Female Reproductive System-1

The process by which spermatogoniums (stem cells) grow into adult spermatozoa is known as spermatogenesis. Seminiferous tubules are the site of spematogenesis, which begins when a male reaches puberty. About 75 days are needed for a spermatogonium to mature into a spermatozoon.

As it develops, the spermatogonium transforms and separates into primary spermatocytes. Through the process of meiosis, each primary spermatocyte transforms into a secondary spermatocyte. Then, meiosis produces the four haploid cells known as spermatids. The spermatid transforms into a single sperm cell during the last stage of spermatogenesis. Sperminogenesis is the name for this last phase.

The reproductive system and organs are different in male and female which are described below:

Primary and Secondary Reproductive (Sex) Organs

Gamate-producing organs are considered primary reproductive organs (sperm in male and ova in female). Gammates are produced by the female ovary and the male testes. The secondary reproductive organs are necessary for reproduction while the primary reproductive organs are in charge of producing gamates, hormones that aid in the maturation of the reproductive system, regulating the normal physiology of the reproductive system, and the development of secondary sex characteristics. The uterus, uterine tube, vagina, and accessory glands in females, as well as the ducts, glands, and penis in males, are all regarded as secondary reproductive organs. These organs aid in the movement and maintenance of the gamates as well as the care of the developing young.

Female Reproductive System

The ovaries, fallopian testes, uterus, vagina, and vulva make up the female reproductive system. The diagnosis and treatment of illnesses of the female reproductive system are the focus of the medical specialty of gynecology. The creation and transfer of ova as well as the provision of a nourishing environment for the fertilized ovum are the two main tasks of the female reproductive system.

Function of the female reproductive system:

• Progesterone, estrogen, and secondary oocytes (egg) are produced by the ovaries (females sex hormones)
• Fertilization takes place inside the uterine tubes, which also carry eggs to the uterus.
• The uterus is where the fertilized ovum is implanted, and after fertilization, it also carries and safeguards the growing embryo.
• The vagina receives the penis during sexual activity and serves as a delivery route.
• During lactation, the mammary glands produce, secrete, and expel milk.

For descriptive purposes, the external genitalia, internal genitalia, and accessory organs like the breast are all considered to be part of the female reproductive system.

Female External Genitalia

It is also referred to as vulva collectively, and it is contained in a region that is bordered on either side by libia majora and superiorly by the mons veneris. It consists of the clitoris, vestibule glands, labia majora, labia minora, mons pubis, and the hymen at the vaginal opening.

The external genitalia consists of the following structures:

• The Mons Veneris (Mons Pubis):
  • This is a fat pad that is located over the pubic symphysis. Since the onset of puberty, it has been covered in pubic hair. The pubic symphysis is shielded and padded by the mons pubis.
• Labia Majora (Greater Lips):
  • These two longitudinal folds of fat and areolar tissue are smooth and moist on the inside, where the openings of numerous tiny glands like sweat and sebaceous glands are present, and covered with skin and pubic hair on the exterior. They emerge from the mons pubis and combine into the perineum below. The male labia majora are analagous to the scrotum.
  • Where the labia majora come together to form the anterior commissure, they are thicker in the front. In nulliparous women (those who have never given birth), they combine posteriorly to form the posterior commissure, a ridge that sits on top of the perineal body and marks the back of the vulva. After the first vaginal birth, this composure typically vanishes.
• Labia Minora (Lesser Lips):
  • The labia minora are two tiny skin folds located just inside the labia majora. Prior to dividing to form the fourchette, they separate to encircle the clitoris. Sebaceous glands abound in the delicate folds of skin known as labia minora. They are made of erectile tissue, which contains blood vessels, involuntary muscles, and loose connective tissue. The spongy (penile) urethra in males and the labia minora are homologous.
• Clitoris:
  • The clitoris is a delicate, yet tiny, structure. It is roughly 2.5 cm long and is equivalent to the male glans penis. The corpora cavernosa, two erectile bodies, and the glans clitoris, a spongy erectile tissue area, make up this structure. It contributes to the female's sexual arousal.
• Vestibule:
  • When the labia minora are split, the vestibule, a depression in the shape of a boat, is seen. The vestibule is similar to a man's membrane urethra. It has the external urethra aperture, the introitus, and a thin membrane known as the hymen.
  • Six structures drain into the vestibule, including the urethra, two Skene's (lesser vestibular) glands, the vaginal aperture, and the Bartholion's glands (two). On either side of the vagina, there are Bartholin's glands (greater vestibular glands), which release yellowish mucus that lubricates the vagina, especially when a person is sexually aroused. The vestibule includes the Skene's glands, which are situated right inside the urethra. Skene's glands resemble a man's prostate in structure.
• Urethral Orifice:
  • This hole is situated 2.5 cm behind the clitoris. The apertures of Skene's ducts, two brief, 0.5 cm long tubules with blind ends that run within the urethral wall, are located on either side of it.
• Vaginal Orifice:
  • The posterior two thirds of the vestibule are taken up by what is also known as the introitus of the vagina. The hymen, a thin membrane that tears during sexual contact, physically demanding activities, the use of temporizing devices, or with the birth of a first child, partially closes this entrance.
• Bartholin's Glands:
  • The posterior portion of the labia majora has two tiny glands that open on either side of the vaginal entrance. They produce more mucus, which lubricates the vaginal opening, when they are sexually aroused. Male Cowper's glands and bartholin glands are similar in structure.
• Fourchette:
  • The labia minora connects the vaginal entrance posteriorly to form the fourchette.
•  Perineum:
  • From the fourchette to the anal edge, there is the perineum. The pelvic floor muscles are covered. The levator ani muscle and fascia, the deep perineal muscles, and the external genitalia muscles make up its roughly triangular shape. These offer the pelvic organs support. The muscles, fascia, and skin of the perineum are supplied by the pudendal arteries, veins, and nerves.
• Prepuce:
  • It is a slack skin fold that covers the clitoris.
• Frenulum:
  • It is a little ligament that keeps the clitoris in place.

Blood Supply of External Genitalia:

The external genitalia are supplied with arterial blood through the internal pudendal artery, as well as the superficial external and deep internal pudendal branches of the femoral artery. The internal iliac vein is the destination of the enormous venous plexus formed by the venous blood. The superficial inguinal lymph node and the external iliac node in the groin are where lymphatic fluids are drained.

Nerve Supply of External Genitalia:

The pelvic plexus-derived pudendal nerve, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nerves supply the external genetic.