III.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

***The normal Anatomy and Physiology (internal reproductive structure)

illustration of the Female Reproductive System. ***

The Female Reproductive System (internal structure) includes the following: the
vagina, uterus, uterine tubes, ovaries, and the ligaments and supporting structures that suspend
these organs in the pelvic cavity.

The Vagina extends 10cm (4 inches) from the vestibule to the uterus, where the embryo
grows into a fetus during pregnancy. It works as a two-way street accepting the penis and sperm
during intercourse and serves as the avenue of birth through which the baby is born. It serves as
an ovulatory organ and birth canal and permits the passage of the menstrual flow.

The Cervix is lined with the mucus, whose quality and quantity is governed by the
monthly fluctuations in the level of the hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. The mucus tends
to be thick and sparse when estrogen levels are low, which makes it difficult for the sperm to
reach the fallopian tubes. The mucus becomes thin and slippery when the egg is ready for
fertilization and estrogen levels are high, and it offers much friendlier environment for the sperm
as they struggle towards the goal.

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 The Uterus or the womb is the major female reproductive organ. It mainly consist of a
muscle known as the myometrium whose major function is to accept the fertilized ovum which
becomes implanted into the endometrium that drives nourishment from the blood vessels. The
fertilized ovum becomes an embryo, then develops into a fetus and gestates until birth.

The Fallopian Tubes or also known as the oviducts are very fine tubes leading from the
ovaries then into the uterus.

The Ovaries are responsible for the development and maturation of the ovum, wherein
the ovulation takes place and it is the main source of estrogen and progesterone in non-pregnant
women.

***An illustration of a normal cervix***

Anatomical Components:

-histologically contains Fibrocollagenousstromal tissue

Endocervix

Ectocervix- portion projecting into the vagina. On average, it’s 3 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, has a
convex, elliptical surface and is divided into anterior and posterior lips.

Internal os

External os – its size and shape varies widely with age, hormonal state, and whether the woman
has had a vaginal birth. In non-parous women it appears as a small, circular opening. Versus
being fish mouthed--meaning wider, more slit-like and gaping in parous women.

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 In pregnancy the normal cervical length measured from internal to external os is 4 +/-
1cm. Up through 3rd trimester cervix should remain L/C/B.

***An illustration of a high risk pregnancy mother wherein the cervix is weak or
insufficient by function. ***