ANATOMY

OF FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM

The female reproductive system is complex as compared to the male reproductive system.
Females have to bear fetus during fetal period of development within their bodies. Modifications
and adaptations to bear the fetus makes female reproductive system more complex. The female
body also shows certain adaptations to become capable of bearing the fetus for nine months.
Main role of female reproductive system is to produce eggs and allow the process of fertilization
and development to take place within their body. The organs of female reproductive system are;

INTERNAL PARTS:

Ovaries These are two small, almond-shaped or oval structures present on the two sides
of the uterus. They are the site for maturation and synthesis (if required) of the ova and also serve
as an endocrine gland by secreting hormones necessary for various metabolic and reproductive
processes of the female body.

Each ovary is situated in a specialized depression called ovarian fossa present in the lateral wall
of the pelvis. They are stabilized by a set of ligaments called ovarian ligament and suspensory
ligament of the ovary. In addition, the ovaries are covered by mesovariuma part of the broad
ligament that encloses all the reproductive organs. The ovaries are connected to the Fallopian
tube through structures called fimbriae

Fallopian tubes the uterine tubes extend from the area of the ovaries to the uterus.
They open directly into the peritoneal cavity near each ovary and receive the oocyte. The
opening of each uterine tube is surrounded by long, thin processes called fimbrae. It is a 4 inches
long from each side of the uterus (fundus). It transports the mature ova form the ovaries to the
uterus and provide a place for fertilization of the ova by the sperm in its outer 3rd or outer half.
Parts:
Isthmus portion that is cut or sealed in a tubal ligation.
Ampulla widest, longest portion that spreads into fingerlike projections/fimbriae and it is
where fertilization usually occurs.
Infundibulum - rim of the funnel covered by fimbriated cells (hair covered fingerlike
projections) that help to guide the ova into the fallopian tube.

Uterus - is as big as a medium-sized pear. The part of the uterus superior to the entrance
of the uterine tubes is called fundus. The uterine wall is composed of three layers:
The outer layer called the serous layer or perimetrium of the uterus helps hold the uterus in place
and covers the myometrium.
The middle layer called the muscular layer or myometrium, consisting mainly of uterine smooth
muscle cells (also called uterine myocytes), but also of supporting stromal and vascular tissue. Its
main function is to induce uterine contractions
The innermost layer of the uterus is the endometrium, the inner epithelial layer, along with its
mucous membrane, of the mammalian uterus. It has a basal layer and a functional layer; the
functional layer thickens and then is sloughed during the menstrual cycle or estrous cycle.
During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in size and
number. Vascular spaces fuse and become interconnected, forming the placenta, which supplies
oxygen and nutrition to the embryo and fetus.

EXTERNAL PARTS:

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).
The wall of this fibro muscular canal is made up of three layers that comprise stratified
squamous epithelium as the innermost layer, smooth muscle fibers in the middle layer, and an
outermost connective tissue layer called adventitia.

External Genitalia also called vulva or pudendum of the vestibule and its surrounding
structures. The vestibule is the space into which the vagina and urethra open. The vestibule is
bordered by a pair of thin, longitudinal skin folds called the labia minora. A small erectile
structure called clitoris. The two labia minora unite over the clitoris to form a fold skin called the
prepuce. Lateral to the labia minora are two prominent, rounded folds skin called labia majora.
The space between the labia majora is called the pudendal.

Fertilization is the meeting of sperm cell and the fertilized ovum. It can only occur if
intercourse takes place before the time of ovulation that usually occurs mid-cycle or about 14
days before the woman's next menstrual period. At the time of ovulation, the ovum is released
from the ovary and transported in the fallopian tube where it remains for about 24-48 hours.
Sperm cells remain viable within the female reproductive tract for about 72 hours. Only a single
sperm cell is needed to fertilize the ovum, even though the average ejaculation contains
approximately 300 million sperm.