Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology: BY DR: Ahmed

Reproductive Anatomy and
Physiology
BY
Dr: Ahmed
Learning Objectives
Define
the terms listed.

Identify the female external
reproductive organs.
Explain the functions and structures
of pelvic floor.
Continued
Describe
the influence of hormones on the

female reproductive process.
Explain the menstrual and ovarian cycle.
Name the function of the uterus.
Identify the bones that make up the pelvis.
Introduction
External Female Structures

Collectively, the
external
female reproductive
organs are called the
Vulva.
External Female Structures

Mons
Pubis.
Labia Majora
Labia Minora.
Clitoris.
Vestibule.
Perineum
Mons Pubis
Is rounded, soft fullness of
subcutaneous fatty tissue, prominence
over the symphysis pubis that forms
the anterior border of the external
reproductive organs.
It is covered with varying amounts of
pubic hair.
Labia Majora
The
labia Majora are two rounded, folds of

tissues that extended from the mons pubis to
the perineum.
They are covered with skin and hair on the
outer aspect, where the openings of numerous
small glands are found.
It protect the labia Minora, urinary meatus
and vaginal introitus.
Labia Minora
They
are soft folds of skin that are rich in

sebaceous glands.
The inner surfaces are similar to vaginal
mucosa, pink and moist.
Rich in vascularity.
Clitoris.
It
is a small, sensitive structure that,

like the penis, composed of erectile
tissues, nerves and blood vessels.
It is present primarily for female
sexual enjoyment.
It highly sensitive to temperature,
touch, and pressure sensation
Vestibule.
Is
oval- or boat shaped depression formed

between the labia minora, clitoris, and
fourchette.
It is visible when the labia minora are
separated.
Vestibule contains the external urethral
meatus, vaginal introitus, and Bartholins
glands.
Perineum
Is
the most posterior part of the

external female reproductive organs.
It extends from fourchette anteriorly
to the anus posteriorly.
it composed of fibrous and muscular
tissues that support pelvic structures.
....Perineum cont
It
plays an important role at birth process.
It
is consist of muscles that support the
pelvic organs, arteries, veins and nerves

supply the muscles, fascia and skin of the
perineum.
Internal Female Structures

Vagina
Uterus
Fallopian
Ovaries
tubes
Fallopian tubes
The
two tubes extended from the

cornu of the uterus to the ovary.
It runs in the upper free border of
the broad ligament.
Length 8 to 14 cm, average 10 cm
Its divided into 4 parts.
1. Interstitial part
Which
runs into uterine cavity,

passes through the myometrium
between the fundus and body of the
uterus.
About 1-2cm in length.
2. Isthmus
Straight
and cord like , about 2 3

cm in length.
Which is the narrow part of the
tube adjacent to the uterus.
3. Ampulla
Which
is the wider part about 5 cm

in length.
Fertilization occurs in the ampulla.
4. Infundibulum
It
is funnel or trumpet shaped.

Fimbriae are fingerlike processes, one
of these is longer than the other and
adherent to the ovary.
The fimbriae become swollen almost
erectile at ovulation.
Functions of fallopian tube

1.
2.
Gamete transport (ovum pickup,

ovum transport, sperm
transport).
Final maturation of gamete post
ovulate oocyte maturation, sperm
capicitation.
3.
4.
Fluid environment for early

embryonic development.
Transport of fertilized and
unfertilized ovum to the
uterus.
Ovaries
Oval
solid structure, 1.5 cm in

thickness, 2.5 cm in width and 3.5 cm in
length respectively.
Each weights about 48 gm.
Ovary is located on each side of the
uterus, below and behind the uterine
tubes.
Structure of the ovaries

Cortex
Medulla
Hilum
Ovaries and Relationship

to Uterine Tube and Uterus
Figure 2814
Function of the ovary

1.
Secrete estrogen &

progesterone.
2.
Production of ova
Uterus
The
uterus is a hollow, pear shaped

muscular organ.
The uterus measures about 7.5 X 5
X 2.5 cm and weight about 50 60
gm.
Its
normal position is anteverted

(rotated forward and slightly
antiflexed (flexed forward)
The uterus divided into three
parts
1. Body of the uterus

The upper part is the corpus, or body
of the uterus
o The fundus is the part of the body or
corpus above the area where the
fallopian tubes enter the uterus.
o Length about 5 cm.
o
2. Isthmus
o
o
o
A narrower transition zone.

Is between the corpus of the uterus
and cervix.
During late pregnancy, the isthmus
elongates and is known as the lower
uterine segment.
Cervix. 3
o The
lowermost position of the

uterus neck.
o The length of the cervix is about
2.5 to 3 cm.
The
os, is the opening in the cervix

that runs between the uterus and
vagina.
The upper part of the cervix is marked
by internal os and the lower cervix is
marked by the external os.
Layers of the uterus

Perimetrium.
Myometrium.
Endometrium.
1. Perimetrium
Is
the outer peritoneal layer of

serous membrane that covers
most of the uterus.
Laterally,
the perimetrium is
continuous with the broad
ligaments on either side of the
uterus.
2. Myometrium
Is
the middle layer of thick

muscle.
Most of the muscle fibers are
concentrated in the upper uterus,
and their number diminishes
progressively toward the cervix.
The
myometrium
contains three types of
smooth muscle fiber
Longitudinal fibers (outer. 1

layer)
Which
are found mostly in the

fundus and are designed to expel
the fetus efficiently toward the
pelvic outlet during birth.
Middle layer figure-8 fibers. 2

These
fiber contract after birth to

compress the blood vessels that
pass between them to limit blood
loss.
3. Inner layer circular fibers

o
Which form constrictions where the

fallopian tubes enter the uterus and
surround the internal os
Circular fibers prevent reflux of
menstrual blood and tissue into the
fallopian tubes.
Promote normal implantation of the

fertilized ovum by controlling its entry
into the uterus.
o And retain the fetus until the
appropriate time of birth.
o
3. Endometrium
Is
the inner layer of the uterus.

It is responsive to the cyclic
variations of estrogen and
progesterone during the female
reproductive cycle every month.
The
two or three layers of the endometrium
are:
*Compact layer
*The basal layer
*The functional or Sponge layer;this
layer is shed during each menstrual period
and after child birth in the lochia
The Function of the uterus

1.
2.
3.
Menstruation ----the uterus sloughs off

the endometrium.
Pregnancy ---the uterus support fetus
and allows the fetus to grow.
Labor and birth---the uterine muscles
contract and the cervix dilates during
labor to expel the fetus
Vagina
It
is an elastic fibro-muscular tube

and membranous tissue about 8 to
10 cm long.
Lying between the bladder
anteriorly and the rectum
posteriorly.
The vagina connects the uterus

above with the vestibule below.
The upper end is blind and called
the vaginal vault.
The
vaginal lining has multiple

folds, or rugae and muscle layer.
These folds allow the vagina to
stretch considerably during
childbirth.
The
reaction of the vagina is

acidic, the pH is 4.5 that protects
the vagina against infection.
Functions of the vagina

1.
2.
3.
To allow discharge of the

menstrual flow.
As the female organs of coitus.
To allow passage of the fetus
from the uterus.
Support structures
The
bony pelvis support and

protects the lower abdominal
and internal reproductive
organs.
Muscle,
Joints and ligaments

provide added support for internal
organs of the pelvis against the
downward force of gravity and the
increases
in
intra-abdominal
pressure
Bony Pelvis
Bony
Pelvis Is Composed of 4
bones:
1. Two hip bones.

2. Sacrum.
3. Coccyx.
1. Two hip bones.

Each
or hip bone is composed of three

bones:
*Ilium
*Ischium
*Pubis
Ilium-1
It
is the flared out part.

The greater part of its inner
aspect is smooth and concave,
forming the iliac fossa.
The upper border of the ilium is
called iliac crest
Ischium.2
It is the thick lower part.

It has a large prominence known as the
ischial tuberosity on which the body
rests while sitting.
Behind and little above the tuberosity is
an inward projection the ischial spine.
3. Sacrum
Is
a wedge shaped bone consisting of

five vertebrae.
The anterior surface of the sacrum is
concave
The upper border of the first sacral
vertebra known as the sacral
promontory
.Coccyx. 4
Consists of four vertebrae forming a

small triangular bone.
PELVIC TYPES
PELVIC TYPES
According
to the shape of the brim there

are 4 types:
1- Gynaccoid pelvis
The most common 80%.
Brim rounded.
Straight side walls subrapubic angel 90%.
No problem during delivery.
PELVIC TYPES
2- Anthropoid pelvis
Incidence 25%.
Shape long oval
Side wall divergent
Subrapubic angel>90
May give problems during delivary.
PELVIC TYPES
3- Android pelvis
Incidence 20%.
Shape heart like.
Side wall convergent.
Ischial spines prominent.
Subrapubic angel<90.
May give problems during delivery.
PELVIC TYPES
4- Platypeloid pelvis
Incidence 5%.
Kidney shape.
Side wall diverted
Ischial; spine blunt.
Subrapubic angel >90
May gives problems during delivery.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
A womans
menstrual cycle is influenced by the

ovarian cycle and endometrial cycle.
A- Ovarian Cycle:
The ovarian cycle pertains to the maturation of ova
and consist of three phases:
1- The follicular phase.
2- The ovulatory phase.
3- The luteal phase.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
1- The follicular phase begins the first day of
menstruation and last 12 to 14 days.
During this phase, the graafian follicle is
maturing under the influence of two pituitary
hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
The maturing graafian follicle produces
estrogen to as ovulation.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
2- The ovulatory phase: begins when estrogen levels
peak and ends with the release of the oocyte (egg)
from the mature graafian follicle.
The release of the oocyte is referred
There is a surge in LH levels 12 to 36 hours before
ovulation.
There is a decrease in estrogen levels and an
increase in progesterone levels before the LH surge.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
3- The luteal phase begins after ovulation and
last approximately 14 days.
During this phase, the cells of the empty follicle
undergo changes and form into the corpus
luteum.
The corpus luteum produces high levels of
progesterone along with low levels of estrogen.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
If
pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum continues to

release progesterone and estrogen until the placenta
matures and assumes this function.
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum
degenerates and results in a decrease is progesterone
and the beginning of menstruation.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
B- Endometrial Cycle
The endometrial cycle pertains to the changes in the
endometrium of the uterus in responses to the
hormonal changes that occur during the ovarian cycle.
This cycle consist of three phases:
1- The proliferative phase: occurs following
menstruation and ends with ovulation.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
During
this phase, the endometrium is preparing

for implantation by becoming thicker and more
vascular.
These changes are in response to the increasing
levels of estrogen produced by the graafian
follicle.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
2- The secretory phase: begins after ovulation and ends
with the onset of menstruation.
During this phase, the endometrium continues to
thicken.
The primary hormone during this phase is progesterone
which is secreted from the corpus luteum.
If pregnancy occurs, the endometrium continues to
develop and begins to secrete glycogen.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
If
pregnancy does not occur and the corpus

luteum begins to degenerate and the endometrial
tissue degenerates.
The menstrual phase occurs in response to
hormonal changes and results in the sloughing off
of the endometrial tissue.
Study Questions
1- which of the following terms refers to the
tissue lying between the vaginal orifice and
the anus?
a- Mons pubis
b- Perineum
c- Hymen
d- Vestibule
2- which of the following reproductive organs

contain the perimetrium, myometrium and
endometrium?
a- Deciduas
b- Ovaries
c- Uterus
d- Vagina
3- Which of the following hormones stimulate

the ovary to produce estrogen during the
menstrual cycle?
a- Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)
b- Gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH)
c- Luteinzing hormone(LH)
d- Human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)
THANK YOU

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology: BY DR: Ahmed

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology: BY DR: Ahmed

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology: BY DR: Ahmed

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Reproductive Anatomy and

the terms listed.

the influence of hormones on the

External Female Structures

External Female Structures

labia Majora are two rounded, folds of

are soft folds of skin that are rich in

is a small, sensitive structure that,

oval- or boat shaped depression formed

the most posterior part of the

plays an important role at birth process.

is consist of muscles that support the

pelvic organs, arteries, veins and nerves

Internal Female Structures

two tubes extended from the

runs into uterine cavity,

and cord like , about 2 3

is the wider part about 5 cm

is funnel or trumpet shaped.

Functions of fallopian tube

Gamete transport (ovum pickup,

Fluid environment for early

solid structure, 1.5 cm in

Structure of the ovaries

Ovaries and Relationship

Function of the ovary

Secrete estrogen &

uterus is a hollow, pear shaped

normal position is anteverted

1. Body of the uterus

A narrower transition zone.

lowermost position of the

os, is the opening in the cervix

Layers of the uterus

the outer peritoneal layer of

the middle layer of thick

Longitudinal fibers (outer. 1

are found mostly in the

Middle layer figure-8 fibers. 2

fiber contract after birth to

3. Inner layer circular fibers

Which form constrictions where the

Promote normal implantation of the

the inner layer of the uterus.

two or three layers of the endometrium

The Function of the uterus

Menstruation ----the uterus sloughs off

is an elastic fibro-muscular tube

The vagina connects the uterus

vaginal lining has multiple

reaction of the vagina is

Functions of the vagina

To allow discharge of the

bony pelvis support and

Joints and ligaments

1. Two hip bones.

1. Two hip bones.

or hip bone is composed of three