Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the external part of the female genitalia called? What does it consist of?
Vulva = labia majora + labia minora + clitoris + vagina
Labia majora
2 longitudinal folds of fat and skin that extend from the mons pubis to the perineum. Serves to protect the more delicate inner structures of the vulva.
Mons pubis
Pubic mound; region of fatty tissue that sits over the pubic bone
Perineum
Area between the vulva and anus
Labia minora
Smaller folds of skin lacking fatty tissue. Between the labia majora. Leads to the vagina. Protects the vagina from mechanical irritation, dryness, infections that come from secretions by glands.
Clitoris
Organ lying at the top of the vulva just below the labia. Nerve rich and acts as an erogenous zone.
Vagina
Elastic muscular part of the female genital tract. Connects the uterus to the vulva to allow for sex, childbirth, and menstruation. Acidic to prevent infection from microbes.
Hymen
A thin piece of mucosal tissue that surrounds or partially covers the vagina. Can be broken during sex resulting in pain and bleeding.
Cervix
Ring of muscles that forms a gateway of entry from the vagina into the uterus.
Pap smear
Cells of the cervix are collected and tested for abnormalities to allow the early detection of cervical cancer, one of the major forms of cancer in females.
Which virus causes almost all the cases of cervical cancer today?
Human papilloma virus. The advent of a vaccine however has greatly reduced this problem.
Uterus
Extends (upwards) from the cervix. AKA womb. Largest organ in the Female reproductive system. Basically a muscular hollow organ (chamber thing).
Endometrium
The uterine lining. A gland where the fertilized ovum will implant and develop into an embryo or is otherwise shed with the 2 oocyte if the oocyte goes unfertilized.
How are ovaries attached to the uterus?
Ovarian ligaments.
How does the 2 oocyte get to the uterus?
The fimbria direct the 2 oocyte into the fallopian tubes which have cilia and move the 2 oocyte along the tube (along w muscle contractions).
How long does it take for the 2 oocyte to move thru the fallopian tube?
30 hours
How long does the 2 oocyte have to be fertilized within the tube?
12-24 hours
Fimbria
Fingerlike projections containing cilia to sweep the 2 oocyte toward the fallopian tubes.
The reproductive system remains separate from the exocrine system in females. How is this possible?
The urethra is not connected to any reproductive organs. It is shorter in females than males, increasing the risk of bladder infections.
