Female Reproductive System Junior Health

External Organs Mons Pubis & Vulva

Vulva Means covering Covers the opening of the vagina and other reproductive organs located inside the body Consists of : Mons Pubis Labia Minora Labia Majora Clitoris Vaginal Opening

Mons Pubis Rounded fatty pad of tissue, covered with pubic hair. Located directly on top of the pubic bone.

Labia Labia Minora The inner folds of tissue on either side of vaginal opening. The inner folds extend forward, forming a hood-like covering over the clitoris (a small knob of tissue in front of the vaginal opening.) Inner fold of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening Both the inner and outer labia are rich in nerve endings and blood vessels. The labia serve as a line of protection against pathogens entering the body and have a function in sexual arousal. Labia Both the inner and outer labia are rich in nerve endings and blood vessels. The labia serve as a line of protection against pathogens entering the body and have a function in sexual arousal.

Vaginal Opening Just inside the vaginal opening may be a thin membrane called the hymen. This membrane stretches across the opening of the vagina. It has no function and is not present in all females.

Internal Organs Vagina, Uterus, Fallopian Tubes, Fimbria, Ovaries

Vagina Muscular, hollow tube that extends from the vaginal opening to the uterus, can expand and contract About 3-5 inches long in a grown woman. The vaginal walls are lined with mucous membranes, which keep it protected and moist. 3 Functions: Pathway for baby. Route for menstrual flow to leave body. Penis inserted during sexual intercourse

Uterus Shaped like an upside-down pear, with thick lining and muscular walls. The uterus contains some of the strongest muscles in a woman’s body. They contract during labor and push out the baby. When a woman is not pregnant, the uterus is only 3 in. long and 2 in. wide. The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium, which is richly supplied with blood vessels… brings food to baby

Cervix The vagina connects with the uterus at the cervix, which means “neck” The opening of the cervix is the size of a straw. During childbirth the cervix dilates to allow for the passage of a baby. The cervix secretes mucous - consistency varies with stage of menstrual cycle. During ovulation mucous is clear and conducive to sperm. Post ovulation, mucous gets thick and pasty to block sperm. If a woman becomes pregnant cervical mucous forms a plug to seal off uterus and protects baby.

Fallopian Tubes They are narrow and lined with cilia. About 4 in. long and as wide as a piece of spaghetti. Within each tube there is a tiny passage no wider than a sewing needle. This is where fertilization occurs.

Fimbria Finger-like projections at the end of the tubes, that surround the ovaries and pick up eggs when they are released. Fertilization of the ovum usually occurs in the widest part of the fallopian tube near the ovary. Fimbria wrap around the ovary but never actually attach.

Ovaries DR.OZ & OVARIAN CYSTS Two oval shaped organs that lie to the upper right and left of the uterus. They produce, store and release eggs in to the fallopian tubes in a process called ovulation. Each is about 2 in. long. They are part of the endocrine system because they produce female sex hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Two functions: House the ova Produce estrogen progesterone 400,000 eggs formed before birth- only several hundred release during reproductive years. DR.OZ & OVARIAN CYSTS

Ovulation vs. Menstruation The process of releasing 1 mature ovum each month into the fallopian tube The shedding of the uterine lining