Female reproductive system

Female reproductive system (human)
Female reproductive system (human)
	Pictorial illustration of the female reproductive system and nearby organs
Details
Identifiers
Latin	systema genitale femininum
MeSH	D005836
TA98	A09.1.00.001
TA2	3469
FMA	45663
	Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The humanfemale reproductive systemis made up of the internal and externalsex organsthat function in thereproductionof newoffspring.The reproductive system is immature at birth and develops atpubertyto be able to release maturedovafrom theovaries,facilitate theirfertilization,and create a protective environment for the developingfetusduringpregnancy.Thefemale reproductive tractis made of several connected internal sex organs—thevagina,uterus,andfallopian tubes—and is prone to infections.^[1]The vagina allows forsexual intercourse,and is connected to the uterus at thecervix.The uterus (or womb) accommodates theembryoby developing theuterine lining.

The uterus also produces secretions which help the transit ofspermto the fallopian tubes, where sperm fertilize the ova. During themenstrual cycle,the ovaries release an ovum, which transits through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If an egg cell meets with sperm on its way to the uterus, a single sperm cell can enter and merge with it, creating azygote.If no fertilization occurs,menstruationis the process by which the uterine lining is shed as blood, mucus, and tissue.

Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes and marks the beginning ofembryogenesis.The zygote will thendivideover enough generations of cells to form ablastocyst,whichimplantsitself in the wall of the uterus. This begins the period ofgestationand the embryo will continue todevelopuntilfull-term.When thefetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus,the cervix dilates, andcontractions of the uterus propel it through the birth canal(the vagina), where it becomes anewborn.Thebreastsare not part of the reproductive system, butmammary glandswere essential to nourishing infants until the modern advent ofinfant formula.

Later in life, a woman goes throughmenopauseand menstruation halts. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and the uterus stops preparing for pregnancy.

The external sex organs are also known as thegenitals,and these are the organs of thevulva,including thelabia,clitoris,andvestibule.^[2]The corresponding equivalent among males is themale reproductive system.

External genitalia

Vulva

The vulva is of all of the external parts and tissues and includes the following:^[3]

Clitoris:an organ located at the top of the vulva. It consists of thebodyand its pea-shapedglansthat is protected by theclitoral hood.Thecorpora cavernosaare tissues of the clitoris that aid inerectionby filling with blood duringsexual arousal.
Labia:two types of vertical folds of skin called thelabia majora(thick and large outer folds that protect other parts of the vulva) and thelabia minora(thin and small inner folds that protect the vestibule from dryness, infections and irritation).
Mons pubis:a mass offatty tissuewhere thepubic hairgrows.
Vulval vestibule:an almond-shaped area between the labia minora that contains the openings.
Urinary meatus:the opening of theurethraforurineto pass through.
Vaginal opening:entrance to the vagina.
Hymen:connective tissuethat covers the vaginal opening.
Vestibular gland openings: two pairs of openings in the vulval vestibule for theBartholin'sandSkene's glands.

Internal genitalia

Vagina

The vagina is a fibromuscular (made up of fibrous and muscular tissue)canalleading from the outside of the body to the cervix of the uterus. It is also referred to as the birth canal in the context ofpregnancy.The vagina accommodates apenisduringsexual intercourse.Semencontainingspermatozoaisejaculatedfrom the penis atorgasm,into the vagina potentially enablingfertilizationof theegg cell(ovum) to take place.

Cervix

The cervix is the neck of the uterus, the lower, narrow portion where it joins with the upper part of the vagina. It iscylindricalorconicalin shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall. Approximately half its length is visible, the remainder lies above the vagina beyond view. The vagina has a thick layer outside and it is the opening where the fetus emerges during delivery.

Uterus

The uterus or womb is the major female reproductiveorgan.The uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 1 to 8) and fetus (from week 9 until the delivery). In addition, contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are important in pushing out the fetus at the time of birth.

The uterus contains three suspensory ligaments that help stabilize the position of the uterus and limits its range of movement. Theuterosacral ligamentskeep the body from moving inferiorly and anteriorly. Theround ligamentsrestrict posterior movement of the uterus. Thecardinal ligamentsalso prevent the inferior movement of the uterus.

The uterus is a pear-shapedmuscularorgan. Its major function is to accept a fertilized ovum, which becomes implanted into theendometrium,and derives nourishment from blood vessels, which develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized ovum becomes anembryo,develops into afetusand gestates untilchildbirth.If the egg does not embed in the wall of the uterus, the female beginsmenstruation.^[4]

Fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes are two tubes leading from the ovaries into the uterus. On maturity of an ovum, the follicle and the ovary's wall rupture, allowing the ovum to escape and enter the fallopian tube. There it travels toward the uterus, pushed along by movements ofciliaon the inner lining of the tubes. This trip takes hours or days. If the ovum is fertilized while in the fallopian tube, then it normally implants in theendometriumwhen it reaches the uterus, which signals the beginning ofpregnancy.^[5]

Ovaries

The ovaries are small, pairedgonadslocated near the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. These organs are responsible for the production of theegg cells(ova) and the secretion of hormones. The process by which the egg cell (ovum) is released is calledovulation.The speed of ovulation isperiodicand impacts the length of amenstrual cycle.

After ovulation, the egg cell travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If fertilization is going to occur, it often happens in the fallopian tube; the fertilized egg can then implant on the uterus's lining.^[6]^[7]During fertilization the egg cell plays a role; it releases certain molecules that are essential to guiding the sperm and allows the surface of the egg to attach to the sperm's surface. The egg can then absorb the sperm and fertilization can begin.^[8]

Vestibular glands

The vestibular glands, also known as the female accessory glands, are the Bartholin's glands, which produce amucousfluid forvaginal lubrication,and the Skene's glands for theejaculationof fluid as well as for lubricating the meatus.

Function

The female reproductive system functions toproduce offspring.

In the absence of fertilization, the ovum will eventually traverse the entire reproductive tract from the fallopian tube until exiting the vagina throughmenstruation.

The reproductive tract can be used for varioustransluminal proceduressuch asfertiloscopy,intrauterine insemination,and transluminalsterilization.

Development

Chromosome characteristics determine the genetic sex of a fetus atconception.This is specifically based on the 23rd pair of chromosomes that is inherited. Since the mother's egg contains an X chromosome and the father's sperm contains either an X or Ychromosome,it is the male who determines the fetus' sex. If the fetus inherits the X chromosome from the father, the fetus will be a female. In this case,testosteroneis not made and theWolffian ductwill degrade thus, theMüllerian ductwill develop into female sex organs. Theclitorisis the remnants of the Wolffian duct. On the other hand, if the fetus inherits the Y chromosome from the father, the fetus will be a male. The presence of testosterone will stimulate the Wolffian duct, which will bring about the development of the male sex organs and the Müllerian duct will degrade.^[9]

Clinical significance

Vaginitis

Vaginitisis inflammation of the vagina and largely caused by an infection. It is the most common gynaecological condition presented.^[10]It is difficult to determine any one organism most responsible for vaginitis because it varies from range of age, sexual activity, and method of microbial identification. Vaginitis is not necessarily caused by asexually transmitted infectionas there are many infectious agents that make use of the close proximity to mucous membranes and secretions. Vaginitis is usually diagnosed based on the presence of vaginal discharge, which can have a certain color, odor, or quality.^[11]

Bacterial vaginosis

This is a vaginal infection in women. It differs from vaginitis in that there is no inflammation. Bacterial vaginosis is polymicrobial, consisting of manybacteriaspecies. The diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis is made if three of the following four criteria are present: (1) Homogenous, thin discharge, (2) apHof 4.5 in the vagina, (3)epithelial cellsin the vagina with bacteria attached to them, or (4) a fishy odor. It has been associated with an increased risk of other genital tract infections such asendometritis.^[11]

Yeast infection

This is a common cause of vaginal irritation and according to theCenters for Disease Control and Preventionat least 75% of adult women have experienced one at least once in their lifetime. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina known asCandida.Yeast infections are usually caused by an imbalance of the pH in the vagina, which is usually acidic. Other factors such as pregnancy, diabetes, weakened immune systems, tight fitting clothing, ordouchingcan also be a cause. Symptoms of yeast infections include itching, burning, irritation, and a white cottage-cheese-like discharge from the vagina. Women have also reported that they experience painful intercourse and urination as well. Taking a sample of the vaginal secretions and placing them under a microscope for evidence of yeast can diagnose a yeast infection. Treatment varies from creams that can be applied in or around the vaginal area to oral tablets that stop the growth of fungus.^[11]

Genital mutilation

There are many practices of mutilating female genitalia in different cultures. The most common two types of genital mutilation practiced areclitoridectomy,the circumcision of the clitoris and the excision of theclitoral prepuce.They can all involve a range of adverse health consequences such asbleeding,irreparable tissue damage, andsepsis,which can sometimes prove fatal.

Genital surgery

Genitoplastyrefers to surgery that is carried out to repair damaged sex organs particularly following cancer and its treatment. There are alsoelective surgicalprocedures, which change the appearance of the external genitals.

Birth control

There are many types of birth control available to females. Birth control can be hormonal or physical in nature. Oral contraception can assist with management of various medical conditions, such as menorrhagia.^[12]However, oral contraceptives can have a variety of side effects, including depression.^[13]

Reproductive rights

TheInternational Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetricswas founded in 1954 to promote the well-being of women particularly in raising the standards of gynaecological practice and care. As of 2010, there were 124 countries involved.

Reproductive rightsare legal rights related to reproduction andreproductive health.Women have the right to control matters involving their sexuality including their sexual and reproductive health. Violation of these rights includeforced pregnancy,forced sterilization,forced abortionandgenital mutilation.Female genital mutilation is the complete or partial removal of a female's externalgenitals.

History

It is claimed in theHippocraticwritings that both males and females contribute their seed to conception; otherwise, children would not resemble either or both of their parents. Four hundred years later,Galenidentified the source of 'female semen' as the ovaries in female reproductive organs.^[14]

References

^Scoullar, Michelle J. L.; Boeuf, Philippe; Peach, Elizabeth (2021)."Mycoplasma genitalium and Other Reproductive Tract Infections in Pregnant Women, Papua New Guinea, 2015–2017 - Volume 27, Number 3—March 2021 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC".Emerging Infectious Diseases.27(3): 894–904.doi:10.3201/eid2703.201783.PMC7920647.PMID 33622474.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2022.Retrieved9 October2022.
^Ellis, Harold; Mahadevan, Vishy (2013).Clinical anatomy: applied anatomy for students and junior doctors(13th ed.). Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.ISBN 978-1-118-37376-7.
^"Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.
^"Genital Tract | SEER Training".training.seer.cancer.gov.Retrieved2023-12-19.
^"Fallopian Tubes: Location, Anatomy, Function & Conditions".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.
^"Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.
^"Ovaries: Anatomy, Function, Hormones & Conditions".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.
^Alberts, Bruce; Johnson, Alexander; Lewis, Julian; Raff, Martin; Roberts, Keith; Walter, Peter (2002),"Fertilization",Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition,Garland Science,retrieved2023-12-19
^"Details of genital development".Archived fromthe originalon February 25, 2020.RetrievedAugust 6,2010.
^Egan ME, Lipsky MS (2000)."Diagnosis of Vaginitis".American Family Physician.62(5): 1095–104.PMID 10997533.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2011.Retrieved7 July2020.
^^a ^b ^cZaino, Richard J.; Robboy, Stanley J.; Bentley, Rex; Kurman, Robert J. (2011). "Diseases of the Vagina".Blaustein's Pathology of the Female Genital Tract.pp. 105–154.doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0489-8_3.ISBN 978-1-4419-0488-1.
^Iyer, V; Farquhar, C; Jepson, R (2000). Iyer, Vadeihi (ed.). "Oral contraceptive pills for heavy menstrual bleeding".Cochrane Database Syst Rev(2): CD000154.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000154.PMID 10796696.
^de Wit, AE; Booij, SH; Giltay, EJ; Joffe, H; Schoevers, RA; Oldehinkel, AJ (2020)."Association of Use of Oral Contraceptives With Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents and Young Women".JAMA Psychiatry.77(1): 52–59.doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2838.PMC6777223.PMID 31577333.
^Anwar, Etin. "The Transmission of Generative Self and Women's Contribution to Conception." Gender and Self in Islam. London: Routledge, 2006. 75. Print.

External links

Female reproductive system Archived2019-05-27 at theWayback Machine
Interactive diagram of female reproductive system

[cdc1-1] Scoullar, Michelle J. L.; Boeuf, Philippe; Peach, Elizabeth (2021)."Mycoplasma genitalium and Other Reproductive Tract Infections in Pregnant Women, Papua New Guinea, 2015–2017 - Volume 27, Number 3—March 2021 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC".Emerging Infectious Diseases.27(3): 894–904.doi:10.3201/eid2703.201783.PMC7920647.PMID 33622474.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2022.Retrieved9 October2022.

[Ellis_2013-2] Ellis, Harold; Mahadevan, Vishy (2013).Clinical anatomy: applied anatomy for students and junior doctors(13th ed.). Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.ISBN 978-1-118-37376-7.

[3] "Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.

[4] "Genital Tract | SEER Training".training.seer.cancer.gov.Retrieved2023-12-19.

[5] "Fallopian Tubes: Location, Anatomy, Function & Conditions".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.

[6] "Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.

[7] "Ovaries: Anatomy, Function, Hormones & Conditions".Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved2023-12-19.

[8] Alberts, Bruce; Johnson, Alexander; Lewis, Julian; Raff, Martin; Roberts, Keith; Walter, Peter (2002),"Fertilization",Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition,Garland Science,retrieved2023-12-19

[9] "Details of genital development".Archived fromthe originalon February 25, 2020.RetrievedAugust 6,2010.

[10] Egan ME, Lipsky MS (2000)."Diagnosis of Vaginitis".American Family Physician.62(5): 1095–104.PMID 10997533.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2011.Retrieved7 July2020.

[Zaino-11] Zaino, Richard J.; Robboy, Stanley J.; Bentley, Rex; Kurman, Robert J. (2011). "Diseases of the Vagina".Blaustein's Pathology of the Female Genital Tract.pp. 105–154.doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0489-8_3.ISBN 978-1-4419-0488-1.

[12] Iyer, V; Farquhar, C; Jepson, R (2000). Iyer, Vadeihi (ed.). "Oral contraceptive pills for heavy menstrual bleeding".Cochrane Database Syst Rev(2): CD000154.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000154.PMID 10796696.

[13] Wit, AE; Booij, SH; Giltay, EJ; Joffe, H; Schoevers, RA; Oldehinkel, AJ (2020)."Association of Use of Oral Contraceptives With Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents and Young Women".JAMA Psychiatry.77(1): 52–59.doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2838.PMC6777223.PMID 31577333.

[14] Anwar, Etin. "The Transmission of Generative Self and Women's Contribution to Conception." Gender and Self in Islam. London: Routledge, 2006. 75. Print.

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