Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Functions of the Female Reproductive System
1.External Genitalia
•The mons pubic protects the pubic bone from trauma.
•The clitoris provides for sexual arousal and orgasm.
•The labia majora and minora protect the external genitalia, urethra, and distal vagina.
•Secretions from Bartholin’s glands lubricate the external vulva during coitus and improve sperm survival.
•Secretions from Skene’s  glands lubricate the external genitalia during coitus.
•The urethral meatus is the external opening of the female urethra.
•The perineal muscle expands during childbirth to enlarge the vagina, allowing for passage of the fetal head.

2.Internal genitalia
•The vagina aids in conception by conveying sperm to the cervix and helps in childbirth by serving as a passageway for the fetus.
•The uterus receives the fertilized egg, provides for implantation, nourishes and protects the growing fetus, and contacts to expel the fetus during childbirth.
•The ovaries produce and release mature ova and regulate the menstrual cycle through the production of estrogen and progesterone.
•The fallopian tubes move the sperm toward the ova and the ova toward the uterus, thereby aiding in fertilization.

3.The pelvis supports and protects the reproductive and other pelvic organs. During the late months of pregnancy, the false pelvis supports the uterus and helps direct the fetus into the true pelvis for birth.

4.The breasts serve to produce and secrete (Lactate) milk for the infant.

Physiologic process of the female reproductive cycle

1.Menstruation Cycle
2.Gestation and lactation
•Fertilization of the ovum by a sperm usually occurs in the distal third of the fallopian tube. About 5 days later, the zygote implants into the uterine endometrium.
•Human chorionic gonadotropin, secreted by chronic villi in the endometrium of a pregnant female, stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete estrogen and progesterone until the placenta takes over.
•From the third to the eight week of gestation, all essential structures of the fetus form. During the remaining weeks these existing structures grow and mature. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta continues to produce progesterone and estrogen. These hormones stimulate growth of the fetus and uterine blood supply, affect contractile activity, stimulate growth of mammary tissue, and affect the woman’s metabolism. Normally, around the 40th week of gestation, the fetus and placenta are expelled from the body. Estrogen and progesterone play a role in initiating parturition. Under the influence of oxytocin, regular contractions increase in frequency and intensity to aid in this process of childbirth.
•The breast produce and release milk for the nourishment of the neonate. The production and release of milk is influenced by prolactin, oxytocin and suckling of the neonate. This process is referred to as lactation.

3.Menopause occurs when menses cease (for at least 1 year), in most women between ages 40 and 55. After menopause, the ovaries atrophy, estrogen levels fall, and changes occur in the vagina, cardiovascular system, skeletal system and integumentary system.

Anatomy of Female Reproductive System