Updated by: Arabinda Naik
The female reproductive system of human consists of
1. A pair of ovaries
2. A pair of Fallopian tubes
3. Uterus
4. Vagina
5. External genitalia
6. The accessories glands
OVARIES: These are a pair of almond shaped structure, one on either side of the vertebral column in the abdominal cavity. Each ovary is about 1.5 to 3 cm long and 8 mm thick. It is attached to the dorsal abdominal wall through mesovarium and ovarian ligament. Histology of ovary: It is solid and bound externally by visceral peritoneum which the germinal epithelium is present. The interior called stroma consists of blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerve fibers and follicles at different developmental stages. The stroma can be divisible into outer dense cortex and inner loose medulla. Ovarian follicles develop from the germinal epithelium and pass into stroma. One of the follicles matures to become the Graafian follicle. Graafian follicle: The mature follicle with oocyte is called Graafian follicle. The fluid filled cavity in the follicle is called antrum. The follicle is covered by 3 layers. Theca externa, theca interna, membrane granulosa and the oocyte is covered by outer discus proligerus middle corona radiate and inner zona pellucida. The cells of theca interna and granulosa cells secretes estrogen. The empty reptured Graafian follicle with clot blood after ovulation is called corpus luteum. These cells of corpus luteum secrete estrogen and progesterone. If pregnancy occurs, corpus luteum persists. If there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum degenerates and is replaced by a scar tissue forming a corpus albican.
FALLOPIAN TUBE: Infundibulum: Which open to peritoneal cavity facing ovulation site of ovary. The end of this tube bears finger like projection called fimbrae which is helpful in collection of ovum. Ampulla: It is the widest and longest part of the tube where fertilization occurs. Isthmus: It is straight narrow path just lateral to the wall of the uterus. Uterine part: It open into the fundus of uterus.
UTERUS: It is the hollow muscular pear shaped structure in the pelvic cavity. Fundus: upper dome shaped part to which uterine duct opens Body: Main bulk of uterus where embryo grow, it is broad anteriorly and narrow posteriorly. Cervix: The lower narrow part which joins to the anterior wall of vagina. It communicates with uterus by an aperture called internal OS and the lower vagina through External OS. The wall of uterus are composed of three layer of tissues.
Perimetrium: an outer covering of the peritoneum
Myometrium: A middle layer of smooth muscles fibers.
Endometrium: A mucous membrane lining.
VAGINA: It is a tube of about 10 cm in length in adult female. In virgin girls the external opening of vagina may be covered by a thin membrane called hymen. Vagina receives the penis during intercourse and forms birth canal.
EXTERNAL GENITALIA
Mons pubis: Anterior most fatty area covered with pubic hair. Clitoris: Muscular pointed part posterior to mons pubis contains erectile tissue homologous to penis of the male. Urethral Orifice: Aperture below clitoris for passage of urine Vaginal pore: it lies below the urethral orifice. Labia majora: These are two thick fold of skin which form boundary of valva which are moist due to presence of sebaceous gland. Labia Minora: These are two smaller vascular fold remaining inside labia majora. Vestibule: The area between two minora is called vestibule.
ACCESSORIES GLANDS
BARTHOLIN’S GLAND: These are a pair of gland present on either side of vaginal opening. It secretes a viscous fluid into the vestibule to lubricate vulva.
MAMMARY GLANDS: These are develop after puberty under the influence of estrogen. After child birth hormone prolactin stimulates milk production and hormone oxytocin stimulates release of milk. Mammary glands are apocrine gland and are modified compound alveolar gland. They consists of the glandular tissue, the fibrous connective tissue and the adipose tissue.