Anatomy & 
Physiology Of Female 
Reproductive System
Learning Objectives 
Define the terms listed. 
Identify the female external 
reproductive organs. 
Explain the structure of the bony 
pelvis. 
Explain the functions and structures 
of pelvic floor.
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 & Minora 
The labia Majora are two rounded, 
fleshy folds of tissue that extended 
from the mons pubis to the perineum. 
It is protect the labia minora, urinary 
meatus and vaginal introitus.
Labia Minora 
It is located between the labia majora, 
are narrow. 
The lateral and anterior aspects are 
usually pigmented. 
The inner surfaces are similar to 
vaginal mucosa, pink and mois. 
Their rich vascularity.
Clitoris. 
The term clitoris comes from a 
Greek word meaning key. 
Erectile organ. 
It’s rich vascular, highly sensitive 
to temperature, touch, and 
pressure sensation
Vestibule. 
Is oval-shaped area formed 
between the labia minora, clitoris, 
and fourchette. 
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. 
And is composed of fibrous and 
muscular tissues that support pelvic 
structures.
Internal Female Structures 
Vagina 
Uterus 
Fallopian tubes 
Ovaries
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 
Which is the narrow part of 
the tube adjacent to the 
uterus. 
Straight and cord like , 
about 2 – 3 cm in length.
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 
Gamete transport (ovum pickup, 
ovum transport, sperm transport). 
Final maturation of gamete post 
ovulate oocyte maturation, sperm 
capicitation.
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 4–8 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 28–14
Function of the ovary 
Secrete estrogen & progesterone. 
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 
The fundus is the part of the body or 
corpus above the area where the 
fallopian tubes enter the uterus. 
Length about 5 cm.
2. Isthmus 
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.
3. Cervix 
The lowermost position of the 
uterus “neck”. 
The length of the cervix is about 
2.5 t0 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 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 
These fiber contract after 
birth to compress the blood 
vessels that pass between 
them to limit blood loss.
Inner layer circular fibers 
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. 
And retain the fetus until the 
appropriate time of birth.
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 
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 
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 
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 
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.
2. 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
3. Coccyx. 
 Consists of four 
vertebrae forming a 
small triangular bone.
Anatomyphysiologyoffemalereproductivesystem

Anatomyphysiologyoffemalereproductivesystem

  • 1.
    Anatomy & PhysiologyOf Female Reproductive System
  • 2.
    Learning Objectives Definethe terms listed. Identify the female external reproductive organs. Explain the structure of the bony pelvis. Explain the functions and structures of pelvic floor.
  • 3.
  • 4.
    External Female Structures Collectively, the external female reproductive organs are called the Vulva.
  • 5.
    External Female Structures Mons Pubis. Labia Majora Labia Minora. Clitoris. Vestibule. Perineum
  • 6.
    Mons Pubis Isrounded, 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.
  • 7.
    Labia Majora &Minora The labia Majora are two rounded, fleshy folds of tissue that extended from the mons pubis to the perineum. It is protect the labia minora, urinary meatus and vaginal introitus.
  • 8.
    Labia Minora Itis located between the labia majora, are narrow. The lateral and anterior aspects are usually pigmented. The inner surfaces are similar to vaginal mucosa, pink and mois. Their rich vascularity.
  • 9.
    Clitoris. The termclitoris comes from a Greek word meaning key. Erectile organ. It’s rich vascular, highly sensitive to temperature, touch, and pressure sensation
  • 10.
    Vestibule. Is oval-shapedarea formed between the labia minora, clitoris, and fourchette. Vestibule contains the external urethral meatus, vaginal introitus, and Bartholins glands.
  • 11.
    Perineum Is themost posterior part of the external female reproductive organs. It extends from fourchette anteriorly to the anus posteriorly. And is composed of fibrous and muscular tissues that support pelvic structures.
  • 13.
    Internal Female Structures Vagina Uterus Fallopian tubes Ovaries
  • 15.
    Fallopian tubes Thetwo 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.
  • 17.
    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.
  • 18.
    2. Isthmus Whichis the narrow part of the tube adjacent to the uterus. Straight and cord like , about 2 – 3 cm in length.
  • 19.
    3. Ampulla Whichis the wider part about 5 cm in length. Fertilization occurs in the ampulla.
  • 20.
    4. Infundibulum Itis 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.
  • 21.
    Functions Gamete transport(ovum pickup, ovum transport, sperm transport). Final maturation of gamete post ovulate oocyte maturation, sperm capicitation.
  • 22.
    Fluid environment forearly embryonic development. Transport of fertilized and unfertilized ovum to the uterus.
  • 23.
    Ovaries Oval solidstructure, 1.5 cm in thickness, 2.5 cm in width and 3.5 cm in length respectively. Each weights about 4–8 gm. Ovary is located on each side of the uterus, below and behind the uterine tubes
  • 24.
    Structure of theovaries Cortex Medulla Hilum
  • 25.
    Ovaries and Relationship to Uterine Tube and Uterus Figure 28–14
  • 26.
    Function of theovary Secrete estrogen & progesterone. Production of ova
  • 27.
    Uterus The uterusis a hollow, pear shaped muscular organ. The uterus measures about 7.5 X 5 X 2.5 cm and weight about 50 – 60 gm.
  • 28.
    Its normal positionis anteverted (rotated forward and slightly antiflexed (flexed forward) The uterus divided into three parts
  • 29.
    1. Body ofthe uterus The upper part is the corpus, or body of the uterus The fundus is the part of the body or corpus above the area where the fallopian tubes enter the uterus. Length about 5 cm.
  • 30.
    2. Isthmus Anarrower 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.
  • 31.
    3. Cervix Thelowermost position of the uterus “neck”. The length of the cervix is about 2.5 t0 3 cm.
  • 32.
    The os, isthe 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.
  • 33.
    Layers of theuterus  Perimetrium.  Myometrium.  Endometrium.
  • 35.
    1. Perimetrium Isthe outer peritoneal layer of serous membrane that covers most of the uterus.
  • 36.
    Laterally, the perimetriumis continuous with the broad ligaments on either side of the uterus.
  • 37.
    2. Myometrium Isthe middle layer of thick muscle. Most of the muscle fibers are concentrated in the upper uterus, and their number diminishes progressively toward the cervix.
  • 38.
    The myometrium containsthree types of smooth muscle fiber
  • 39.
    Longitudinal fibers (outerlayer) Which are found mostly in the fundus and are designed to expel the fetus efficiently toward the pelvic outlet during birth.
  • 40.
    Middle layer figure-8fibers These fiber contract after birth to compress the blood vessels that pass between them to limit blood loss.
  • 41.
    Inner layer circularfibers 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.
  • 42.
    Promote normal implantationof the fertilized ovum by controlling its entry into the uterus. And retain the fetus until the appropriate time of birth.
  • 43.
    3. Endometrium Isthe inner layer of the uterus. It is responsive to the cyclic variations of estrogen and progesterone during the female reproductive cycle every month.
  • 44.
    The two orthree 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
  • 45.
    The Function ofthe uterus Menstruation ----the uterus sloughs off the endometrium. Pregnancy ---the uterus support fetus and allows the fetus to grow.
  • 46.
    Labor and birth---theuterine muscles contract and the cervix dilates during labor to expel the fetus
  • 47.
    Vagina It isan elastic fibro-muscular tube and membranous tissue about 8 to 10 cm long. Lying between the bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly.
  • 48.
    The vagina connectsthe uterus above with the vestibule below. The upper end is blind and called the vaginal vault.
  • 49.
    The vaginal lininghas multiple folds, or rugae and muscle layer. These folds allow the vagina to stretch considerably during childbirth.
  • 50.
    The reaction ofthe vagina is acidic, the pH is 4.5 that protects the vagina against infection.
  • 51.
    Functions of thevagina To allow discharge of the menstrual flow. As the female organs of coitus. To allow passage of the fetus from the uterus.
  • 52.
    Support structures Thebony pelvis support and protects the lower abdominal and internal reproductive organs.
  • 53.
    Muscle, Joints andligaments provide added support for internal organs of the pelvis against the downward force of gravity and the increases in intra-abdominal pressure
  • 54.
    Bony Pelvis BonyPelvis Is Composed of 4 bones: 1. Two hip bones. 2. Sacrum. 3. Coccyx.
  • 55.
    1. Two hipbones. Each or hip bone is composed of three bones: *Ilium *Ischium *Pubis
  • 56.
    *Ilium It isthe 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
  • 57.
    *Ischium It isthe thick lower part. It has a large prominence known as the ischial tuberosity on which the body rests while sitting.
  • 58.
    Behind and littleabove the tuberosity is an inward projection the ischial spine.
  • 59.
    2. Sacrum Isa 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
  • 60.
    3. Coccyx. Consists of four vertebrae forming a small triangular bone.