The female reproductive system is also referred to as the female genital system. It encompasses all necessary female organ and structure needed to conceive and bear a child. The system is involved in the production and transportation of games or ova to the site for fertilization. It produces the female
sex hormones estrogen & protester on which maintains the reproductive cycle and also supports the development of offspring during pregnancy. The organs of the female reproductive system are found internally (in the pelvic) and externally (outside the body).
The Female
Internal Reproductive Organs comprises
of two ovaries, two fallopian tubes, the uterus, the cervix and the vagina.
The Ovaries:- First up are the ovaries which are
small paired organs about the size of a walnut with a humpy appearance and are
usually off white or yellowish in colour. They are located near the lateral
walls of the pelvic cavity where they are protected by a layer of connective
tissue called tunica albuginea. The ovaries are where the ova or eggs are
produced. The process by which the ovum is released is called ovulation. The
speed of ovulation is periodic and has direct impact on the length of a
menstrual cycle. The ovaries release progesteron and oestrogen.
The Fallopian Tubes or Oviducts: These are also referred to as the
uterine tubes. They are two hollow, muscular tubes leading from the ovaries to
the uterus each fallopian tube is 10-13cm long and 0.5-1.2cm in diameter. The
in structure of the uterine tubes changes from one end to the other giving rise
to different shapes. The infundibulum which is the expanded, funnel – shaped
portion closest to the fimbriae, contains a bunch of little ting clia that
beats quickly catching ovum as it is released.
The fallopian tube also consists of
the ampulla and the isthmus.
The Uterus: This is commonly referred to as the
womb. It is a hollow, pear-shaped organ where in the fertilized egg usually
implants. The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrial which
nourishes the fertilized egg and provides a suitable environment for the
development of a fetus. The uterus contains some of the strangest muscles in
the female body. The muscles are able to expand and contract to accommodate a
growing fetus and then help to push the baby out during labour.
The Cervix: This is the lower narrow portion of
the uterus where it joins with the top and of the vagina. Where they join
together almost form a 90 degree curve. It is cylindrical or conical in shape
and protrudes through the upper anterior vagina wall. The portion projecting
into the vagina is referred to as ectocervix or the external OS. The passage
way between the external OS and the uterine cavity is referred to endocervial
canal this terminates at the internal OS which is the opening of the crux
inside the uterine cavity.
The Vagina: The vagina is a muscular hollow tube
that extends from the vaginal opening to the cervix of the uterus. It is
situated between the urinary Bladder and the rectum. It is about 3-5 inches
long in grown women. Its muscular walls allow the vagina to expand and
contract. The walls are lined with mucus membrane which keeps it protected and
moist. The vagina is made up of three layers of muscles the inner mucosal layer,
middle muscular layer and the outer fibrous layer. The inner layer is made up
virginal rugae that stretch and allow penetration to occur. The vagina is a
path way through a woman’s body for the baby to take during child birth. It
provides route for menstrual blood from the uterus to leave the body.
The External
Female Reproductive Structures (The Vulva). These structures enable
sperm to enter the body and also protects the internal organs from infections
organisms. The main structures are the mons pubis, the labia major – labia
minora, the vagina opening the urethral opening the clitoris, bartholin’s gland
& the perineum.
Mons Pubis: a fatty mound which courses the pubic
bone.
The Labia Majora (large lip): This encloses and protects the other external
reproductive organs. They are relatively large and fleshy. The majora contain
sweat and oil secreting glands. At puberty the labia majora are covered with
hair.
Labia Minora (small lips):- This can be very small or up to 2
inches wide. The lie inside the labia majora and surrounds the opening of the
vagina and the urethra.
Bartholins Glands:- These pair of glands
open at the junction of the vagina and the external genitalia(vulva). They
produce mucus secretions which lubricate the vulva and assist penetration by
penis during coitus
The Clitoris:- The two labia minora meet at the
clitoris, a small sensitive protrusion covered
by a fold of skin called prepuce. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive
to stimulations and can become erect.
The Urethral Opening:- this carries urine from the bladder
outside the body
The Perineum: This is the space between the anus
and urethral opening, including skin and underlying muscles. In females, it is
perforated by the vaginal opening.
Malignancy describes a tumor that
invades and destroys the tissue in which it originates and can spread
(metastasis) to other parts of the body through blood stream and lymphatic
system. They are usually life threatening if untreated and their severity are
classified from stage 0 to V based on the level of spread or metastasis.
Malignancies of the female
reproductive system, refers to all gynecologic cancers which are those cancers
that affects the tissues and organs of the female reproductive system. Each of
these cancers is named after the organ from which they originate.
Types of gynecologic cancers
Cervical cancer
Vaginal
cancer
Vulvar cancer
Fallopian tube cancer
Consequently, we will be discussing about
the different types of cancer listed above. See ya!!!
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