Lab #11: The Female Reproductive Tract (part 1)

Summary

Dr. Nye presents a detailed walkthrough of the female reproductive system, covering key anatomical structures such as the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and the vestibule. The lecture highlights the urethra, paraurethral glands, Bartholin's glands, and the uterus with its components, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy of the vulva, vaginal canal, and surrounding connective tissues. Additionally, the session explores the ovarian ligaments and the suspensory ligaments that hold the ovaries. The lecture concludes with an examination of the ovaries' surface and their role in follicle development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mons pubis is a mound of fat located in front of the pubic symphysis and develops during puberty in females.
• 😀 The labia majora are the thicker outer folds of the vulva that contain hair, while the labia minora are the inner folds.
• 😀 The clitoris is covered by a hood or prepuce, and its tip or glans is a key anatomical feature.
• 😀 The vestibule is the space between the labia minora, containing the vaginal opening, urethral opening, and associated glands.
• 😀 Paraurethral glands (Skene's glands) are located near the urethral opening, while Bartholin's (greater vestibular) glands are found near the vaginal opening.
• 😀 The uterus is anteflexed, meaning it tilts forward, and is connected to the ovaries via the ovarian ligaments.
• 😀 The uterine tubes (oviducts) have distinct regions such as the isthmus, ampulla, and infundibulum with fimbriae.
• 😀 The ovaries are suspended by the ovarian ligaments and the suspensory ligaments, which contain the ovarian artery and vein.
• 😀 The clitoris is made of erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum), and the vestibular bulbs, located on either side of the vagina, contain corpus spongiosum.
• 😀 The cervix connects to the uterus, and the cervical canal has two openings: the external os and internal os, which lead to the uterine cavity.

Q & A

What is the Mons pubis, and where is it located?

The Mons pubis is a mound of fat located in front of the pubic symphysis. It develops during puberty in females and is made up of adipose tissue.

What are the labia majora, and how are they different from the labia minora?

The labia majora are the thicker outermost folds or lips of the female genitalia, which have hair on their lateral aspects. The labia minora are the inner, thinner folds located inside the labia majora.

What is the clitoris, and what is its anatomical relationship to the prepuce?

The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva. It has a glans (tip) covered by the prepuce or hood, which is a protective fold of tissue.

What is the vestibule in the female reproductive system?

The vestibule is the space between the inner folds of the labia minora. It contains the vaginal opening and the opening of the urethra, as well as glands like the paraurethral and Bartholin's glands.

Where are the paraurethral glands located, and what is their function?

The paraurethral glands, also known as Skene's glands, are located in the anterior wall of the vagina near the opening of the urethra. They secrete fluids that help lubricate the urethra.

What is the function of the Bartholin's glands?

The Bartholin's glands, or greater vestibular glands, are located at the posterior aspect of the vaginal opening. They secrete a lubricating fluid during sexual arousal.

What does the term 'anteflexed' refer to in relation to the uterus?

The term 'anteflexed' refers to the forward tilt of the uterus. It means that the uterus is angled forward over the bladder.

What are the ovarian ligaments and suspensory ligaments, and how do they function?

The ovarian ligaments are connective tissues that attach the ovaries to the uterus. The suspensory ligaments attach the ovaries to the pelvic wall and contain the ovarian artery and vein.

What is the cervix, and what are its key anatomical features?

The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It has an external os (opening) that leads into the cervical canal, which connects to the uterine cavity.

What are the key components of the female reproductive system visible in the described specimen?

The described specimen shows key components such as the vulva, clitoris, labia, vestibule, urethra, vagina, uterus, cervix, uterine tubes (oviducts), ovaries, and associated ligaments.