ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The internal female reproductive system is composed of two ovaries, two

fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. It is responsible for the conception,
development, and delivery of the fetus.

OVARIES

The ovaries are oval-shaped organs that are located on the posterior wall of the
pelvis and lateral to the uterus. They are well supported by the suspensory
ligaments, the ovarian ligaments, and the broad ligament. The ovaries produce
hormones, as well as egg cells (oocytes). The egg cells are stored within the
follicles to undergo maturation. Once matured, a single egg cell is ovulated from
one ovary.

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FOLLICLES

The follicles are the basic structural and functional unit of the ovary. It stores the oocyte within follicular cells until it reaches cell maturity.
Once the oocyte is released from the follicle, a corpus luteum forms from the follicle that stored the oocyte. The corpus luteum releases
hormones useful in pregnancy such as progesterone.

FALLOPIAN TUBES

The fallopian tubes, or uterine tubes, or oviducts, are adjacent to each ovary and extend to the
uterus. The ends of each tubes are surrounded by long, thin processes called fimbriae. They
open directly to the peritoneal cavity, but closely surround the ovary. Once the ovary ovulates,
the fimbriae will receive the oocyte. Cilia in the fimbriae facilitates transport of the oocyte along
the fallopian tubes.

Fertilization occurs when a spermatocyte meets the oocyte and forms a zygote. It usually takes
place in the fallopian tubes near the ovary called the ampulla. Then, the zygote travels to the
uterus, where it will develop into a fetus.

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UTERUS

The uterus is in the pelvic cavity and is supported by the broad ligament. The fundus, or
the larger round part attached to the uterine tubes, is oriented posteriorly. The main part
of the uterus is called the body, while the cervix is the narrow part located inferiorly. The
cervix serves as the entrance to the uterus.

The uterine wall is composed of three layers: The perimetrium, or the serous layer, is the
outer layer formed from the visceral peritoneum. The myometrium, or muscular layer, is
the middle layer which consists of muscle cells. Its thickness accounts for the bulk of the
uterine wall. The endometrium is the innermost layer, composed of simple columnar
epithelial cells with an underlying connective tissue layer. The superficial part of the
endometrium sloughs off during menstruation.

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IMPLANTATION

Following fertilization, the zygote travels through the fallopian tube and to the
uterus. As it travels, it undergoes extensive mitosis and generates a morula
within 4 days. Next, it undergoes cell differentiation and cavitation, creating a
blastocyst. Then, the blastocyst implants or attaches itself to the endometrial
lining of the uterus. The implanted blastocyst will develop into a fetus for about
38 to 42 weeks of gestation

PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, the mother undergoes physical and psychological

changes in her body. The whole period of pregnancy is divided into
three trimesters. During the first trimester (0 - 12 weeks), the baby’s
organs and shape begin to develop. The mother is also starting to
experience nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination, although these
symptoms may not occur to some.

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During the second trimester (13 - 28 weeks), it is often termed as the “golden period” because most symptoms felt during the first and third
trimesters are decreased. However, the mother may start feeling back pains, abdominal pain, leg cramps, and heartburn. During this
trimester, the baby starts to make fluttering movements.

In the third trimester (29 - 40 weeks), the mother may start to feel anxious about giving birth since it’s the final trimester of pregnancy. The
mother may feel shortness of breath, urinary incontinence, varicose veins, and sleeping problems.

MECHANISMS AND CARDINAL MOVEMENTS OF LABOR

Labor begins between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. Factors are known to

initiate labor, such as the withdrawal of progesterone, an increase in
prostaglandins, and other biochemical markers during labor.

Effective delivery of the fetus requires different positions and presentations to

ensure that the smallest diameter of the fetal head is presenting to the smallest
diameter of the pelvis. These positions are the cardinal movements of labor;
(a) descent, (b) flexion, (c) internal rotation, (d) extension, (e) external rotation,
and (f) expulsion.

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References:
Durani, Y. (March 2013). Female Reproductive System. Retrieved on October 18, 2021, from

https://www.rchsd.org/health-articles/female-reproductive-system/

Wilson, D. R., Ph.D. (January 17, 2019). How Does The Corpus Luteum Affect Fertility? Retrieved on October 18, 2021, from

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/corpus-luteum

Female reproductive system. Ash R, & Morton D.A., & Scott S.A.(Eds.), (2017). The Big Picture: Histology. McGraw Hill.

https://accessbiomedicalscience.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2058&sectionid=155784976

VanPutte, C., Regan, J. and Russo, A., n.d. Seeley's essentials of anatomy & physiology. 10th ed.

Silbert-Flagg, J. A., & Pillitteri, A. (2018). Maternal & child health nursing: Care of the childbearing & childrearing family.

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/pregnancy/trimesters

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