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Human Reproductive System

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📘 Unit 11 – Chapter 2

Human Reproductive System

🔶 What is Reproduction?

Definition:
Reproduction is the biological process by which a living organism (plant or animal) produces a new individual similar to itself. This helps in continuing the species.

🔶 Types of Reproduction

  1. Sexual Reproduction:
    • Involves both male and female.
    • Requires fertilization (fusion of male and female gametes).
    • Offspring are genetically different from parents.
  2. Asexual Reproduction:
    • Involves only one parent.
    • No fertilization needed.
    • Offspring are exact copies (clones) of the parent.

🔶 Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system has three main parts:

  1. External Genital Organs
  2. Internal Genital Organs
  3. Accessory Organs

✅ 1. External Genital Organs (Vulva)

These are visible from outside.

  • Mons Pubis:
    Fatty area above the pubic bone covered with pubic hair.
  • Labia Majora:
    Outer lips or folds of skin protecting the genital area.
  • Labia Minora:
    Inner folds of skin, present inside labia majora.
  • Clitoris:
    Small, sensitive organ involved in sexual arousal.
  • Vestibule:
    Triangular space between labia minora. Contains:
    • Opening of urethra (urine tube)
    • Opening of vagina
    • Ducts of Bartholin’s glands
    • Skene’s glands

✅ 2. Internal Genital Organs

A) Vagina:

  • Muscular tube (~8–9 cm long).
  • Receives penis during intercourse.
  • Passageway for menstruation and childbirth (birth canal).

Layers of vagina:

  1. Mucosal layer (inner)
  2. Submucosal layer
  3. Muscular layer
  4. Fibrous outer layer

B) Uterus (Womb):

  • Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ.
  • Site for embryo development and fetal growth.
  • Size: ~7.5 cm long, weight: 50–80 grams

Parts of uterus:

  1. Fundus – top curved portion
  2. Body (Corpus) – main part
  3. Isthmus – narrow portion
  4. Cervix – lower part connected to vagina

Layers of uterus wall:

  1. Perimetrium – outer covering
  2. Myometrium – middle muscular layer
  3. Endometrium – inner lining (sheds during menstruation)

C) Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts):

  • Tube connecting ovaries to uterus (~10 cm long).
  • Site of fertilization (union of sperm and ovum).

Parts of Fallopian tube:

  1. Infundibulum – has finger-like fimbriae near ovary
  2. Ampulla – widest part, fertilization usually occurs here
  3. Isthmus – narrow, middle portion
  4. Intramural – part inside uterus wall

Function:

  • Transports egg from ovary to uterus
  • Helps sperm reach egg
  • Carries fertilized egg to uterus

D) Ovaries:

  • A pair of small, almond-shaped glands.
  • Located on each side of uterus.
  • Produce ova (eggs) and sex hormones (estrogen & progesterone).

Parts:

  1. Cortex: Outer layer – contains developing follicles (eggs)
  2. Medulla: Inner part – contains blood vessels, nerves

✅ 3. Accessory Organs

A) Bartholin’s Glands:

  • Pair of glands near vaginal opening.
  • Secrete fluid for lubrication.

B) Skene’s Glands:

  • Near urethra. Also help in lubrication.

C) Breasts (Mammary Glands):

  • Present in pairs, produce milk after childbirth.
  • Contain 15–20 milk ducts opening at nipple.
  • Surrounded by pigmented area called areola.

Functions:

  • Milk production (lactation)
  • Hormonal influence during puberty and pregnancy

🔶 Main Functions of Female Reproductive System

  • Production of eggs (ova)
  • Secretion of female hormones
  • Site for fertilization
  • Nourishment and development of fetus
  • Menstruation and childbirth
  • Milk production after birth

📝 Useful for Nursing Students:

  • Understand structure & function of reproductive organs
  • Know hormonal changes and menstrual cycle
  • Learn about pregnancy, labor & postnatal care
  • Apply knowledge in gynecology, obstetrics & maternal care