Female Anatomy and Physiology

1. Female Anatomy and Physiology

2. Ovary • Ovaries: • They are small organs that produce the hormones, estrogen and progesterone. • They also produce small amounts of testosterone • Each hormone follows it’s own pattern, rising, and falling at different points in the cycle • Falling levels of hormones each month result in menstruation • There are two of them, are located on either side of the uterus and hold all of the eggs. • Women are born with all of the eggs for their entire life approximately 400,000. • No new eggs are produced • The egg has a thin protective layer called a follicle. • When matured, the egg rips the follicle and moves to the outer edge and is released. An egg has traditionally 24 hours to be fertilized. • Typically only one egg is released each month, and will alternate between ovaries.

3. Ovum • Ovum: • Female reproductive cell • One of the largest cells in the human body • Visible to the naked human eye • Is released every month from the ovary • If fertilized by sperm, will become a zygote, implant in the uterus, and develop into a fetus

4. Fallopian Tube • Fallopian Tubes: • Are small 3-4 in tubes that are the passage way between the ovaries and uterus • They play a very important role in ovulation and conception • Once an egg is released from the ovary, tiny sets of “fingers” from the fallopian tube grabs a hold of the egg, and pushes it into the fallopian tube • The tube is lined with cilia or tiny hairs to assist the ovum move down the tube. • This can take anyone from a few hours to 5 days • This is where fertilization would occur if sperm was present, creating a zygote

5. Uterus • The Uterus: • Also sometimes called the womb • One of the strongest muscles in the body, and can stretch up to 10 times is original size • The uterus has three major functions: to prepare a bed for a fertilized ovum, to nourish the developing embryo during pregnancy, and to expel the fetus. • It is made of three layers, the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium.

6. Endometrium • Endometrium: • the inner layer of the uterus goes through a series of monthly changes known as the menstrual cycle. • It usually last for 28 day cycles, but can vary • Each month, endometrial tissue grows and thickens in preparation to receive a fertilized egg. • Menstruation occurs when this tissue is not used, disintegrates, and passes out through the vagina. • If a fertilized egg does implant, the endometrium becomes part of the placenta, which provides support and protection during gestation • The outer layer, myometrium,is muscular tissue that expands during pregnancy to hold the growing fetus and contracts during labor to deliver the child.

7. Cervix • Cervix: • Bottom part of the uterus, sometimes called the neck, and dips into the vagina. • It is about the thickness of a pencil, and allows the fluid to pass through. • During menstruation, the cervix opens slightly, which is what cause cramping pain • It is also the path sperm take to enter the uterus. • During child birth the cervix is stretched up to 10 centimeters or about 4 inches.

8. Vagina • Vagina: • A muscular tunnel about 3-4 inches long. • Sometimes referred to as the birth canal. • Is what connects the internal organs to the outside of the body • It’s made out of elastic material, which allows it to stretch many times it’s normal size • A healthy vagina secretes fluids, or discharge, that keeps the vagina clean and infection out.

9. Vaginal Opening: located between the urinary and anus. • It has three functions: • To allow for menstrual fluid to leave the body, • Where the baby comes out during child birth, • Where the penis is received during sexual intercourse. • Urinary Opening: this is the end of the Urethra, and the tube that carries the urine out of the body.

10. Vulva • The female genital area is called the Vulva, it includes all of the external reproductive body parts.

11. Clitoris • Clitoris: • It is a bud shaped organ full of nerve endings and protected by Labia Minora. • It is only known to have a function for sexual pleasure, and is the most sensitive area of the female anatomy

12. Labia Minora and Majora • Labia Minora or Inner Lips: Used as the same as Labia Majora, but have lots of nerves and swell with blood during sexual intercourse. • Labia Majora or Outer Lips: Two large folds of skin. They cushion and protect the vaginal and urinary openings by closing over them.

13. Mons Pubis • Mons Pubis: • The area where fat under the skin covers the pubic bone. • It is the most visible area of the genitals. • It is for protection of the underlining bone, but since it is filled with nerve endings it is very sensitive as well.

14. Complication of the Female Anatomy • Menstrual Cramps • Occur at the beginning of the cycle • Premenstrual Syndrome • Caused by hormonal changes, usually 1-2 weeks before menstruation • Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) • Rare but serious bacterial infection that affects the immune system and liver • Symptoms: fever, vomiting, rash, dizziness, aching muscles • Yeast Infections • Vaginitis • Caused by bacterial vaginosis • Discharge, odor, pain, itching, burning.

15. Blocked Fallopian Tubes • Leading cause of infertility • Endometriosis • Colonization of pelvic cavity with endometrial tissue (tissue attaches to other organs instead of leaving the body during menstruation) • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease • Bacterial infection that inflames the lining of the abdominal cavity • Ovarian Cysts • Fluid filled sacs on ovaries • Prolapsed Uterus • When ligaments no longer hold the uterus in place, and it herniates into the vagina • Cervical, Uterine, Ovarian Cancer • Early sexual activity, STIs or HPV are related to increase occurrences in teens

16. Menstruation • Most females start between 10-15 • Unpredictable at first, but becomes more regular • Can be effected by poor nutrition, stress, and illness • Usually falls into a 28 day cycle.

17. Days 1-13 • A new egg is maturing inside the ovary • Day 14 • A mature egg is released into one of the fallopian tubes • Days 15-20 • The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus • Days 21-28 • After 7 days, if the egg is not fertilized, menstruation begins, and cycle repeats

18. Menstruation Stages • Stage 1 - This is when the lining of the uterus flows out of the body through the vagina. Usually lasts 3-7 days, and this is considered day 1 of the cycle. • Stage 2 - This begins when a women’s period is over and the lining of the uterus gets thicker. The egg will mature during this time that lasts about 6-12 days.

19. Stage 3 - Ovulation is the midpoint of the cycle, hormones cause the follicle surrounding the egg to break open and release into the fallopian tube. • This process is called ovulation. This is the time a women has the highest potential to become pregnant. This usually occurs around day 13-15 of the cycle. • Progesterone helps to keep the lining of the uterus ready to support a fertilized egg. Estrogen is also very high during this time of the cycle.

20. Stage 4 - This is the most stable part of the menstrual cycle. It last for around 14 days for most women, and is when the uterus is ready to receive a fertilized egg. • It takes 3-4 days for the egg to travel down the fallopian tube and attach to a blood filled lining of the uterus. • If pregnancy occurs during this time progesterone will continue to be produced for the next three months, however if pregnancy is not the levels fall which triggers the start of the next menstrual cycle.