Female reproductive system Flashcards
What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
- Production of gametes (ova)
- production of male gametes (spermatozoa)
- nurture embryo/foetus
- childbirth
- lactation
What are the internal structures of the female reproductive system?
- 2 ovaries
- 2 Fallopian tube
- Uterus and cervix
- Vagina
What are the external genitalia of the female reproductive system?
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Urethral meatus
- Vaginal orifice
- Perineum
What is the mons pubis?
Tissue mound made up of fat under the skin, located directly anterior to the pubic bones.
What is the labia majora?
Two fatty folds of tissue extending from mons pubis in which round ligaments terminate (outer surface covered by pubic hair. It encloses and protects the vagina and urethra.
What is the labia minora?
2 smaller longitudinal folds of very vascular tissue. Encloses the clitoris.
What is the urethral meatus?
The opening of the female urethra
What is the vaginal orifice?
Opening into the vagina
What is the perineum?
Protects the pelvic floor muscles and blood vessels.
Describe the uterus
- Hollow, muscular pear shaped organ
- Non pregnant uterus weighs about 50g
- Has 3 parts
- Fundus
- Body
- Cervix - Has 3 layers
- Inner - endometrium
- Middle - myometrium
- Outer - perimetric
The uterus can be anteverted, which means learning forward and is the normal way. Or your uterus can be anteflexion which means it bends forward upon itself.
The uterus lies in the pelvic cavity (the pelvic cavity sits below the abdominal cavity) between the bladder and the rectum.
Describe the perimetetrium
This is the outer layer that drapes the uterus anteriorly to form a fold between the uterus and the bladder and over the Fallopian tubes.
It forms the broad ligament and maintains the anatomical position of the uterus.
Describe the myometrium
This is made up of muscle fibres and makes up 7/8 thickness of the uterine wall.
During pregnancy it becomes thicker and more defined.
What are the muscle fibres like in the uterus?
- Inner circular - cornea and cervix
- Oblique/spiral - body of the uterus
- Longitudinal - from cervix up, over, posteriorly to cervix.
Describe the endometrium
This is the inner layer of the uterus.
The cells are ciliated and entire cell layer undergoes considerable changes during the menstrual cycle.
Superficial and middle decimal layers are shed during menstruation.
Vascular connective tissue called storm secrete alkaline mucus into uterine cavity.
What does superficial mean?
Nearer the surface