I.

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is one of the most vital parts of the human reproductive
process. Although a mans sperm is needed to reproduce, the fetus develops inside a woman
and she delivers the child.
Females are born with a fixed number of potential ova (female sex cells, also called egg cells).
However, it isnt until after the onset of puberty, typically around age 12, that these cells are
mature enough to sustain life. The cells ripen on a regular basis, but, usually, only one is
released each month until a woman reaches menopause. Menopause commonly begins
between the ages of 45 and 55.

I.I Parts of the female Reproductive system

Clitoris: is a small, sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, just above the urethra
and the vaginal opening. The function of the clitoris is to provide pleasure.

Labia majora and labia minora: Women have two sets of labia: the labia majora (outer
labia) and the labia minora (inner labia), which sit inside the outer labia. There are lots of
other names for the labia minora. You might call them flaps or lips but, whatever you call
them, the labia minora have a very important function. They protect the vagina and
theyre also full of nerve endings that provide sensation and lubrication during sex.

Perineum: is the region of the body inferior to the pelvic diaphragm and between the
legs and it is a diamond-shaped area on the inferior surface of the trunk which includes
the anus and, in females, the vagina.

Mons Pubis: is a rounded mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. During
puberty, it becomes covered with hair. The Mons pubis contains oil-secreting
(sebaceous) glands that release substances that are involved in sexual attraction
(pheromones).

Skenes gland: It has been postulated that the Skene's glands are the source of female
ejaculation.

Bartholins gland: are two pea sized compound racemose glandslocated slightly
posterior and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina. They secrete mucus to
lubricate the vagina and are homologous to bulbourethral glands in males.

Fourchette:
a tense band of mucous membranes at the posterior angle of the vagina that connects th
e posterior ends of the labia minora.

Uterus: is a hollow muscular organ of the female reproductive system that is responsible
for the development of the embryo and fetus during pregnancy.

Ovary: have two main reproductive functions in the body. They produce oocytes (eggs)
for fertilization and they produce the reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Cervix: allows flow of menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and direct the
sperms into the uterus during intercourse. The opening of the cervical canal is normally
very narrow.

Vagina: receives the penis during sexual intercourse and also serves as a conduit for
menstrual flow from the uterus. During childbirth, the baby passes through
the vagina (birth canal).

II.

Functions of the female breast

The breast is the tissue overlying the chest (pectoral) muscles. Women's breasts are made of
specialized tissue that produces milk (glandular tissue) as well as fatty tissue. The amount of fat
determines the size of the breast.
The milk-producing part of the breast is organized into 15 to 20 sections, called lobes. Within
each lobe are smaller structures, called lobules, where milk is produced. The milk travels
through a network of tiny tubes called ducts. The ducts connect and come together into larger
ducts, which eventually exit the skin in the nipple. The dark area of skin surrounding the nipple
is called the areola.

II.1. Parts and functions of the female breast

Areola pigmented area at the center of each breast.

Nipple protruding area at the center of each breast.

Lobes and Lobules: Internally, the mammary gland is composed of 15-25 lobes that
radiates around the nipple. Each lobe consists of about 20-40 lobules, a smaller milk

duct that contains 10-100 supporting alveoli

Glandular Tissue: are responsible for milk production and transportation

Connective Tissue: Connective tissue supports the breast. Coopers ligaments are
fibrous bands that attach the breast to the chest wall and keep the breast from sagging.

Adipose tissue (fat) protects the breast from injury.

Stages of labor and birth

o

First Stage: Dilation and Effacement of the Cervix

A. Early (or Latent) Phase -- cervix dilates from zero to three or four centimeters

The beginnings of labor may be subtle or dramatic - and it happens differently in every woman.
In some women, the cervix dilates to three centimeters well before any noticeable, real
contractions (or labor) begin. Other women can have strong, contractions that don't change her
cervical dilation at all. But, in general, the early phase brings some effacement (thinning and
softening of the cervix) and dilation to three centimeters over a period of hours or days.
Contractions can be mild and somewhat irregular, coming from 5 to 30 minutes apart, lasting 30
to 45 seconds. You might see some pinkish discharge and feel a bit of abdominal discomfort.
The "water" may "break" (rupture of membranes) in this early phase, or this may happen later in
the first or second stage, either on its own or with help from your practitioner.

B. Active Phase -- cervix dilates from four to seven centimeters

During the active phase, contractions usually come steadily, gradually increasing in
intensity and frequency, from three to five minutes apart. Pains may be centered in the lower
back, abdomen, or thighs, and they may be intense enough to make it hard for you to talk. You
might also experience an increased amount of pinkish or brownish discharge, or what's
sometimes called a "bloody show."

C. Transition phase -- cervix dilates to eight to ten centimeters

Contractions during this phase are usually intense, spaced about one to three
minutes apart. Increasing fatigue, shakiness, and nausea are all common in this phase, as your
body does the hard work of reaching complete dilation and effacement. You may feel a strong
urge to push or bear down, along with pressure in the rectal area and stinging in the vaginal
area as the baby's head moves down toward the vaginal opening.

Second Stage: Pushing and Birth

The second stage of childbirth begins when the cervix is fully dilated. It lasts about an average
of one-half hour to two hours in first-time moms. In subsequent births, it may last anywhere from
a few minutes to two hours.

Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta

The incredible moment of baby's birth is followed swiftly by the delivery of the
placenta (sometimes called "the afterbirth"). This usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to
a half hour.

Fourth Stage: Recovery phase

Stage Four, or recovery, lasts for several hours after the birth of your baby as your body
adjusts to the physical and emotional changes that come with the birth.