Female Reproductive System

Dr. Mubarak Bidmos

Assistant Professor (Anatomy)

College of Medicine
Qatar University
mbidmos@qu.edu.qa

22nd December 2016

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify the organs of the female reproductive system and
describe the general function of each
Describe the functions of the vesicular follicles and corpus
luteum of the ovary.
Describe the layers of the uterine wall
Indicate the location of the different parts of the uterus and
uterine tube
Describe the basic features of the vulva

Components of the Female

Reproductive Tract

GA 3.36

Female Pelvic Viscera:

Superior View

POSTERIOR

Superior view

Uterine
tube

Sigmoid
colon

Rectum

Ovary

Uterine tube

Uterus
Urinary bladder

M&O27.11

ANTERIOR

Midsagittal section

Female Pelvic Viscera: Sagittal View

Gonads:

A. Ovaries

Reproductive tract:

B. Uterine (Fallopian) tubes

C. Uterus

D. Vagina

External genitalia (vulva):

E

F
G

E. Vestibule
D

F. Labia minora

G. Labia majora
5

The Ovary
F

M&O28.4

A. Tunica albuginea: Dense connective tissue

B. Cortex: Contains follicles at different stages of development
C.

Corpus luteum: Ruptured follicle after ovulation

D. Medulla: Highly vascularized

E. Ovarian ligament and F. Suspensory ligament

Ovarian Follicles: Review

Primordial follicle

Secondary follicle

Primary follicle

Graafian follicle

The Uterine Tubes

A

Part of the ductal system

Functions:

Reception of oocyte
Site of fertilization
Transportation of zygote

Parts:

Infundibulum with fimbriae

Ampulla
Isthmus
Intramural

M&O28.6
8

Histology of the Fallopian Tube

Simple columnar epithelium with

ciliated (A) and secretory (B) cells
Concentric smooth muscle layer
Visceral peritoneum

B
A

Scanning electron micrograph of the

surface of the uterine tube

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Infection of the ovaries and the uterine tubes

Spread of infection into the peritoneal cavity due to open

ductal system in females

10

The Uterus

C B
A

Location: Between the urinary

bladder (A) and the rectum (B)
Rectouterine pouch (C) : Site of
blood accumulation from ruptured
ectopic pregnancy
Functions: Reception,
nourishment and retention of
zygote

11

Gross Anatomy of the Uterus

Subdivisions:

Fundus (A)
Body (B)
Cervix (C)

Cancer of the cervix

Uterine wall:

Endometrium (D)
Myometrium (E)
Perimetrium

12

Ligaments of the Uterus

A. Broad ligament: Holds the uterus in place in the pelvis

B. Suspensory ligament of the ovary: Fold of peritoneum covering ovarian
blood vessels
C. Round ligament of the uterus: Prevents posterior displacement of the
uterus

13

Think Before You Reveal

A

14

The Vagina

Vagina
Extends from the cervix to vestibule
Posterior to urethra and base of
bladder and anterior to rectum
Cervix projects into vaginal canal
(birth canal)
Covered by hymen, fold of mucosa
Histology:
Stratified squamous non-keratinized
epithelium

Acidic environment: discourages bacterial

growth

M&O28.2

15

The Vagina

Vulva

Perineum

16