The human body is a complex of physiological systems (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, etc.) that ensure the existence of a person as an individual. Violation of any of them leads to disorders, often incompatible with life. The functions of the reproductive or reproductive system are primarily aimed at the continuation of the existence of man as a biological species. All life-supporting systems function from the moment of birth to death, the reproductive "works" only in a certain age period, corresponding to the optimal rise in physiological capabilities. This temporal conditionality is associated with biological expediency - the bearing and rearing of offspring requires significant resources of the body. Genetically, this period is programmed for the age of 18–45 years.
Reproductive function is a complex of processes that covers the differentiation and maturation of germ cells, the process of fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and subsequent care of offspring. Interaction and regulation of these processes are provided by the system, the center of which is the neuroendocrine complex: hypothalamus - pituitary gland - gonads. The central role in the implementation of the reproductive function is played by the reproductive, or genital, organs. The reproductive organs are divided into internal and external.
The structure and age features of the male reproductive system
In men, the internal genital organs include the gonads (testicles with appendages), the vas deferens, the vas deferens, the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral (Cooper) glands; to the external genital organs - the scrotum and penis (Fig. 9.2).
Fig. 9.2.
Testicle - a paired male sex gland that performs exo- and endocrine functions in the body. The testicles produce spermatozoa (external secretion) and sex hormones that influence the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics (internal secretion). In shape, the testicle (testis) is an oval, slightly compressed laterally body, lying in the scrotum. The right testicle is larger, heavier and located higher than the left.
The testicles are formed in the abdominal cavity of the fetus and before birth (at the end of pregnancy) descend into the scrotum. The movement of the testicles occurs along the so-called inguinal canal - an anatomical formation that serves to conduct the testicles to the scrotum, and after the completion of the lowering process - to locate the vas deferens. The testicles, having passed the inguinal canal, descend to the bottom of the scrotum and are fixed there by the time the child is born. Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) leads to a violation of its thermal regime, blood supply, trauma, which contributes to the development of dystrophic processes in it and requires medical intervention.
In a newborn, the length of the testicle is 10 mm, the weight is 0.4 g. Before puberty, the testicle grows slowly, and then its development accelerates. By the age of 14, it has a length of 20–25 mm and a weight of 2 g. At 18–20 years, its length is 38–40 mm, and its weight is 20 g. Later, the size and weight of the testicle increase slightly, and after 60 years, slightly decrease.
The testicle is covered with a dense connective tissue membrane, which forms a thickening at the posterior edge, called mediastinum. From the mediastinum inside the testicle, radially located connective tissue septa extend, which divide the testis into many lobules (100–300). Each lobule includes 3–4 closed convoluted seminiferous tubules, connective tissue, and interstitial Leydig cells. Leydig cells produce male sex hormones, and the spermatogenic epithelium of the seminiferous tubules produce spermatozoa, consisting of a head, neck and tail. The convoluted seminiferous tubules pass into the direct seminiferous tubules, which open into the ducts of the testicular network located in the mediastinum. In a newborn, the convoluted and straight seminiferous tubules do not have a lumen - it appears by puberty. In adolescence, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules doubles, and in adult men it triples.
The efferent tubules (15–20) emerge from the network of the testis, which, strongly wriggling, form cone-shaped structures. The combination of these structures is an appendage of the testicle, adjacent to the upper pole and the posterolateral edge of the testicle, in which the head, body, and tail are distinguished. The epididymis of a newborn is large, its length is 20 mm, its weight is 0.12 g. During the first 10 years, the epididymis grows slowly, and then its growth accelerates.
In the region of the body of the appendage, the efferent tubules merge into the duct of the appendage, which passes into the region of the tail into vas deferens , which contains mature but immobile spermatozoa, has a diameter of about 3 mm and reaches a length of 50 cm. Its wall consists of mucous, muscular and connective tissue membranes. At the level of the lower pole of the testicle, the vas deferens turns upward and, as part of the spermatic cord, which also includes vessels, nerves, membranes and the muscle that lifts the testicle, follows the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity. There it separates from the spermatic cord and, without passing through the peritoneum, descends into the small pelvis. Near the bottom of the bladder, the duct expands, forming an ampulla, and, having accepted the excretory ducts of the seminal vesicles, continues as ejaculatory duct. The latter passes through the prostate gland and opens into the prostatic part of the urethra.
In a child, the vas deferens is thin, its longitudinal muscle layer appears only by the age of 5. The muscle that lifts the testicle is poorly developed. The diameter of the spermatic cord in a newborn is 4.5 mm, at 15 years old - 6 mm. The spermatic cord and vas deferens grow slowly until the age of 14–15, and then their growth accelerates. Spermatozoa, mixing with the secretion of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, acquire the ability to move and form seminal fluid (sperm).
seminal vesicles are a paired oblong organ about 4-5 cm long, located between the bottom of the bladder and the rectum. They produce a secret that is part of the seminal fluid. The seminal vesicles of a newborn are poorly developed, with a small cavity, only 1 mm long. Up to 12–14 years old, they grow slowly, at 13–16 years old, growth accelerates, the size and cavity increase. At the same time, their position also changes. In a newborn, the seminal vesicles are located high (due to the high position of the bladder) and are covered on all sides by the peritoneum. By the age of two, they descend and lie retroperitoneally.
prostate (prostate) ) is located in the pelvic area under the bottom of the bladder. Its length in an adult man is 3 cm, weight - 18-22 g. The prostate consists of glandular and smooth muscle tissues. The glandular tissue forms lobules of the gland, the ducts of which open into the prostate part of the urethra. Prostate mass in a newborn
0.82 g, at 3 years old - 1.5 g, after 10 years there is an accelerated growth of the gland and by the age of 16 its mass reaches 8–10 g. The shape of the gland in a newborn is spherical, since the lobules are not yet expressed, it is located high, has a soft texture, glandular tissue is absent in it. By the end of the pubertal period, the internal opening of the urethra shifts to its anterior superior edge, the glandular parenchyma and prostate ducts are formed, the gland acquires a dense texture.
bulbourethral (Cooper's) gland - a paired organ the size of a pea - located in the urogenital diaphragm. Its function is to secrete a mucous secretion that promotes the movement of sperm through the urethra. Its excretory duct is very thin, 3-4 cm long, opens into the lumen of the urethra.
Scrotum is a receptacle for testicles and appendages. In a healthy man, it is reduced due to the presence in its walls of muscle cells - myocytes. The scrotum is like a "physiological thermostat" that maintains the temperature of the testicles at a lower level than the body temperature. This is a necessary condition for the normal development of spermatozoa. In a newborn, the scrotum is small in size, its intensive growth is observed during puberty.
Penis has a head, neck, body and root. The head is the thickened end of the penis, on which the external opening of the urethra opens. Between the head and the body of the penis there is a narrowed part - the neck. The root of the penis is attached to the pubic bones. The penis consists of three cavernous bodies, two of which are called the cavernous bodies of the penis, the third - the spongy body of the urethra (the urethra passes through it). The anterior part of the spongy body is thickened and forms the head of the penis. Each cavernous body is covered on the outside with a dense connective tissue membrane, and inside it has a spongy structure: thanks to numerous partitions, small cavities ("caves") are formed, which fill with blood during intercourse, the penis swells and comes into a state of erection. The length of the penis in a newborn is 2-2.5 cm, the foreskin is long and completely covers its head (phimosis). In children of the first years of life, the state of phimosis is physiological, however, with a pronounced narrowing, swelling of the foreskin can be noted, leading to difficulty urinating. A whitish sebaceous substance (smegma) accumulates under the foreskin, produced by glands located on the glans penis. If personal hygiene is not followed and infection is added, smegma decomposes, causing inflammation of the head and foreskin.
Before puberty, the penis grows slowly, and then its growth accelerates.
Spermatogenesis - the process of development of male germ cells, ending with the formation of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis begins under the influence of sex hormones during the puberty of a teenager and then proceeds continuously, and in most men - almost until the end of life.
The process of sperm maturation occurs inside the convoluted seminiferous tubules and lasts an average of 74 days. On the inner wall of the tubules are spermatogonia (the earliest, first cells of spermatogenesis), containing a double set of chromosomes. After a series of successive divisions, in which the number of chromosomes in each cell is halved, and after a long phase of differentiation, spermatogonia turn into spermatozoa. This happens by gradual elongation of the cell, changing and elongating its shape, as a result of which the cell nucleus forms the head of the spermatozoon, and the membrane and cytoplasm form the neck and tail. Each spermatozoon carries a half set of chromosomes, which, when combined with a female germ cell, will give a complete set necessary for the development of the embryo. After that, mature spermatozoa enter the lumen of the testicular tubule and further into the epididymis, where they are accumulated and excreted from the body during ejaculation. 1 ml of semen contains up to 100 million spermatozoa.
A mature, normal human spermatozoon consists of a head, neck, body, and tail, or flagellum, which ends in a thin terminal filament (Fig. 9.3). The total length of the spermatozoon is about 50–60 µm (head 5–6 µm, neck and body 6–7 µm, and tail 40–50 µm). In the head is the nucleus, which carries the paternal hereditary material. At its anterior end is the acrosome, which ensures the penetration of the sperm through the membranes of the female egg. Mitochondria and spiral filaments are located in the neck and body, which are the source of the motor activity of the spermatozoon. An axial filament (axoneme) departs from the neck through the body and tail, surrounded by a sheath, under which 8–10 smaller filaments are located around the axial filament - fibrils that perform motor or skeletal functions in the cell. Motility is the most characteristic property of the spermatozoon and is carried out with the help of uniform blows of the tail by rotating around its own axis in a clockwise direction. The duration of the existence of the sperm in the vagina reaches 2.5 hours, in the cervix - 48 hours or more. Normally, the spermatozoon always moves against the flow of fluid, which allows it to move up at a speed of 3 mm / min along the female genital tract until it meets the egg.
Men and the woman's vagina, as well as the uterus, where the embryo, the fetus, is formed and matures. Through the vagina, male germ cells enter the reproductive system of a woman for fertilization and the birth of a child occurs through it. Diseases of the human reproductive system include congenital developmental disorders, including differentiation, as well as trauma and inflammation, including sexually transmitted infectious diseases.
The reproductive system of vertebrates
mammals
The reproductive system of mammals is organized according to a single plan, however, there are significant differences between the reproductive systems of many animals and humans. For example, the non-erect penis of most male mammals is inside the body and also contains a bone, or baculum. In addition, males in most species are not in a constant state of fertility as they are in primates. Like humans, most mammalian groups have testes located in the scrotum, but there are also species in which the testes are located inside the body, on the ventral surface of the body, and in others, such as elephants, the testes are located in the abdominal cavity near the kidneys.
Fishes
Fish breeding methods are varied. Most fish spawn into the water, where external fertilization takes place. During breeding, females secrete a large number of eggs (caviar) into the cloaca, and then into the water, and one or more males of the same species secrete "milk" - a white liquid containing a large number of spermatozoa. There are also fish with internal fertilization, which occurs with the help of pelvic or anal fins modified in such a way that a specialized penis-like organ is formed. There are a small number of fish species that are ovoviviparous, that is, the development of fertilized eggs occurs in the cloaca, and not an egg, but a fry, enters the external environment.
Most fish species have paired gonads, either ovaries or testes. However, there are some species that are hermaphroditic, such as the coral reef-dwelling pomacentres.
Invertebrates
They have very diverse reproductive systems, the only common feature of which is the laying of eggs. With the exception of cephalopods and arthropods, almost all invertebrates are hermaphrodites and reproduce by external fertilization.
shellfish
cephalopods
All cephalopods are sexually dimorphic and reproduce by laying eggs. In most cephalopods, fertilization is semi-internal, meaning the male places the gametes inside the female's mantle cavity. Male gametes that are formed in a single testis fertilize an egg in a single ovary.
The "penis" in most male shellless cephalopods (Coleoidea) is the long and muscular end of the excretory duct of the vas deferens, which carries the sparmatophores to a modified limb called the hectocotylus. The hectocotylus, in turn, carries the spermatophores to the female. In species without hectocotylus, the "penis" is long, may extend beyond the mantle cavity, and carries the spermatophores directly to the female.
Many cephalopod species lose their gonads during reproduction and therefore can reproduce once in a lifetime. Most of these molluscs die after breeding. The only cephalopods capable of breeding for several consecutive years are the female nautilus, which regenerate their gonads. Females of some species of cephalopods take care of their offspring.
Gastropods and bivalves
Among gastropods, both dioecious and hermaphrodites are found. In most forms of gastropods, fertilization is internal. There is one genital opening located near the head. Among bivalve mollusks, dioecious ones predominate. Bivalves have paired sex glands and external fertilization.
Echinoderms
Most echinoderms are dioecious animals, they form many small, yolk-poor eggs and spawn them into the water. Fertilization in echinoderms is external. The location of the genital organs is due to the radial symmetry of animals. The reproductive organs of echinoderms consist of a sex cord and paired sex glands located in interradii.
arthropods
Insects
Insects are dioecious. The reproductive organs of the female are usually represented by paired ovaries and oviducts stretching along the sides, which merge into one unpaired duct that flows into the vagina. Females have spermatheca and accessory sex glands. Males have paired testicles, from which the vas deferens extend along the sides of the body. In the lower part, the vas deferens expand, forming seminal vesicles designed to store sperm. The seminiferous ducts are combined into a common ejaculatory canal, which opens on the copulatory organ, which is capable of increasing or extending. The adnexal glands secrete seminal fluid.
arachnids
All arachnids are dioecious and in most cases show pronounced sexual dimorphism. The genital openings are located on the second segment of the abdomen (VIII segment of the body). The reproductive organs of arachnids are sac-shaped. Most lay eggs, but some orders are viviparous (scorpions, bihorchs, bugs).
Crustaceans
Crustaceans are usually dioecious, but there are also forms with different forms of hermaphroditism. Some have parthenogenetic reproduction. The genital organs of crustaceans are usually located on the dorsal side of the body, between the stomach and heart. Females have paired ovaries and oviducts, while males have paired testes and vas deferens. The role of the copulatory organs of crustaceans is performed by modified limbs. Crustaceans have external fertilization. During mating, the male transfers the spermatophore to the female's spermatheca.
The human reproductive system
Male pelvic organs: reproductive system, lower urinary system and intestines:
1 - bladder;
2 - pubic bone;
3 - penis;
4 - cavernous body of the penis;
5 - penis head;
6 - foreskin of the penis;
7 - external opening of the urethra;
8 - colon;
9 - rectum;
10 - seminal vesicle;
11 - ejaculatory duct;
12 - prostate;
13 - Cooper's gland;
14 - anus;
15 - seed channel;
16 - epididymis;
17 - testicle;
18 - scrotum
- During intercourse, a man's erect penis is inserted into a woman's vagina. At the end of sexual intercourse, ejaculation occurs - the release of sperm from the penis into the vagina.
- The spermatozoa contained in semen travel through the vagina towards the uterus and fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg.
- After successful fertilization and implantation of the zygote, the development of the human embryo takes place in the woman's uterus for approximately nine months. This process is called pregnancy, which ends with childbirth. During pregnancy, the embryo (fetus) receives nutrients from the mother's body through the umbilical cord attached inside the uterus to the placenta.
- During childbirth, the muscles of the uterus contract, the cervix dilates and the fetus is pushed out of the uterus through the vagina into the external environment, remaining for a short time connected to the mother's body through the umbilical cord.
- Babies and children are practically helpless and require parental care for many years. During the first year of life, a woman usually uses the mammary glands, located on the front surface of the chest, to feed her baby.
Man as a biological species is characterized by a high degree of sexual dimorphism. In addition to the difference in primary sexual characteristics (sex organs), there is a difference in secondary sexual characteristics and sexual behavior.
male reproductive system
Small labia
Clitoris
Unlike the male penis, in which two longitudinal cavernous bodies are located above, and a spongy body is located below, passing into the head of the penis and containing the male urethra, only the cavernous bodies are present in the clitoris and usually does not pass through the urethra.
A very large number of nerve endings contained in clitoris, as well as in labia minora react to irritation of an erotic nature, so stimulation (stroking and similar actions) of the clitoris can lead to sexual arousal of a woman.
Behind (below) the clitoris is the external opening of the urethra (urethra). In women, it serves only to remove urine from the bladder. Above the clitoris itself in the lower abdomen is a small thickening of adipose tissue, which in adult women is covered with hair. It bears the name venus tubercle.
reproductive system of plants
The reproductive organs of plants provide for their vegetative, asexual and sexual reproduction. In moss-like, fern-like, horsetail and club-like plants, the function of asexual reproduction is performed by sporangium, and sexually by gametangy. In gymnosperms and angiosperms, the development of the seed embryo occurs on the maternal sporophyte. The reproductive organs of plants also include flowers, fruits, strobili and organs of vegetative reproduction.
Flower
The flower is the organ of seed reproduction of angiosperms. It is a modified, shortened and limited in growth spore-bearing shoot, adapted for the formation of spores, gametes, as well as for the sexual process, culminating in the formation of a fruit with seeds. The exclusive role of a flower as a special morphological structure is due to the fact that it completely combines all the processes of asexual and sexual reproduction. The flower differs from the cone of gymnosperms in that, as a result of pollination, pollen falls on the stigma of the pistil, and not on the ovule directly, and during the subsequent sexual process, the ovules in flowering plants develop into seeds inside the ovary.
The fruit is a flower modified in the process of double fertilization; an organ of reproduction of angiosperms, formed from a single flower and serving for the formation, protection and distribution of the seeds enclosed in it.
All methods of family planning, whether they are aimed at preventing pregnancy or ensuring its onset, are based on the knowledge we have about the body's ability to conceive (fertility). Natural methods are based on knowledge of physiological signs, allowing a married couple to determine the period when they should refrain from sexual intercourse if they want to avoid pregnancy, or have sexual intercourse if pregnancy is desired. For the successful application of this method, it is necessary to have a good understanding of how the process of reproduction proceeds in humans and what are the signs of fertility in women.
Reproduction in humans
The process of reproduction begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm. After the egg is fertilized, it attaches itself to the uterine cavity and begins to develop.
Physiology of reproduction in men
After reaching puberty, the testicles of a man begin to produce sperm, and this process continues throughout life. During sexual intercourse, the spermatozoa in the seminal fluid enter the female genital tract from the penis. In most cases, the sperm cell remains viable for 24 to 120 hours. Millions of sperm cells are erupted at the same time, but in order for any of them to reach the egg and fertilization occurs, a number of conditions are needed. It matters whether the spermatozoa are able to pass the woman's genital tract to the egg, whether the liquid environment in them is favorable enough, how fast the spermatozoa move, etc.
Physiology of reproduction in women
The ability of the female body to produce an egg and the possibility of pregnancy change cyclically every day. The first day of the cycle is considered the first day of menstruation.
At the beginning of each cycle, small formations called follicles mature in a woman's ovaries. Follicles produce the female sex hormone estrogen. Under the influence of accumulated estrogen in the body, the glands located in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus descending into the vagina) secrete a liquid, viscous mucous lubricant, which is sometimes called fertile mucus, and the presence of which a woman usually feels on the genitals a few days before ovulation. When estrogen levels peak, one or sometimes several follicles rupture, releasing an egg. The period of life of the egg is very small - usually about 12 hours, rarely - more than a day. The egg passes into one of the fallopian tubes and enters the uterus. If at the time of passage of the egg through the fallopian tube, there are healthy spermatozoa in the latter, one of them can fertilize the egg. Under the influence of increased levels of estrogen at the stage of ovulation, the cervix becomes softer, takes a higher position in the vagina, moisturizes and opens. Women at this time have pain in the lower abdomen and sometimes have discharge or bleeding (called ovulatory or intermenstrual bleeding). If the egg is fertilized, it continues its way to the uterus and attaches to the wall of its cavity.
After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg turns into a corpus luteum, releasing estrogen and progesterone. Once fertilization has occurred, these two hormones hold in place the endometrium lining the uterine cavity, in which the fertilized egg is implanted. Under the influence of progesterone, cervical mucus from wet lubricant turns into a thick and sticky medium, a woman may experience a feeling of dryness in the vulva area. Increasing progesterone levels require an increase in basal body temperature (body temperature at rest) of at least 0.2°C. If the egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates, and estrogen and progesterone levels remain high for 10-16 days, after which they begin to decline. A decrease in the content of hormones in the blood leads to rejection of the lining of the uterus, and menstruation occurs. The first day of menstruation is the first day of a new menstrual cycle. As a rule, a woman's cycle lasts about 28-30 days, although in some cases it can be longer or shorter.
Thus, in the menstrual cycle of a woman, three phases are distinguished: 1) a relatively infertile (early infertile) phase, which begins simultaneously with menstruation; 2) the fertile phase, including the day of ovulation and those days immediately before and after ovulation, during which sexual intercourse can lead to pregnancy; 3) postovulatory (late) infertile phase, which begins after the end of the fertile phase and lasts until the onset of menstruation.
The reproductive organs are those organs that are responsible for the birth of a person. Through these organs, the process of fertilization and bearing a child, as well as his birth, is carried out. Human reproductive organs differ by gender. This is the so-called sexual dimorphism. The system of female reproductive organs is much more complex than male, since the most important function of bearing and giving birth to a baby falls on a woman.
The structure of the female reproductive organs
The organs of the female reproductive system have the following structure:
- external genital organs (pubis, large and small labia, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, Bartholin's glands);
- internal genital organs (vagina, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix).
The anatomy of the female reproductive organs is very complex and entirely dedicated to the function of childbearing.
Reproductive organs of a woman
The reproductive organs of a woman form:
Ultrasound of the reproductive organs
Ultrasound of the reproductive organs is the most important way to diagnose various diseases associated with the genital area. It is safe, painless, simple and requires a minimum of preparation. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is prescribed for diagnostic purposes (including after an abortion and during pregnancy), as well as for performing some interventions that require visual control. Women can undergo ultrasound of the reproductive organs transvaginally or transabdominally. The first method is more convenient, since it does not require filling the bladder.
Reproductive system of a woman- a closely related complex of internal / external organs of the female body, primarily responsible for the reproductive function. This complex includes the genitals, as well as the mammary glands, which are related to the former on a functional, and not on an anatomical level. The female reproductive system is immature after birth and develops until it reaches maturity during puberty (puberty), being able to produce female gametes (eggs) and bear a fetus for a full term.
Formation of the female reproductive system
Chromosomal characteristics determine the genetic sex of the fetus at the time of conception. Twenty-three pairs of chromosomes, which are inherited, underlie this concept. Since the mother's egg contains X chromosomes, and the father's sperm contains two different chromosomes - X or Y, it is the man who determines the sex of the fetus:
- The fetus will be female if it inherits the X chromosome from the father. In this situation, testosterone will not be synthesized, so the wolfian duct (male urogenital structure) will begin to degrade, and the mullerian duct (female urogenital structure) will transform into the female genitalia. In the third month of the life of the embryo, the formation of the vagina and the uterine organ begins, and approximately in the fifth or sixth month, the lumen of the vagina is formed. The clitoris is the remnants of the Wolffian canal, and the hymen is the remnants of the Müllerian passage.
- If the fetus inherits the Y chromosome from the father, it will be male. The presence of testosterone will stimulate the growth of the wolfian duct, which will lead to the development of the male genitalia. Müller's move, in turn, will degrade.
Reproductive organs are formed in the womb, their subsequent development occurs as the child grows. From adolescence, the process of puberty begins, the key features of which are:
- an increase in the pelvic region;
- the beginning of menstruation;
- hair growth in the pubic area and armpits;
- maturation of female gametes.
- Puberty results in puberty, that is, the ability to bear and bear children. The childbearing period, as a rule, is limited in time. After its completion, the menstrual cycle stops and menopause develops, lasting until death.
The female reproductive system: functions
The female reproductive system is designed to perform a number of functions. Firstly, it produces eggs and guarantees the transport of the latter to the place of fertilization by the sperm. Conception, i.e. fertilization of the female gamete by the male usually occurs inside the fallopian tubes. Secondly, the reproductive system ensures the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall, this occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. Thirdly, it is intended for the implementation of menstruation (in the absence of fertilization / implantation of the embryo). Finally, the female reproductive system produces the sex hormones required to support the reproductive cycle.
Internal organs of the female reproductive system
They are located in the lower part of the pelvic cavity, that is, inside the small pelvis.
Vagina
The vagina is a muscular-elastic canal that unites the cervix (aka the cervix - the lower element of the uterine organ) and the outer part of the body. In virgins, the vagina is closed by the hymen. In relation to the uterus, it forms an angle that is open in front.
Uterus
The smooth muscle organ of the female reproductive system, where the embryo develops, the fetus is born. It is divided into 3 parts - the bottom, the body (body) and the cervix. The body is able to expand significantly to accommodate the growing fetus. Cervix allows sperm to pass in and allows menstrual blood to flow out.
ovaries
Small paired oval-shaped glands located on each side of the uterus. The basic tasks of the ovaries are generative and endocrine: generative - the ovaries serve as a place for the development / maturation of female gametes; endocrine - sex hormones are produced in these organs, namely estrogens, weak progestins and androgens.
Fallopian tubes
Narrow tubes that are attached to the top of the uterus. They act as a tunnel for eggs moving from the ovaries into the uterine organ. Here, as a rule, conception occurs. Then, thanks to the movements of the ciliary epithelial tissue of the tubes, the fertilized (or unfertilized) female gamete is sent to the uterus.
Hymen
Hymen (hymen) - a thin fold of mucous membrane with one or more small holes. She covers the outside of the genital gap. Holes allow secretions to escape. During the first intercourse, the hymen, as a rule, is completely or partially destroyed (the so-called defloration), and after childbirth it is almost not preserved.
External organs of the female reproductive system
They have two key tasks:
- allow sperm to enter the body;
- protect the internal genital organs from all sorts of infections.
Labia
Two pairs of folds of mucous and skin that surround the genital gap on the sides and go from the pubis towards the anus. The labia are divided into large and small:
- Large (labia majora) - larger and fleshy, comparable to the scrotum in males. They contain glands of external secretion (sweat and sebaceous), cover and protect other external reproductive organs.
- Small (labia minora) - can be small in size or reach 50 mm in width. They are located within the labia majora and directly surround the genital slit and urethral opening.
bartholin glands
Large paired glands located near the vaginal opening and secrete mucus that contributes to the normal implementation of intercourse.
Clitoris
The two labia minora converge at the clitoris, a small anatomical formation with sensitive areas that acts as an analogue, more precisely, a homologue of the penis in men. The clitoris is covered with a skin fold, the so-called prepuce, which looks like the foreskin of the male organ. Like the penis, the clitoris is quite sensitive to sexual stimulation and is able to achieve an erect state.
Reproductive rights of women
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) was established in the mid-1950s. to promote the well-being of women, especially increasing the level of gynecological care and care. Reproductive rights are the basic rights of women in the documents of this international public organization. They are associated with fertility and the health of the reproductive system. Women have the right to control matters related to their sexuality, including their sexual and reproductive health. Violations of these rights include: forced pregnancy, forced sterilization, forced
