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Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system (Uterus (The…
Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
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.
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.
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.
Vagina
The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal with a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation.
The vagina connects the uterus to the outside world.
The vulva and labia form the entrance, and the cervix of the uterus protrudes into the vagina, forming the interior end.
The 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).
Vulva
The vulva is the external genitalia of the female reproductive tract, situated immediately external to the genital orifice.
Major structures of the vulva include the labia major and minora, mons pubis, clitoris, bulb of vestibule, vulva vestibule, vestibular glands, and the genital orifice (or opening of the vagina ).
The vulva is rich in nerves that are stimulated during sexual activity and arousal.
The vulva also contains the opening of the female urethra and thus serves the vital function of passing urine.
Major structure of the vulva
The mons pubis
The labia majora and the labia minora
The external portion of the clitoris and the clitoral hood
The vulval vestibule
The pudendal cleft
The frenulum labiorum pudendi or fourchette
The opening (or urinary meatus) of the urethra
The opening (or introitus) of the vagina
The hymen
Pelvic floor
The pelvic floor is a dome-shaped muscular sheet separating the pelvic cavity above from the perineal region below.
This cavity encloses the pelvic viscera - bladder, intestines, and uterus(in females).
Functions
To support the abdominal and pelvic viscera
To maintain the continence of urine and faeces
Allows voiding, defaecation, sexual activity, and childbirth