ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Internal Structures

Ovaries

 The ovaries are the ultimate life-maker for the females.

 For its physical structure, it has an estimated length of 4 cm and width of 2 cm and is
1.5 cm thick. It appears to be shaped like an almond. It looks pitted, like a raisin, but
is grayish white in color.
 It is located proximal to both sides of the uterus at the lower abdomen.
 For its function, the ovaries produce, mature, and discharge the egg cells or ova.
 Ovarian function is for the maturation and maintenance of the secondary sex
characteristics in females.
 It also has three divisions: the protective layer of epithelium, the cortex, and the
central medulla.

Fallopian Tubes

 The fallopian tubes serve as the pathway of the egg cells towards the uterus.
 It is a smooth, hollow tunnel that is divided into four parts: the interstitial, which is 1
cm in length; the isthmus, which is2 cm in length; the ampulla, which is 5 cm in
length; and the infundibular, which is 2 cm long and shaped like a funnel.
 The funnel has small hairs called the fimbria that propel the ovum into the fallopian
tube.
 The fallopian tube is lined with mucous membrane, and underneath is the connective
tissue and the muscle layer.
 The muscle layer is responsible for the peristaltic movements that propel the ovum
forward.
 The distal ends of the fallopian tubes are open, making a pathway for conception to
occur.

Uterus

 The uterus is described as a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ.

 It is located at the lower pelvis, which is posterior to the bladder and anterior to the
rectum.
 The uterus has an estimated length of 5 to 7 cm and width of 5 cm. it is 2.5 cm deep in
its widest part.
 For non-pregnant women, it is approximately 60g in weight.
 Its function is to receive the ovum from the fallopian tube and provide a place for
implantation and nourishment.
 It also gives protection for the growing fetus.
  It is divided into three: the body, the isthmus, and the cervix. f
 The body forms the bulk of the uterus, being the uppermost part. This is also the part
that expands to accommodate the growing fetus.
 The isthmus is just a short connection between the body and the cervix. This is the
portion that is cut during a cesarean section.
 The cervix lies halfway above the vagina, and the other half extends into the vagina. It
has an internal and external cervical os, which is the opening into the cervical canal.

Cervix

 The cervix is the lower end of the womb (uterus). It is at the top of the vagina. It is about
2.5 to 3.5 cm long. The cervical canal passes through the cervix. It allows blood from a
menstrual period and a baby (fetus) to pass from the womb into the vagina.
 The cervical canal also allows sperm to pass from the vagina into the uterus.

External Structures

Mons Pubis

 The mons veneris is a pad of fat tissues over the symphysis pubis.
 It has a covering of coarse, curly hairs, the pubic hair.
 It protects the pubic bone from trauma.

Labia Minora

 The labia minora is a spread of two connective tissue folds that are pinkish in color.
 The internal surface is composed of mucous membrane and the external surface is
skin.
 It contains sebaceous glands all over the area.

Labia Majora

 Lateral to the labia minora are two folds of fat tissue covered by loose connective
tissue and epithelium, the labia majora.
 Its function is to protect the external genitalia and the distal urethra and vagina from
trauma.
 It is covered in pubic hair that serves as additional protection against harmful bacteria
that may enter the structure.

Clitoris

 The clitoris is a small, circular organ of erectile tissue at the front of the labia minora.
 The prepuce, a fold of skin, serves as its covering.
 This is the center for sexual arousal and pleasure for females because it is highly
sensitive to touch and temperature.

Skene’s Glands

 Also called as paraurethral glands, they are found lateral to the urethral meatus and
have ducts that open into the urethra.
 The secretions from this gland lubricate the external genitalia during coitus.

Bartholin’s Gland
  Also called bulbovaginal gland, this is another gland responsible for the lubrication of
the external genitalia during coitus.
 It has ducts that open into the distal vagina.
 Both of these glands secretions are alkaline to help the sperm survive in the vagina.

Perineal Body

 This is a muscular area that stretches easily during childbirth.

 Most pregnancy exercises such as Kegel’s and squatting are done to strengthen the
perineal body to allow easier expansion during childbirth and avoid tearing the tissue.