Anatomy and Physiology

• Ovaries


  Form and expel ova
• Ovaries


  Secrete estrogen and progesterone
• Fallopian Tubes


  Transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Fallopian Tubes


  Fertilization usually occurs in the ampulla, the widest part of the tube.
• 3 parts of the Fallopian Tube:

  • Isthmus
  • Ampulla
  • Infundibular
• Uterus 


  Receives ova from the fallopian tube.
• Uterus


  Provides a place for implantation and nourishment during fetal growth.
• Uterus


  Protects the growing fetus.
• Uterus


  Expels mature fetus from the woman’s body.
• 3 layers of the Uterus

  • Endometrium
  • Myometrium
  • Perimetrium
• Layers of the Uterus

  Endometrium: Inner lining that thickens during the menstrual cycle; sheds during menstruation if fertilization does not occur.
• Layers of the Uterus

  Perimetrium: Outer layer that covers the uterus.
• Layers of the Uterus

  Myometrium: Middle, muscular layer responsible for contractions during labor.
• Cervix


  Lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Cervix


  Produces cervical mucus that changes consistency throughout the menstrual cycle
• Cervix


  Dilates during labor to allow the passage of the baby.
• Vagina


  Muscular canal leading from the cervix to the exterior of the body.
• Vagina


  Functions as the birth canal, passage for menstrual flow, and site of sperm deposition during intercourse.
• Uterine Deviations

  Anteversion - fundus is tipped forward.
• Uterine Deviations

  Retroversion - fundus is tipped backward.
• Uterine Deviations

  Anteflexion - body of the uterus is bent sharply forward at the junction with the cervix.
• Uterine Deviations

  Retroflexion - the body is bent sharply back
• Vagina


  Acts as an organ of intercourse.
• Vagina


  Conveys sperm to the cervix.
• Vagina


  Serves as birth canal.
• Vagina

  pH is acidic due to the action of Doderiein’s bacillas.
• The Breasts (Mammary glands)

  Oxytocin - constrict milk gland cells and push milk forward into the ducts that lead to the nipple.
• The Breasts (Mammary glands)

  Areola - composed of Montgomery’s tubercles.
• Pelvis 


  Shields the reproductive organs, bladder, and part of the intestines
• Innominate Bones (Hip Bones)

  Ilium: The large, flaring bone that forms the superior part of the hip bone.
• Innominate Bones (Hip Bones):

  Ischium: The curved bone forming the base of each half of the pelvis.
• Innominate Bones (Hip Bones):

  Pubis: The anterior portion of the pelvic bone, forming the front of the pelvis.
• Sacrum


  A triangular bone at the base of the spine, forming the posterior wall of the pelvis.
• Coccyx


  Commonly known as the tailbone.
• Coccyx


  Located at the very bottom of the vertebral column, providing attachment for ligaments and muscles.
• Divisions of the Pelvis

  False Pelvis or Greater Pelvis
• Divisions of the Pelvis:

  False Pelvis

  • The superior portion of the pelvis.
• Divisions of the Pelvis:

  False Pelvis

  • Supports the abdominal organs but does not play a direct role in childbirth.
• Divisions of the Pelvis:

  True Pelvis or Lesser Pelvis
• Divisions of the Pelvis:

  True Pelvis

  • The inferior portion of the pelvis.