near the ovary to which fimbriae are attached
• Ampulla


  • Widest section of the uterine tubes, fertilization usually occurs here
• Isthmus


  • Narrow section of the uterine tubes connecting the ampulla to the uterine cavity
• Placenta


  Supplies oxygen and nutrition to the embryo & fetus
• Functions of the vagina

  • Provides passage way for blood and mucosal tissue s from the uterus during a woman's monthly period
  • Receives the penis during sexual intercourse and holds the sperm until they pass into the uterus
  • Provides a passageway for Childbirth
• Cervical mucus


  • Stops sperm from entering the uterus when a person is not fertile or when they are pregnant
  • Stops bacteria from entering the uterus and keeps the vagina healthy
  • Allows fluids, such as menstrual blood, to pass through
• umbilical cord


  passage of oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the growing fetus
• endometrium


  The part of uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle to allow implantation of a fertilized egg
• Vulva


  Runs from the pubic area downward to the rectum
• Labia majora


  • Part around the vagina containing two glands (Bartholin's glands)
  • Helps lubrication during intercourse
• Labia minora

  • Thin hairless ridges at the entrance of the vagina
  • Joins behind and in front
  • In front they split to enclose the clitoris
• Clitoris

  • Small pea-shaped structure
  • Plays an important part in sexual excitement in females
• fimbria 


  the ends of the fallopian tubes lying next to the ovaries feather into ends
• hymen 


  thin cresentic fold of tissue which partially covers the opening of the vagina
• cervix


  acts as the passage through which the baby exits the uterus into the vagina