Lecture 10 - The Female Reproductive System Flashcards
what is the clitoris?
erectile structure
what is the space between the labia minor and majora?
vestibule
what is the labia minora?
2 small folds on each side containing erectile tissue
what is the labia majora?
2 thick folds of fat, skin, and muscle to form mons pubis
where is the urethral opening?
behind clitoris
where is the vaginal opening?
behind the urethral opening
what are greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) glands?
pea-sized glands, secretes mucus, keeps vulva moist
what is the hymen?
thin membrane that separates external genitalia from vagina
how is the uterus angled?
anteverted (leans forwards with cervix pointing backwards
anteflexed (bent forward so rests on bladder)
describe the structure of the breast
supported by ligaments to overlying skin and underlying chest wall muscles
nipple - centred, erectile tissure, dark in colour, sebacious glands, surrounded by areola
how many lobes per breast?
20 lobes surrounded by connective tissue and fat
what duct expels milk?
lactiferous duct
what happens during female puberty?
- Female secondary sex characteristics
- Budding breasts (around age 11)
- Menarche – 1st menstruation
- Increased subcutaneous fat
- Widening & lightening of bones of pelvic girdle
- Axillary & pubic hair
- Estrogen-induced growth spurt from age 12 – 17
what happens to women during menopause?
- Female reproductive peak: late 20s
- Age mid 30s: rate of follicle degeneration increases
- Ovulation & menstruation cease: age 46 to 54
- Ovaries stop secreting estrogen
- Reproductive organs & breasts begin to atrophy
what anatomical changes occur in pregnancy?
- Navel becomes convex due to expanding abdomen - symptoms like weak bladder control and backache.
- The pelvis tilts and the back arches (balance)
- Gait lengthens, increased body weight of pregnancy, fluid retention, and weight gain lowers the arches of the foot, further adding to the foot’s length and width.
