In the article brought to your attention, we propose to talk about the reproductive system of women (internal genital organs and external). We will analyze not only the structure and anatomy of all organs of the reproductive system, but also pay a little attention to the topic of intimate hygiene.
It is immediately worth noting that the female reproductive system consists of many parts:
- genitals
- milk glands;
- special parts of the brain;
- endocrine glands.
Their main function is to reproduce offspring. It is also worth noting that several types of genital organs of women are distinguished:
- internal (located inside the pelvis);
- outdoor.
The organs located inside the pelvis carry several functions:
Outdoor Features:
The internal and external genital organs of women in the aggregate determine many physiological processes, are associated with the reproductive function and have an impact on the situation in society. We will talk about all this in detail in this article.
External genitalia
Let's start with the fact that the external genitalia of a woman are in the pelvic area. All together they have the name "vulva" and include:
To the female genital area it is customary to include:
- pubis;
- labia;
- vestibule of the vagina;
- glands of the vestibule;
- onion.
Briefly about 3 important functions of the external genitalia:
- the passage of sperm to other organs of the reproductive system of women;
- protection against infections (large and small labia prevent the infection from entering other organs of the genitourinary system);
- sensory function (performed by the clitoris).
Also to the external genitalia is the hymen. From the moment the girl was born into the light, the hole in the vagina is “closed” with a special sheath - the hymen. Immediately, we note that this mucous membrane has openings necessary for the output of physiological secretions (here we also include menstrual blood during puberty).
Labia
As mentioned earlier, the labia are also part of the external genitalia of women. They perform a very important function - they protect the body from infection. Just say that they are represented by two pairs of folds formed by the skin and mucous membrane:
- external (large) are the border of the genital gap (have a large supply of subcutaneous fat, which makes them more dense);
- labia minora form the foreskin of the clitoris (less thick, composed exclusively of the mucous membrane).
Labia minora and labia minora
The woman’s internal genital organs are “protected” by the labia minora and labia minora, which protect them from the ingress of foreign bodies and pathogenic bacteria. Let's talk about them in more detail.
The length of the labia majora, on average, is eight centimeters, and their width is up to three centimeters. Are the limiters of the sexual gap. As already mentioned, this is a paired organ. They are interconnected using the front and rear commissures. It is very important to know that the skin that covers the labia majora contains a large number of glands (among them there are sweat and sebaceous).
The labia minora are located between the labia majora. As a rule, they are completely invisible under the external ones. Like the labia majora, the labia minora are interconnected:
- before - the foreskin and frenum of the clitoris;
- ass - frenulum of the labia.
The space that forms between the labia minora has a name - the vestibule of the vagina. This is where we can find:
- urethral opening
- vaginal opening.
Clitoris
Now we will talk about a very sensitive area, which has a large number of nerve endings. The clitoris is formed by two cavernous bodies, which, with sexual arousal, are capable of blood supply, in other words - an erection. That is, the female clitoris is a miniature analogue of the male penis. Differences:
- lack of excretory function;
- lack of excretory ducts.
Very interesting is the fact that the clitoris and penis begin their development with the same germ cells. Hence the similarity - blood filling of the cavernous tissue upon excitation, an increase in the size of the excited organ. The latter also has a name - clitoris erection. The labia minora and the clitoris have a large number of nerve endings, which leads to sexual arousal during stimulation (stroking, and so on).
Below the clitoris is the opening of the urethra (in men it is also the deferent duct), above is the pubis, which also has the name Venus tubercle (note that in a mature woman it is covered with hair).
Hymen
What is the hymen? This is a very thin membrane formed by the mucous membrane of the vestibule of the vagina. In other words, the hymen is a fold formed by collagen fibers and has openings. It is an obstacle to enter the vagina.
We draw your attention to the fact that it is not continuous, but has one or more holes that are necessary for excretion of secretions. Its destruction occurs during the first sexual intercourse, and after the birth of the firstborn, it is practically not visible.
Internal genitalia
So, now we will talk about the organs located in the lower part of the pelvic plane. In other words, inside the pelvis.
The internal genital organs of women include:
- ovaries;
- fallopian tubes;
- the uterus;
- vagina.
We suggest talking about each body in more detail separately.
Ovaries
As already mentioned, the ovaries are referred to the internal genital organs of women. What is this organ, and what functions does it perform? To begin with, the ovary is a gland with a mass of about eight grams, a length of up to five and a half centimeters, a width of up to three centimeters, and a thickness of two centimeters. It is also important to know that he is a paired body.
Fixation on both sides of the uterus is possible due to ligaments:
In addition, the peritoneum, which forms the mesentery, attaches the organ to the ligament of the uterus, also takes part in the fixation.
It is worth noting that there are two surfaces of the ovaries:
- medial (facing the small pelvis);
- lateral (adjacent to the wall of the pelvis).
It is also necessary to know that in the ovary there are:
- tube end (facing the fallopian tube);
- uterine (connected to the uterus).
It is also important to realize that this organ is mobile, its location directly depends on the uterus (its position and size).
These are both endocrine and exocrine glands. Functions:
- external secretion - the formation of eggs (female germ cells that carry the mother’s genetic material during embryo formation);
- internal secretion - the secretion of sex hormones.
Fallopian tubes
Now we will talk about the fallopian tubes. Immediately draw your attention to the fact that the body is paired and tubular. The length of one pipe is about ten centimeters, and the diameter is only four millimeters. Since we are also talking about the functions of the internal genital organs of a woman, we immediately make a reservation - the fallopian tube passes a mature egg into the uterine cavity from the ovaries.
Localization - on both sides of the bottom of the uterus. The narrow end of the organ is facing the uterine cavity, the expanded - to the peritoneum. Based on the foregoing, we can conclude: the cavity of the peritoneum and uterus are interconnected by means of fallopian tubes.
Now briefly about the structure. It is customary to distinguish several parts of a pipe:
- funnel (peritoneal opening);
- ampoule (the next section is behind the funnel);
- isthmus (the narrowest part of the organ);
- uterine part (uterine opening).
Also, this body has another name - oviducts. The reason, for sure, is clear to everyone. How do fallopian tubes pass eggs? The whole secret is in the epithelial lining, which has cilia. The beating of the latter makes it possible to move the fluid, which, in turn, moves the mature egg. Also note that it is here that fertilization occurs, only after this the egg enters the uterus, where the fetus develops.
Uterus
We offer a little more talk about the anatomy of the internal genital organs of women. Now we will talk about the unpaired and hollow organ of the female reproductive system - the uterus. It distinguishes several departments:
- bottom (top);
- body (middle);
- neck (bottom).
It is impossible to say exactly about the size and weight of the organ, since this depends on many factors. Average indicators:
- length - about eight centimeters;
- thickness - about three centimeters.
Body weight:
- giving birth - up to ninety grams (muscle hypertrophy during pregnancy);
- nulliparous - up to fifty grams.
The volume can vary from four to six cubic centimeters. Localization of the organ - the area between the rectum and the bladder. This organ is mobile, it all depends on the location of neighboring organs.
Inside the uterus is the mucous membrane, which is penetrated by a large number of vessels. This cavity has direct contact with the vagina (through the cervix).
Vaginal structure
Considering the structure of the internal genital organs of a woman, we cannot help but pay attention to the vagina, represented by a hollow elastic muscle tube. It is the channel connecting the vulva and uterus.
The length of the organ is an individual value that is different for every woman. But according to average statistics, it is about twelve centimeters.
No less interesting is the structure of the walls of the organ, having a width of the order of three millimeters, consisting of three layers:
- internal (mucous, there are a large number of folds, which allows the body to resize);
- medium (smooth muscle);
- external (adventitious, consisting of loose connective tissue).
Thus, the vagina is a pretty elastic organ that can change its size during intercourse or at the birth of a baby. The vagina in diameter can reach twelve centimeters, which becomes possible due to the presence of the middle (smooth muscle) layer. But the outer layer connects the organ with the bladder and rectum.
The inner layer contains many special glands that produce whitish mucus, a characteristic odor that has a slightly acidic reaction.
Selection Functions:
- vaginal moisturizing;
- biological waste removal;
- an obstacle to the development of infection;
- maintaining healthy microflora;
- ensuring full sexual intercourse.
Normally, there should not be too much mucus, copious discharge signals an inflammatory process. Pay attention to the fact that the vagina must be constantly moist. The secretions are regulated by the hormone estrogen. With menopause, the hormone is released in small quantities, which leads to dryness and pain during intercourse.
Vaginal function
We examined in detail the structure of the internal genital organs of a woman, now we offer a little talk about the purpose of the vagina. It performs several functions at once.
- Let's start with the genital, which is basic. That is, the vagina is involved in the process of conception of the child. During sexual contact, or rather, the release of seminal fluid, sperm enter the vagina initially. The cervix is always firmly closed by the mucous plug, but during ovulation it softens, allowing sperm to enter the uterus and fallopian tubes. And so the birth of a new life takes place.
- Generic. The vagina and cervix together form the birth canal, which helps the baby to be born. Under the influence of hormones, the walls of the vagina become even more elastic.
- Protective. As mentioned earlier, the vagina should always be wet. The lubricant consists of mucus of the cervical canal, mucus produced by the glands, dead epithelial cells, and many microorganisms. This grease has a slightly acidic environment, which is an obstacle to the propagation of pathogenic bacteria.
- Output. The vagina is a channel for the output of physiological secretions.
Vaginal microflora
We talked about the internal genital organs of women. Now we turn to an equally interesting question - the microflora of the vagina. Lactobacilli predominate in number, which have another name - Dederlein sticks. These bacteria are a barrier to the spread of pathogenic microbes. In the process of their life, lactic acid is released, which determines the pH of the vagina.
In addition, there may be a small amount in the vagina:
- staphylococci;
- fungi of the genus Candida;
- ureaplasma.
Under normal immunity, these seemingly dangerous bacteria live in a world with useful neighbors. But if immunity is weakened, the opportunity immediately appears for the propagation of pathogenic microbes.
Intimate hygiene
Let's talk briefly about caring for a woman's genitals. Proper care of your body will help to avoid many problems (thrush, inflammatory diseases, problems with the reproductive system, and so on).
Let's start with daily care. A woman needs to be washed 2 times a day (morning and evening). To do this, you need to either a special tool for intimate hygiene, or baby soap. Also, a woman needs to be washed with ordinary warm water before and after intimacy.
A bit about napkins and pads. Many women constantly wear "daily", changing them once a day. It is not right! They must be changed every 3 hours and it is imperative to take breaks in their use. Otherwise, many problems cannot be avoided. Wipes for intimate hygiene should be used only when washing is not possible. Choose only those that contain herbal or antibacterial extracts specialized for intimate hygiene.