THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

A) EXTERNAL STRUCTURES (Vulva)

Mons Veneris/ Mons Pubis Mount of venus

Adipose tissue, covered by a triangle of coarse, curly hairs
Protect the junction of the pubic bone from trauma
Labia Majora
Two folds old adipose tissue
Serves as protection for the external genitalia and the distal
urethra and vagina
Labia Minora
Two smaller folds of skin
Other external Organs
i.
Clitoris cylindrical mass
ii.
Vestibuleregion between the labia minora
iii.
Prepuce(of the clitoris) is a formed of a point where the
labia minora unite and covers the body of the clitoris
iv.
Skeenes Glands/Paraurethral glands mucus secreting
glands are embedded in the wall of urethra
v.
Bartholins Glands open the ducts into a groove
between the hymen and labia minora
produce a small quantity of mucus
lining during sexual arousal and
intercourse that adds to cervical mucus
and provides lubrication
vi.
Fourchette
vii.
Perineum/ perinieal body diamond shaped area medial
to the thighs and buttocks of both males and females
viii.
Hymen covers the orifice
Sources of vulvar blood supply of external genitalia
i.
pudendal artery and part of the interior rectus artery
ii.
pudendal vein responsible for venous return
Pressure on this vein by fetal head may
lead to extensive back pressure and
development of varicosities in the labia
majora
Functions of venous and arterial blood
vessels: supplies blood, O2 and nutrient to
vulva and contributes to the rapid wound
healing of the perineum following child
birth
Vulvar nerve supply comes from
i.
Ilio inguinal and genitor- femoral nerves (level of L1)
ii.
Pudendal Nerve level of S3

B) INTERNAL STRUCTURES

Vagina
Receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse
The outlet for menstrual flow and the passageway for child
birth

 Is a tubular, 10- cm long fibromuscular canal lined with the

mucous membrane that extends from the exterior part of
the body to the uterine cervix.
PARTS:
i.
Vaginal rugae
ii.
Bulbocavernosus muscle
iii.
Vaginal Mucous

Uterus
Serves as the pathway for sperm deposited in the vagina to
reach the uterine tubes.
Site of implantation of a fertilized ovum, development of the
fetus during pregnancy, and labor.
During reproductive cycles, when implantation does not
occur, the uterus is the source of menstrual flow.
DIVISION OF THE UTERUS:
i.
Cervix
o Cervical canal
o Internal cervical os
o External cervical os
o Fornices anterior, posterior and lateral
sides
ii.
Isthmus
iii.
Corpus/ Body
iv.
Cornua connection of uterus and fallopian tube
v.
Fundus a dome shaped portion superior to the
uterine tubes
vi.
Uterine and cervical coats or layers of tissue
o Endometrium the inner layer of the uterus
o Endocervix
o Myometrium the middle layer of the uterus
o Perimetrium or serosa, anteriorly, it covers
the urinary bladder and forms a shallow
pouch
o
vii.
Uterine supports
o Posterior ligaments
o Broad ligaments
o round ligaments
viii.
Uterine blood comes from:
o Large descending aorta 2 iliac arteries
hypogastric arteries uterine arteries uterus

Fallopian tubes
Parts: (interstitial)
i.

Isthmus more medial, short, narrow, thick

walled- portion that joins the uterus
ii.
ampulla widest and LONGEST portion
;fertilization takes place
iii.
infundibulum part where the finger like of the
fallopian tube.
Ovaries/ Female gonads

 Produce, mature and discharge ova

Produces hormones estrogen and progesterone
Function of hormones:
i.
Estrogens- estrogen, Calcium
development of secondary sex characteristics
maintains productive size of uterus, breasts and
ovaries
prevents osteoporosis
its production keep cholesterol levels reduced
ii.

Progesterone- hormones of mothers

helps in milk production
helps make the uterus thickening
preparation for implantation