Female Reproductive Anatomy Liz Neitch Hunter Dollery

Functions Uterine tube- The primary function of the uterine tubes is to transport sperm toward the egg, which is released by the ovary, and to then allow passage of the fertilized egg back to the uterus for implantation. A uterine tube contains 3 parts. Ovary- In addition to their role in producing ova, the ovaries also have the distinction of being an endocrine gland because they secrete hormones—primarily estrogen and progesterone—that are vital to normal reproductive development and fertility. Uterus- Functions of the uterus include nurturing the fertilized ovum that develops into the fetus and holding it till the baby is mature enough for birth. The ferlized ovum gets implanted into the endometrium and derives nourishment from blood vessels which develop exclusively for this purpose. Vesicouterine Pouch- A pocket formed by the deflection of the peritoneum from the bladder to the uterus. Vagina-The vagina is the sex organ that distends to envelop the male's penis during sexal intercourse. It is the receptacle for sperm, the passage way for menstrual blood, and the fetus during childbirth.

Functions Clitorus- female erogenous organ capable of erection under sexual stimulation. A female homologue of the male penis, the clitoris develops (as does the penis) from the genital tubercle of the fetus, and it plays an important role in female sexual response. Labium minus-lie within the two labia majora. They are soft, delicate folds of skin that contain connective tissue but no fat. The labia minora are covered with moist, shiny mucous membranes and have no pubic hair. Labium majus-The main function of the labia majora along with the coarse hairs on it is to keep away germs and bacteria from entering the inner parts of the vagina Rectouterine Pouch-is the extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and the posterior wall of the uterus in the female human body Fornix-is a C-shaped bundle of fibers (axons) in the brain that carries signals from the hippocampus to the mammillary bodies and then to the anterior nuclei of thalamus. The fornix is part of the limbic system. Cervix-allow flow of menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and direct the sperms into the uterus during intercourse. Greater Vestiublar Gland- Greater vestibular glands, also known as Bartholin’s glands, are two exocrine glands that lie under cover of the posterior parts of the bulb of vestibule and the labia majora. These glands are homologous to the male bulbourethral glands. They secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Functions Fallopian tube-carries an egg from the ovary to the uterus. Unless a biological abnormality, surgery, or ectopic pregnancy caused the loss of a tube, women should have two uterine tubes in their bodies. Myometrium-is the middle layer of the uterine wall, 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. Endometrium-This layer is built up after the end of menstruation during the first part of the previous menstrual cycle. Perimetrium-layer that forms the external skin of the uterus Fundus of the Uterus- The fundus is the rounded portion of the uterus that is directed upward. It projects above the entrance of the uterine tubes, forming the roof of the uerine cavity. Measured during pregnancy. Internal OS-is the part of the cervix that opens into the uterus External OS-The external orifice of the uterus (or ostium of uterus, or external os) is a small, depressed, somewhat circular aperture on the rounded extremity of the vaginal portion of the cervix. Through this aperture, the cervical cavity communicates with that of the vagina. Introitus- The opening of the vagina