THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries alongwith a pair
of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina and the external genitalia located in
pelvic region .These parts of the system alongwith a pair of the
mammary glands are integrated structurally and functionally to support
the processes of ovulation, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth and child care.
Ovary:
Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female
gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones).
The ovaries are located one on each side of the lower abdomen
. Each ovary is about 2 to 4 cm in length and is connected to
the pelvic wall and uterus by ligaments. Each ovary is covered by a thin
epithelium which encloses the ovarian stroma. The stroma is divided into
two zones – a peripheral cortex and an inner medulla.
Fallopian tube(oviduct) : Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends
from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus , the part closer
to the ovary is the funnel-shaped infundibulum. The edges of the
infundibulum possess finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help in
collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider
part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct, isthmus has
a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus.
Uterus: The uterus is single and it is also called womb. The shape of the uterus
is like an inverted pear. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic
wall. The uterus opens into vagina through a narrow cervix. The cavity of
the cervix is called cervical canal which alongwith vagina
forms the birth canal. The wall of the uterus has three layers of tissue. The
external thin membranous perimetrium, middle thick layer of smooth
muscle, myometrium and inner glandular layer called endometrium that
lines the uterine cavity. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during
menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong contraction during
delivery of the baby.
External genital organ:
The female external genitalia include mons pubis, labia majora, labia
minora, hymen and clitoris .Mons pubis is a cushion of fatty
tissue covered by skin and pubic hair. The labia majora are fleshy folds of
tissue, which extend down from the mons pubis and surround the vaginal
opening. The labia minora are paired folds of tissue under the labia majora.
The opening of the vagina is often covered partially by a membrane called
hymen. The clitoris is a tiny finger-like structure which lies at the upper
junction of the two labia minora above the urethral opening. The hymen is
often torn during the first intercourse.
Mammary gland : A functional mammary gland is characteristic of all female mammals.
The mammary glands are paired structures (breasts) that contain
glandular tissue and variable amount of fat. The glandular tissue of each
breast is divided into 15-20 mammary lobes containing clusters of cells
called alveoli .The cells of alveoli secrete milk, which is stored
in the cavities of alveoli. The alveoli open into mammary tubules.
The tubules of each lobe join to form a mammary duct. Several mammary
ducts join to form a wider mammary ampulla which is connected to
lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out.
The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries alongwith a pair
of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina and the external genitalia located in
pelvic region .These parts of the system alongwith a pair of the
mammary glands are integrated structurally and functionally to support
the processes of ovulation, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth and child care.
Ovary:
Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female
gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones).
The ovaries are located one on each side of the lower abdomen
. Each ovary is about 2 to 4 cm in length and is connected to
the pelvic wall and uterus by ligaments. Each ovary is covered by a thin
epithelium which encloses the ovarian stroma. The stroma is divided into
two zones – a peripheral cortex and an inner medulla.
Fallopian tube(oviduct) : Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends
from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus , the part closer
to the ovary is the funnel-shaped infundibulum. The edges of the
infundibulum possess finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help in
collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider
part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct, isthmus has
a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus.
Uterus: The uterus is single and it is also called womb. The shape of the uterus
is like an inverted pear. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic
wall. The uterus opens into vagina through a narrow cervix. The cavity of
the cervix is called cervical canal which alongwith vagina
forms the birth canal. The wall of the uterus has three layers of tissue. The
external thin membranous perimetrium, middle thick layer of smooth
muscle, myometrium and inner glandular layer called endometrium that
lines the uterine cavity. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during
menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong contraction during
delivery of the baby.
External genital organ:
The female external genitalia include mons pubis, labia majora, labia
minora, hymen and clitoris .Mons pubis is a cushion of fatty
tissue covered by skin and pubic hair. The labia majora are fleshy folds of
tissue, which extend down from the mons pubis and surround the vaginal
opening. The labia minora are paired folds of tissue under the labia majora.
The opening of the vagina is often covered partially by a membrane called
hymen. The clitoris is a tiny finger-like structure which lies at the upper
junction of the two labia minora above the urethral opening. The hymen is
often torn during the first intercourse.
Mammary gland : A functional mammary gland is characteristic of all female mammals.
The mammary glands are paired structures (breasts) that contain
glandular tissue and variable amount of fat. The glandular tissue of each
breast is divided into 15-20 mammary lobes containing clusters of cells
called alveoli .The cells of alveoli secrete milk, which is stored
in the cavities of alveoli. The alveoli open into mammary tubules.
The tubules of each lobe join to form a mammary duct. Several mammary
ducts join to form a wider mammary ampulla which is connected to
lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out.
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