Anatomy Of Female Reproductive Tract By Dr Sree Teja: Obstetrics and Gynecology Lectures

Описание: External Genitalia (Vulva)
The external part of the female reproductive system is collectively called the vulva, and it includes several structures:

Mons Pubis: The fatty tissue located above the pubic bone. It is covered with pubic hair after puberty.
Labia Majora: The outer, larger folds of skin that protect the inner structures of the vagina.
Labia Minora: The smaller, inner folds that surround the opening of the vagina and urethra.
Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ located at the top of the labia minora. It is the primary source of female sexual pleasure due to its rich nerve endings.
Urethral Opening: The opening that leads to the urethra, which is used for urination.
Vaginal Opening (Introitus): The entrance to the vagina, which also serves as the passage for menstrual blood, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

2 Internal Reproductive Organs

Vagina: The muscular tube that extends from the external genitalia to the cervix of the uterus. It serves as the passage for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It serves as a barrier to protect the uterus from infection and plays a role in sperm transport during sexual intercourse. During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through.

Uterus (Womb): A hollow, muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy. The uterus has three main parts:
Fundus: The upper, dome-shaped portion of the uterus.
Body: The main, central part of the uterus where implantation of the embryo occurs.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens in preparation for pregnancy each menstrual cycle and is shed during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.
Myometrium: The muscular middle layer of the uterus, responsible for contractions during labor.

Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts): A pair of narrow tubes extending from the upper corners of the uterus toward the ovaries. They provide the pathway for the egg (ovum) to travel from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.

Ovaries: The female gonads (reproductive glands) that produce eggs (ova) and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Each ovary contains thousands of immature eggs, and one egg is usually released each month during ovulation.

3 Functionality of the Female Reproductive System

Ovulation: Occurs when an ovary releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube. This typically happens around the middle of the menstrual cycle.

Fertilization: If sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization can occur. The fertilized egg (zygote) then travels down the fallopian tube and implants into the endometrium of the uterus.

Pregnancy: If fertilization occurs, the embryo starts to develop in the uterus. The body produces hormones that prevent further ovulation and menstruation, and the fetus grows inside the uterus over a 9-month period.

Menstrual Cycle: The female body undergoes a monthly cycle, generally lasting about 28 days, during which an egg is matured and released (ovulation). If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus is shed during menstruation.

Supporting Structures

Broad Ligament: A wide, flat ligament that supports the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, keeping them in place within the pelvic cavity.

Round Ligament: Connects the front of the uterus to the groin, providing support.

Pelvic Floor Muscles: A group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. They are important for urinary control and childbirth.

Hormonal Regulation

Estrogen and Progesterone: The primary hormones involved in the regulation of the female reproductive system. Estrogen promotes the maturation of eggs and the development of secondary sexual characteristics (like breast development), while progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains the uterine lining.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

6. Pathophysiological Considerations
Understanding the normal structure and function of the female reproductive system also involves recognizing potential conditions that affect it. For example:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition in which the ovaries contain numerous small cysts, causing hormonal imbalance and potential fertility issues.

Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, infertility, and other complications.

Fibroids: Non-cancerous tumors that grow within the walls of the uterus and can cause heavy periods, pain, and fertility problems.

Cervical Cancer: Cancer of the cervix, often associated with persistent infection by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).