VIII.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY The Female Reproductive System Sexual included characteristics organs are divided into two types. sexual Primarycharacteristics are directly related to reproductive and thesex (genitalia). Secondary characteristics areattributes other than the sex organs that generally distinguish onesex from the other but are not essential to reproduction.

The Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology The Female External Reproductive Organs Mons pubis/ veneris mountain of Venus, a pad of fattytissues that lies over the symphysis pubis covered by skinand at puberty covered by pubic hair that serves as acushion or protection to the symphysis pubis Labia Majora large lips, longitudinal fold from pereniumto pubis symphysis Labia Minora AKA Nymphae, soft and thin longitudinalfold created between labia majora Clitoris key, pea shaped erectile tissue composedof sensitive nerve endings; sight of sexual arousal infemales Fourchet tapers posteriorly of the labia majora. Sitefor episotomy

- Sensitive to manipulation, torn duringpregnancy Vestibule almond shaped area that contains the hymen,vaginal orifice and batholenes gland Urinary Meatus small opening of urethra/ openingfor urination Skenes Gland aka Paraurethral Gland, 2 smallmucus secreting glands for lubrication Hymen membranous tissue that covers the vaginalorifice Vaginal Orifice external opening of the vagina Bartholenes Gland paravaginal gland, secretesalkaline substance, neutralizes acidity of the vaginaDoderleins Bacillus responsible for vaginal acidityParumculae Mystiformes healing of a hymen Perenium muscular structure in between lower vaginaand anus Vagina female organ for sexual intercourse,passageway of menstruation, inches 8 10 cm longcontaining rugae Rugae permits considerable stretching without tearingduring delivery Uterus

 hollow muscular organ, varies in size, weightand shape, organ of menstruation Size : 1 x 2 x 3 Shape : pear shaped, pregnant ovoid Weight : Uterine involution Non pregnant: 50-60 g Pregnant: 4th s t a g e 2nd w e e k 1000 g o f L a b o r : 1 0 0 0 g of Delivery: 500 g after

3rd w e e k s a f t e r d e l i v e r y : 3 0 0 g 5 6 Weeks after delivery: 50 60 g Parts of the Uterus Fundus upper cylindrical layer Corpus/ Body upper triangular layer Cervix lower cylindrical layer Isthmus lower uterine segment during pregnancy Muscular Composition: 3 main Muscles making possible expansion in all direction Endometrium muscle layer for menses Myometrium Power of labor Smooth muscles is considered to be Living Ligature (muscles of delivery, capable of closing) of the body Largest portion of the uterus Peremetrium Protects the entire uterus

Ovaries 2 female sex glandalmond shapeFxn: Ovulation,production of 2 hormones( estrogen andprogesterone)