4 Uterus Hollow muscular pearshaped organ Located medially
- Slides: 10
4. Uterus • Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ • Located medially in the anterior portion of the pelvic cavity • Body of the uterus (22): upper 2/3 • Cervix (5): – lower 1/3 – Connects to vagina (6) • Cervical orifice (24): opening from uterus to vagina
Uterine Wall 1. Endometrium(20)– mucosal layer 2. Myometrium(21) - _______ layer 3. Perimetrium(23) – serosal (thin, wateryfilled) layer
6. Vagina • Fibromuscular tube that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body • Located posterior to urinary bladder (11) and urethra (12), and anterior to rectum (14) (see Fig. 19. 7 diagram) • Functions: 1. Conveys uterine secretions 2. Receives penis during intercourse 3. Channel for birth
Vaginal Wall 1. Inner mucosal layer • LACKS mucosal glands • Mucous comes from uterine glands and vestibular glands at mouth of vagina 2. Middle muscular layer • Mostly smooth muscle (involuntary) • Bulbospongiosus muscle (voluntary) closes off vaginal orifice (7)
Vaginal Wall, continued…. . 3. Outer fibrous layer – Dense connective tissue – Attaches vagina to surrounding organs • Urethra (13) • Rectum (14)
Female External Accessory Organs 1. 2. 3. 4. Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris Vestibule
9. Labia Majora • Enclose and protect other external accessory organs • Correspond to male scrotum • Composed of 2 rounded folds of adipose tissue, smooth muscle, and skin that lie on either side of other the other accessory organs • Anterior ends join to form the mons pubis
8. Labia Minora • 2 flattened folds that lie between the labia majora • Join with the labia majora posteriorly • Merge anteriorly to form a protective, hoodlike covering around the clitoris
10. Clitoris • Small projection at the anterior end of the vulva (the external accessory organs that surround the vaginal opening) • Corresponds to male penis: – 2 columns of erectile tissue (corpora cavernosa) – Glans, erectile tissue at anterior end, contains sensory nerve endings • So what would be its function?
Vestibule • The space enclosed between the labia minora • Vestibular glands: – 2 at the opening of the vagina – Correspond to male bulbourethral glands (FUNCTION? ) • Vestibular bulbs: – lie beneath the mucosa of the vestibule on either side – A mass of erectile tissue
