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Human Reproduction - Notes | Class 12 | Part 2: Female Reproductive System

Human Reproductive System: Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

  • It is located in the pelvic region.
  • It includes Ovaries, Accessory ducts, and External genitalia.

a. Paired Ovaries

  • Primary sex organs which produce ova (female gamete) and steroid ovarian hormones (estrogen & progesterone).
  • Each ovary is 2–4 cm in length.
  • They are located on both sides of the lower abdomen and connected to the pelvic wall and uterus by ligaments.
  • Each ovary is covered by a thin epithelium which encloses the ovarian stroma.
  • The stroma has outer cortex and inner medulla.
  • Ovarian cortex contains groups of cells (ovarian follicles). Each follicle carries a centrally placed ovum.

b. Accessory Ducts (Duct System)

  • Include 2 oviducts (Fallopian tubes), a uterus, and vagina.
  • Oviducts: Each oviduct (10–12 cm long) has 3 parts:
    • Infundibulum: Funnel-shaped opening provided with many finger-like fimbriae. It helps to collect the ovum.
    • Ampulla: Wider part.
    • Isthmus: Narrow part. It joins the uterus.
  • The ciliated epithelium lining the lumen of the oviduct drives the ovum towards the uterus.
  • Uterus (womb): It is inverted pear-shaped. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic wall.
  • Uterus has 3 parts: Upper fundus, middle body, and terminal cervix. Cervix opens to vagina.
  • Cervical canal and vagina form the birth canal.
  • The uterine wall has 3 layers:
    • Perimetrium: External thin membrane.
    • Myometrium: Middle thick layer of smooth muscle.
    • Endometrium: Inner glandular and vascular layer.
  • Vagina: It opens to the exterior between urethra and anus.

c. External Genitalia (Vulva or Pudendum)

  • Consist of Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, hymen, and clitoris.
  • Mons pubis: A cushion of fatty tissue covered by pubic hair.
  • Labia majora: Large, fleshy, fatty, and hairy outer folds. Surrounds vaginal opening.
  • Labia minora: Small, thin, and hairless inner folds.
  • Hymen (Maiden head): A membrane which partially covers the vaginal opening. It is often torn during the first coitus. It may also be broken by a sudden fall or jolt, insertion of a vaginal tampon, active participation in some sports, etc. In some women, hymen persists after coitus. So the hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity or sexual experience.
  • Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ lying just in front of the urethral opening.

Mammary Glands (Breasts)

  • A pair of mammary glands contains glandular tissue and fat.
  • Glandular tissue of each breast has 15–20 mammary lobes containing clusters of cells (mammary alveoli).
  • Cells of alveoli secrete milk. It is stored in the lumen of alveoli.
  • The alveoli open into mammary tubules.
  • The tubules of each lobe join to form a mammary duct.
  • Several mammary ducts join to form a wider mammary ampulla which is connected to the lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out.

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