a. Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes, Oviducts). Extending to either
side of the uterus are two muscular tubes which open at the outer ends like fringed
trumpets. The fringe-like appendages encircle the ovaries. At their medial ends, the
uterine tubes open into the uterus. The function of the uterine tubes is to pick up the
ovum when released from the ovary and hold it UNTIL one of the following happens:
(1) It is fertilized. After fertilization, the initial stages of embryo
development take place. The developing embryo is eventually moved into the uterus.
(2) The nutrient stored within the ovum is used up and the ovum dies. This
may take three to five days.
b. Uterus. The uterus is the site where all but the first few days
of embryo development takes place. After eight weeks of embryonic development, it is known
as the fetus.
(1) Main subdivisions. The uterus is shaped like a pear, with the stem
(cervix) facing downward and toward the rear. The fundus is the portion of the uterus
above the openings of the uterine tubes. The main part, or body, is the portion between
the cervix and the fundus. The uterus usually leans forward with the body slightly curved
as it passes over the top of the urinary bladder. The cervix opens into the upper end of
the vagina.
(2) Wall structure. The inner lining of the uterus is called the
endometrium. Made up of epithelium, it is well supplied with blood vessels and glands. The
muscular wall of the uterus is called the myometrium. In the body of the uterus, the
muscular tissue is in a double spiral arrangement. In the cervix, it is in a circular
arrangement.
(3) Age differences. The uterus of an infant female is undeveloped. During
puberty, the uterus develops. The uterus of an adult is fully developed. The uterus of an
old woman is reduced in size and nonfunctional.
c. Vagina. The vagina is a tubular canal connecting the cervix of
the uterus with the outside. It serves as a birth canal and as an organ of copulation. It
is capable of stretching during childbirth. The lower opening of the vagina may be
partially closed by a thin membrane known as the hymen.
d. External Genitalia. Other terms for the external genitals of the
human female are vulva and pudendum. Included are the:
(1) Mons pubis. The mons pubis is a mound of fat tissue covered with skin
and hair in front of the symphysis pubis (the joint of the pubic bones).
(2) Labia majora. Extending back from the mons pubis and encircling the
vestibule (discussed below) are two folds known as the labia majora. Their construction is
similar to the mons pubis, including fatty tissue and skin. The outer surfaces are covered
with hair. The inner surfaces are moist and smooth. The corresponding structure in the
male is the scrotum.
LABIA = lips (LABIUM, singular)
(3) Labia minora. The labia minora are two folds of skin lying within the
labia majora and also enclosing the vestibule. In front, each labium minus (minus =
singular of minora) divides into two folds. The fold above the clitoris (discussed below)
is called the prepuce of the clitoris. The fold below is the frenulum.
(4) Clitoris. The clitoris is a small projection of sensitive erectile
tissue which corresponds to the male penis. However, the female urethra does not pass
through the clitoris.
(5) Vestibule. The cleft between the labia minora and behind the clitoris
is called the vestibule. It includes the urethral opening in front and the vaginal opening
slightly to the rear.
e. Pregnancy and Delivery. When an embryo forms an attachment to
the endometrium, a pregnancy exists. The attachment eventually forms a placenta, an organ
joining mother and offspring for such purposes as nutrition of the offspring. The fetal
membranes surround the developing individual (fetus) and are filled with amniotic fluid.
(1) During the first eight weeks, the developing organism is known as an
embryo. During this time, the major systems and parts of the body develop.
(2) During the remainder of the pregnancy, the developing organism is
known as the fetus. During this time, growth and refinement of the body parts occur.
(3) Parturition is the actual delivery of the fetus into a free- living
state. The delivery of the fetus is followed by a second delivery-- that of the placenta
and fetal membranes.
f. Menstruation and Menopause. About two weeks after an ovum is
released, if it is not fertilized, menstruation occurs. Menstruation involves the loss of
all but the basal layer of the endometrium. This process includes bleeding. It first
occurs at puberty and lasts until menopause (45 to 55 years of age). After menopause,
pregnancy is no longer possible.
Primary Content Providers: The U. S. Army, The
U.S. Navy
Ancillary Content and Online Version: David L. Heiserman
Publisher: SweetHaven Publishing Services
