ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Ovaries- The ovaries, a pair of tiny gland in the pelvic cavity, are the most important organs of the female
reproductive system. Their importance is derived from their role in producing both the female sex
hormones that control reproduction and female gametes that are fertilized to from embryos. Each ovary
are located on opposite sides of the uterus in the pelvic cavity and are attached to the uterus by the
ovarian ligaments.
Ligaments- a tough connective tissue that held the internal reproductive organ.
Broad ligament- the most conspicuous which spread on both side of the uterus and to which ovaries and
uterine tube attach

Oviduct- There are two fallopian tubes, also called the uterine tubes or the oviducts.each fallopian tube
attaches to a side of uterus and connects to an ovary. They are positioned between the ligaments that
support the uterus. The fallopian tube is a tiny passageway no wider than a sewing needle. They open
directly into the peritoneal cavity near each ovary and receive the oocyte.
Fimbriae-the opening of each uterine tube is surrounded by long, thin process called fimbriae,
when the oocyte as soon to ovulated it comes to contact with the upper part of the fimbriae particularly in
the cilia of the fimbriae this cilia sweep the oocyte to the uterine tube particularly in the ampulla where
the fertilization usually occur.

Follicles- Is a roughly spheroid cellular aggregation set found in the ovaries. It also secretes hormones
that influence stages of the menstrual cycle. It has the potential to release an egg cell (ovum) at ovulation
for fertilization. These eggs are developed only once every menstrual cycle.

Corpus Luteum- A hormone secreting structure that develops in an ovary after an ovum has been
discharged but degenerates after a few days unless pregnancy has begun.

Uterus- The uterus is shaped- like an upside-down pear; with a thick lining and muscular walls. Located
near the floor of the pelvic cavity, it is hollow to allow a blastocyte, or fertilized egg, to implant and grow.
It also allows for the inner lining of the uterus to build up until a fertilized egg is implanted, or it is
sloughed off during menses. The uterus contains some of the strongest muscle in the female body. These
muscles are able to expand and contract to accommodate a growing fetus and then help push the baby out
during labor. These muscles also contract rhytmically durin an orgasm in a wave like action. It is through
that this is to help push or guide to sperm up the uterus to the fallopian tubes where fertilization maybe
possible.

The uterus is only about 3inches long and 2 inches wide but during pregnancy it changes rapidly
and dramatically.

Three Layers of Uterus

Endometrium- The endometrium is the thinner, inner layer of the uterine wall that contains a lot of
glands and arteries.

During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in size and number.
Vascular spaces fuse and become interconnected, forming the placenta, which supplies oxygen and
nutrition to the embryo and fetus.

Myometrium(muscular layer)- Is a thicker middle muscular layer covering the outside of the uterus. Its
located in between the perimetrium and the endometrium, whose muscular nature is extremely important
in providing the muscular contractions needed for childbirth.
Perimetrium(serous layer)- Is a thin lining connecting the uterus to the body lining.

Cervix- The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. In a non pregnant women, the cervix is usually
between 2 and 3 cm long and roughly cylindrical in shape. During childbirth, contractions of the uterus
will dilate the cervix to 10cm in diameter to allow the child to pass through

The cervical canal is a passage through which sperm must travel to fertilize an egg cell after sexual
intercourse.

During menstruation, the cervix stretches open slightly to allow the endometrium to be shed. This
stretching is believed to be part of the cramping pain that many women experience.

PARTS
Fundus - the upper part of uterus and itbis also the entrance of uterine tube.
Body - the main part of uterus.
Cervix narrow part of uterus.