Anatomy and

Physiology
of the
Female
Reproductive
System
 The
Internal
Genitalia
Ovaries
paired; somewhat flattened
bodies about the size and shape
of unshelled almonds.
located one on either side of the
uterus.
produces oocytes and sex
hormones.
Fallopian Tube
extend laterally from the
superolateral angle of the uterus.
lie between folds of the broad
ligaments of the uterus.
provides a route for sperm to reach
an ovum.
site of degeneration of unfertilized
oocyte.
Uterus
organ of gestation – houses and
nourishes the developing embryo.
hollow, muscular organ located
posterior to the urinary bladder and
anterior to the rectum.
leans over the bladder at almost right
angles to the vagina.
Layers of the
Uterus
Perimetrium
Inner layer
Site of implantation of the fertilized
egg.
Sloughs off if no pregnancy occurs
(menstruation or menses).

Myometrium
middle muscular layer
capable of stretching during
pregnancy to accommodate one or
more growing fetus.
Endometrium
innermost layer
every month, estrogen and
progesterone build up the
endometrium in preparation for the
iimplantation of the fertilized ovum.
if pregnancy does not occur,
menstruation (mensis-month)
ensures breakdown of endometrium.
Vagina
fibromuscular canal from the
extension of the uterine cervix and
lined by mucous membrane, with
series of transverse folds called rugae.
Hymen – thin fold of vascularized
mucous membrane partially blocking
the orifice.
acidic pH helps prevent proliferation
of harmful bacteria
The External Genitalia
Perinium
The diamond-shaped region between
the anterior end of the labial folds,
the anus posteriorly, and the ischial
tuberosities laterally.
Mons Pubis
elevation/mound of fatty tissue that
covers the symphysis pubis.
at puberty, it is covered with coarse
pubic hair. Unlike the male pubic hair
which may extend in a thin line up to
the navel, female pubic hair upper
limit lines horizontally across the
lower abdomen.
Labia Majora
two longitudinal folds of skin just
below the mons pubis which form the
lateral border of the vulva.
Pudendal Cleft – space enclosed by the
labia majora
covered by pubic hair on the outer
side made up of:
1. abundant adipose/fatty tissue
2. sebaceous gland
3. apocrine sudoriferous gland
homologous to the scrotum
Labia Minora
two smaller folds of skin within
the pudendal cleft
no pubic hair and fats
few sudoriferous gland
many sebaceous glands
Vestibule – space enclosed by the
labia minora
 Structures found
within the Vestibule
Clitoris
small cylindrical mass of erectile
tissue located at the anterior
junction of the labia minora
contains many nerve endings
has corpora cavemosa that fills
with blood during sexual arousal
causing clitoris to enlarge
External Urethral Orifice
meatus located below the clitoris

Skene’s Gland
located on either side of the
external urethral orifice
secretes mucus; homologous to
prostate gland
Vaginal Orifice
located below external urethral meatus
guarded by a highly vascularized thin membrane
called hymenmeatus located below the clitoris

Bartholins Gland
located on either side of vaginal orifice
anteriorly, labia minora
Splits into 2 folds around the Clitoris:
1. prepuce – junction of the labia minor
above the clitoris
2. frenulum – junction of the labia
minora below the clitoris
Thank You!!!
See you next time!