Question

Be able to identify/draw the following female reproductive structures: ovary, fimbriae, uterine tubes, uterus, myometrium, endometrium, cervix, vagina, ovarian ligament, broad ligament, round ligament, clitoris, labia majora, labia minora.

Answer 1

1. Ovary- The ovaries are a pair of tiny glands in the female pelvic cavity which produces female gamete ovum and female sexual hormone estrogen.

2. Fimbriae- It is a fringe of tissue around the ostium of fallopian tube in the direction of ovary. It is connected to ovary and through fimbrae eggs move from ovary to uterus.

3.Uterine tubes- Uterine tubes or fallopian tubes are tubes that stretch from uterus to the ovaries.

4. Uterus- It is the pyriform hollow structure where foetus is implanted before birth. Uterus is also called womb.

5. Myometrium- The myometrium is the middle layer of uterine wall and composed of smooth muscles. It's function is to induce uterine contractions.

6. Endometrium- It is the innermost layer of uterus wall. It is composed of columnar epithelium and secretory cells. It thickens in the menstrual cycle to prepare for the implantation of the embryo.

7. Cervix- It is a cylinder shaped neck of tissue that connects the v_a_g_i_n_a and uterus.

8. V_a_g_i_n_a- It is an elastic muscular canal with a soft , flexible lining which connects uterus to the outside world.

9. Ovarian ligament- It is a fibrous ligament which connects ovary to lateral surface of uterus.

10. Broad ligament-It is a flat sheet of peritoneum, associated with the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It extends from lateral pelvic walls on both sides and folds over internal female genitalia, covering their surface anteriorly and posteriorly.

11. Round ligament- It is a remnant of the embryonic gubernaculum. It originates at the uterine horns (the points at which the fallopian tubes enter the uterus), and attaches to the labia majora, passing through the inguinal canal.

12. C_l_i_t_o_r_i_s- It is a female sexual organ which is homologous to p_e_n_i_s in males and is the most sensitive part of female. It does not play any file directly in reproduction.

13. Labia majora- These are fleshy folds of tissue that extend down from mins pubis and sorround the v_a_g_i_n_a_l and urethral orifice.

14. Labia minora- These are two small cutaneous folds 3–4 cm long, situated between the labia majora and extending from the c_l_i_t_o_r_i_s anteriorly to the fourchette posteriorly.