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Anatomy and Histologyof the Female
Reproductive System
Last Updated: July 27, 2021
access_time15 min
Learning Objectives (3)
After completing this brick, you will be able to:
● Identify and describe the functions of the principal external female
sexual organs.
● 1
● Identify and describe the function of the internal female sexual organs.
● 2
● Describe the blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and innervation of the
female reproductive tract.
● 3
CASE CONNECTION
RP is a 30-year-old woman brought by her husband to the emergency
department with severe left-sided abdominal pain of 5 hours’
duration. “It’s pretty intense, and I’m not sure I can take this much
longer,” RP says. When asked when her last menses was, she informs
you that she is pretty irregular, but she thinks about 6 weeks ago. Her
temperature is 98.6°F. Physical examination reveals normal bowel
sounds and pain with light palpation in the left mid-quadrant that is
,reproduced on bimanual examination. You do not feel an abdominal
or pelvic mass. There is no vaginal discharge. A CBC is normal.
What will be your next diagnostic test? How will you explain this
condition to RP? Consider your answers as you read, and we’ll revisit
at the end of the brick.
What Are the Anatomy and Histology
of the Female Reproductive System?
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out some pretty
important functions. It produces the female egg cells (the largest cells
of the human body, in fact) and transports them to the site of
fertilization. If fertilized, the conceptus implants in the (immobile)
uterus and develops there for the duration of the pregnancy.
Otherwise, the system gets rid of the uterine lining through
menstruation as well as produces the sex hormones that maintain the
reproductive cycle.
External Female Reproductive Organs
,The female external reproductive sex organs are collectively called
the vulva. It consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora,
clitoris, urethra, vaginal introitus, and surrounding glands (Figure 1).
The perineum between the anus and vulva is rich in sensory nerve
endings that are important in providing sexual arousal. The main
functions of the female external sex organs are to allow sperm to enter
the body, protect against trauma, and provide sexual pleasure.
Figure 1
, CREDIT: ©ScholarRx
Let’s look at these structures in more detail. The mons pubis is a
layer of fatty tissue over the pubic symphysis of the pubic bone.
The labia majora are two cutaneous folds that extend from the mons
pubis to the perineum. They are covered with squamous epithelial
cells like the rest of the body’s skin and are lined with both hair and
sebaceous glands. The labia minora are two flaps located on each
side of the vaginal opening. They are lined by squamous epithelium
but lack hair and sebaceous glands. Labia serve to protect the urethral
and vaginal openings from mechanical irritation, infections, and
dryness.
The clitoris consists of the glans, the body, and two crura. It is
covered by a hood formed by the anterior junction of the labia minora.
It is highly sensitive and a source of sexual pleasure, enlarging in
response to nerve stimulation. The general consensus is that it is
responsible for the female orgasm.
The vaginal introitus is the opening of the vaginal canal to the
outside world.
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