Female reproductive organs

The female reproductive organs are of great significance to women, because whether the reproductive organs are normal and healthy largely determines the female's fertility. Of course, in addition to this, if there is a disease in the female reproductive organs, it will have a great impact on women. Female reproductive organs are generally composed of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina.

1. Ovaries

They are oval in shape, one on each side, located on both sides of the uterus in the pelvic cavity, and are flattened oval structures. Its function is to produce mature eggs and secrete female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Estrogen promotes the growth and development of female reproductive organs and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Progesterone (also known as progesterone) can promote the growth of the endometrium, thereby ensuring the implantation of the fertilized egg and maintaining pregnancy.

2. Fallopian tube

Connected to both sides of the fundus of the uterus is a curved tube that transports eggs into the uterus. It is about 10 to 12 cm long and the end of the tube opens into the peritoneal cavity. The free edge of the opening has many finger-like protrusions, called fallopian tube umbrellas, which cover the surface of the ovary. The thinner part near the uterus is called the isthmus, and the enlarged part on the outside is called the ampulla (the site where the egg is fertilized). The wall of the fallopian tube is also composed of three layers: mucosa, muscularis and adventitia. The mucosal epithelium is a single-layer columnar ciliated epithelium. Cilia have the function of beating. The peristalsis of the muscle layer and the beating of the cilia help the fertilized egg enter the uterine cavity.

3. Uterus

1. Location and shape: The uterus is located in the pelvic cavity, between the bladder and the rectum. It is shaped like an inverted pear and is slightly flattened front and back. The wide upper end that protrudes above the inner opening of the fallopian tube is called the fundus of the uterus. The bulging middle part is the body of the uterus. The thinner lower end is the cylindrical cervix, and its distal end protrudes into the vagina. The slightly narrower part between the uterine body and the cervix is ​​called the isthmus. There is a triangular cavity in the uterus, called the uterine cavity. The upper part of the cavity is connected to the fallopian tube, and the lower part is connected to the cervical canal.

2. The structure of the uterine wall: The uterine wall is very thick and is divided into three layers: the exometrium, the myometrium, and the endometrium. The tubular glands within the endometrium are called uterine glands. There are abundant small blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the lamina propria. The muscular layer is composed of smooth muscles arranged in a criss-cross pattern, with blood vessels running through it. This layer has great elasticity. For example, during pregnancy, the volume of smooth muscle cells increases to adapt to the needs of pregnancy. During childbirth, the rhythmic contraction of the uterine smooth muscle becomes the driving force for the delivery of the fetus. Due to its contraction, it can also compress blood vessels and stop postpartum bleeding. The serosa is composed of a simple layer of squamous epithelium and connective tissue.

4. Vagina

The vagina is a muscular tube, about 6 to 8 centimeters long. The front wall of the vagina is close to the bladder and urethra, and the back wall is adjacent to the rectum. The upper end of the vagina surrounds the lower part of the cervix, forming a circular depression called the vaginal vault. The posterior vaginal fornix is ​​deep. The lower part of the vagina opens into the vestibule. The vagina is the organ of sexual intercourse and the passage for menstrual blood to be discharged and the fetus to be delivered.