Makindo Medical Notes

Related Subjects: |Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynaecology |Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology |Basic Concepts of Pregnancy |Health Issues In Pregnancy |Risk assessment In Pregnancy |Anaemia In Pregnancy |Hypertension In Pregnancy |Diabetes In Pregnancy |Epilepsy In Pregnancy |Hyperemesis In Pregnancy |Obesity In Pregnancy |Prescribing in Pregnancy |Multiple Pregnancy |Preterm Labout |Management of Labour and Complications |Assessment of the newborn

Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

• The female reproductive system consists of several important structures that are involved in reproduction, hormone production, and menstruation.

Ovaries

• The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus.
• They produce eggs (ova) and release them during ovulation.
• The ovaries also secrete hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.

Fallopian Tubes

• Fallopian tubes are thin tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus.
• They transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
• Fertilization usually occurs within the fallopian tubes, after which the fertilized egg (zygote) moves to the uterus for implantation.

Uterus

• The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in the pelvic cavity.
• It is the site where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus.
• The uterus has three layers: the endometrium (inner lining), the myometrium (muscular layer), and the perimetrium (outer layer).
• If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is shed during menstruation.

Cervix

• The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• It allows menstrual blood to exit the body and serves as the passage for sperm to enter the uterus during intercourse.
• During childbirth, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Vagina

• The vagina is a muscular tube connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.
• It functions as the birth canal, the passageway for menstrual flow, and the site for sexual intercourse.

Physiology

• The menstrual cycle is a process regulated by hormones to prepare the body for pregnancy.
• The cycle is divided into three phases: follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.

Follicular Phase

• The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle).
• The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.
• One dominant follicle matures, and estrogen levels rise, causing the uterine lining (endometrium) to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.

Ovulatory Phase

• Ovulation typically occurs around day 14, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).
• A mature egg is released from the dominant follicle and enters the fallopian tube, where fertilization may occur.

Luteal Phase

• The luteal phase occurs after ovulation and lasts until the beginning of the next menstrual cycle.
• The ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the thickened uterine lining for pregnancy.
• If the egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop, the uterine lining is shed, and menstruation begins.

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