Female reproductive system
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Female reproductive system (human) | |
---|---|
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | systema genitale femininum |
MeSH | D005836 |
TA98 | A09.1.00.001 |
TA2 | 3469 |
FMA | 45663 |
Anatomical terminology |
The female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs that function in the reproduction of new offspring. The human female reproductive system is immature at birth and develops to maturity at puberty to be able to produce gametes, and to carry a fetus to full term. The internal sex organs are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The female reproductive tract includes the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes and is prone to infections.[1] The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and childbirth, and is connected to the uterus at the cervix. The uterus or womb accommodates the embryo, which develops into the fetus. The uterus also produces secretions, which help the transit of sperm to the fallopian tubes, where sperm fertilize ova (egg cells) produced by the ovaries. The external sex organs are also known as the genitals and these are the organs of the vulva including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.[2]
During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an ovum, which transits through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If an egg cell meets with sperm on its way to the uterus, a single sperm cell can enter and merge with it, fertilizing it into a zygote.
Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes and marks the beginning of
The corresponding equivalent among males is the
External genitalia
Vulva
The vulva is of all of the external parts and tissues and includes the following:[3]
- Clitoris: an organ located at the top of the vulva. It consists of the body and its pea-shaped glans that is protected by the clitoral hood. The corpora cavernosa are tissues of the clitoris that aid in erection by filling with blood during sexual arousal.
- Labia: two types of vertical folds of skin called the labia majora (thick and large outer folds that protect other parts of the vulva) and the labia minora (thin and small inner folds that protect the vestibule from dryness, infections and irritation).
- Mons pubis: a mass of fatty tissue where the pubic hair grows.
- Vulval vestibule: an almond-shaped area between the labia minora that contains the openings.
- Urinary meatus: the opening of the urethra for urine to pass through.
- Vaginal opening: entrance to the vagina.
- Hymen: connective tissue that covers the vaginal opening.
- Vestibular glands/female accessory glands: two pairs of glands in the vulval vestibule known as the Skene's glands for the ejaculationof fluid as well as for lubricating the meatus.
Internal genitalia
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular (made up of fibrous and muscular tissue)
Cervix
The cervix is the neck of the uterus, the lower, narrow portion where it joins with the upper part of the vagina. It is
Uterus
The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive
The uterus contains three suspensory ligaments that help stabilize the position of the uterus and limits its range of movement. The uterosacral ligaments keep the body from moving inferiorly and anteriorly. The round ligaments restrict posterior movement of the uterus. The cardinal ligaments also prevent the inferior movement of the uterus.
The uterus is a pear-shaped muscular organ. Its major function is to accept a fertilized ovum, which becomes implanted into the endometrium, and derives nourishment from blood vessels, which develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized ovum becomes an embryo, develops into a fetus and gestates until childbirth. If the egg does not embed in the wall of the uterus, the female begins menstruation.[4]
Fallopian tubes
The fallopian tubes are two tubes leading from the ovaries into the uterus. On maturity of an ovum, the follicle and the ovary's wall rupture, allowing the ovum to escape and enter the fallopian tube. There it travels toward the uterus, pushed along by movements of
Ovaries
The ovaries are small, paired gonads located near the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. These organs are responsible for the production of the egg cells (ova) and the secretion of hormones. The process by which the egg cell (ovum) is released is called ovulation. The speed of ovulation is periodic and impacts directly to the length of a menstrual cycle.
After ovulation, the egg cell is travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If fertilization is going to occur, it often happens in the fallopian tube; the fertilized egg can then proceed to try and implant on the uterus's lining.[6][7] During fertilization the egg cell plays a role; it releases certain molecules that are essential to guiding the sperm and allows the surface of the egg to attach to the sperm's surface. The egg can then absorb the sperm and fertilization can then begin.[8]
Function
The female reproductive system functions to produce offspring.
In the absence of fertilization, the ovum will eventually traverse the entire reproductive tract from the fallopian tube until exiting the vagina through menstruation.
The reproductive tract can be used for various
Development
Chromosome characteristics determine the genetic sex of a fetus at
Clinical significance
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina and largely caused by an infection. It is the most common gynaecological condition presented.[10] It is difficult to determine any one organism most responsible for vaginitis because it varies from range of age, sexual activity, and method of microbial identification. Vaginitis is not necessarily caused by a sexually transmitted infection as there are many infectious agents that make use of the close proximity to mucous membranes and secretions. Vaginitis is usually diagnosed based on the presence of vaginal discharge, which can have a certain color, odor, or quality.[11]
Bacterial vaginosis
This is a vaginal infection in women. It differs from vaginitis in that there is no inflammation. Bacterial vaginosis is polymicrobial, consisting of many
Yeast infection
This is a common cause of vaginal irritation and according to the
Genital mutilation
There are many practices of mutilating female genitalia in different cultures. The most common two types of genital mutilation practiced are clitoridectomy, the circumcision of the clitoris and the excision of the clitoral prepuce. They can all involve a range of adverse health consequences such as bleeding, irreparable tissue damage, and sepsis, which can sometimes prove fatal.
Genital surgery
Genitoplasty refers to surgery that is carried out to repair damaged sex organs particularly following cancer and its treatment. There are also elective surgical procedures, which change the appearance of the external genitals.
Birth control
There are many types of birth control available to females. Birth control can be hormonal or physical in nature. Oral contraception can assist with management of various medical conditions, such as menorrhagia.[12] However, oral contraceptives can have a variety of side effects, including depression.[13]
Reproductive rights
The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics was founded in 1954 to promote the well-being of women particularly in raising the standards of gynaecological practice and care. As of 2010, there were 124 countries involved.
History
It is claimed in the Hippocratic writings that both males and females contribute their seed to conception; otherwise, children would not resemble either or both of their parents. Four-hundred years later, Galen "identified" the source of 'female semen' as the ovaries in female reproductive organs.[14]
See also
- Conception
- Development of the reproductive system
- Evolution of sexual reproduction
- Female infertility
- Oogenesis
- Human sexuality § Female anatomy and reproductive system
- Orgasm § Females
References
- from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ISBN 978-1-118-37376-7.
- ^ "Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ "Genital Tract | SEER Training". training.seer.cancer.gov. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ "Fallopian Tubes: Location, Anatomy, Function & Conditions". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ "Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ "Ovaries: Anatomy, Function, Hormones & Conditions". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ Alberts, Bruce; Johnson, Alexander; Lewis, Julian; Raff, Martin; Roberts, Keith; Walter, Peter (2002), "Fertilization", Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition, Garland Science, retrieved 2023-12-19
- ^ "Details of genital development". Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
- from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4419-0488-1.
- PMID 10796696.
- PMID 31577333.
- ^ Anwar, Etin. "The Transmission of Generative Self and Women's Contribution to Conception." Gender and Self in Islam. London: Routledge, 2006. 75. Print.