Page 92 - 86 human physiology part-2

The Female Reproductive System

The uterus is only about three inches long and two inches wide, but during pregnancy it changes
rapidly and dramatically. The top rim of the uterus is called the fundus and is a landmark for many
doctors to track the progress of a pregnancy. The uterine cavity refers to the fundus of the uterus and
the body of the uterus.

Helping support the uterus are ligaments that attach from the body of the uterus to the pelvic wall
and abdominal wall. During pregnancy the ligaments prolapse due to the growing uterus, but retract
after childbirth. In some cases after menopause, they may lose elasticity and uterine prolapse may
occur. This can be fixed with surgery.

Some problems of the uterus include uterine fibroids, pelvic pain (including endometriosis,
adenomyosis), pelvic relaxation (or prolapse), heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, and cancer. It is
only after all alternative options have been considered that surgery is recommended in these cases. This
surgery is called hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, and may include the
removal of one or both of the ovaries. Once performed it is irreversible. After a hysterectomy, many
women begin a form of alternate hormone therapy due to the lack of ovaries and hormone production.

Fallopian Tubes

At the upper corners of the uterus are the fallopian tubes. There are two fallopian tubes, also
called the uterine tubes or the oviducts. Each fallopian tube attaches to a side of the uterus and connects
to an ovary. They are positioned between the ligaments that support the uterus. The fallopian tubes are
about four inches long and about as wide as a piece of spaghetti. Within each tube is a tiny passageway
no wider than a sewing needle. At the other end of each fallopian tube is a fringed area that looks like a
funnel. This fringed area, called the infundibulum, lies close to the ovary, but is not attached. The
ovaries alternately release an egg. When an ovary does ovulate, or release an egg, it is swept into the
lumen of the fallopian tube by the frimbriae.

Once the egg is in the fallopian tube, tiny hairs in the tube's lining help push it down the narrow
passageway toward the uterus. The oocyte, or developing egg cell, takes four to five days to travel
down the length of the fallopian tube. If enough sperm are ejaculated during sexual intercourse and
there is an oocyte in the fallopian tube, fertilization will occur. After fertilization occurs, the zygote, or
fertilized egg, will continue down to the uterus and implant itself in the uterine wall where it will grow
and develop.

If a zygote doesn't move down to the uterus and implants itself in the fallopian tube, it is called a
ectopic or tubal pregnancy. If this occurs, the pregnancy will need to be terminated to prevent
permanent damage to the fallopian tube, possible hemorrhage and possible death of the mother.

Mammary glands

Mammary glands are the organs that produce milk for the sustenance of a baby. These exocrine
glands are enlarged and modified sweat glands.

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