Female reproductive tract in the context of "Menstrual cycle"

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⭐ Core Definition: Female reproductive tract

The human female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs that function in the reproduction of new offspring. The reproductive system is immature at birth and develops at puberty to be able to release matured ova from the ovaries, facilitate their fertilization, and create a protective environment for the developing fetus during pregnancy. The female reproductive tract is made of several connected internal sex organs—the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes—and is prone to infections. The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and childbirth, and is connected to the uterus at the cervix. The uterus (or womb) accommodates the embryo by developing the uterine lining.

The uterus also produces secretions which help the transit of sperm to the fallopian tubes, where sperm fertilize the ova. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an ovum, which transits through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If an egg cell meets with sperm on its way to the uterus, a single sperm cell can enter and merge with it, creating a zygote. If no fertilization occurs, menstruation is the process by which the uterine lining is shed as blood, mucus, and tissue.

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Female reproductive tract in the context of Penile–vaginal intercourse

Penile–vaginal intercourse, or vaginal intercourse, is the insertion of an erect penis into a vagina. It is the primary form of copulation in mammals and a form of penetrative sexual intercourse in human sexuality. Synonyms are: vaginal sex, coitus (Latin: coitus per vaginam), (in elegant colloquial language) intimacy, or (poetic) lovemaking; some of which are used for other forms of intercourse as well. Cohabitation is a related term describing a living arrangement.

Various sex positions can be used. Following insertion, additional stimulation is often achieved through rhythmic pelvic thrusting or a gyration of the hips, among other techniques. The biological imperative is to achieve male ejaculation so that sperm can enter the female reproductive tract and fertilize the egg, thus beginning the next stage in human reproduction, pregnancy.

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Female reproductive tract in the context of Vulva

In mammals, the vulva (pl.: vulvas or vulvae) comprises mostly external, visible structures of the female genitalia leading into the interior of the female reproductive tract. For humans, it includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, urinary meatus, vaginal introitus, hymen, and openings of the vestibular glands (Bartholin's and Skene's). The folds of the outer and inner labia provide a double layer of protection for the vagina (which leads to the uterus). While the vagina is a separate part of the anatomy, colloquially the term has often been used synonymously with vulva. Pelvic floor muscles support the structures of the vulva. Other muscles of the urogenital triangle also give support.

Blood supply to the vulva comes from the three pudendal arteries. The internal pudendal veins give drainage. Afferent lymph vessels carry lymph away from the vulva to the inguinal lymph nodes. The nerves that supply the vulva are the pudendal nerve, perineal nerve, ilioinguinal nerve and their branches. Blood and nerve supply to the vulva contribute to the stages of sexual arousal that are helpful in the reproduction process.

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Female reproductive tract in the context of Postpartum infections

Postpartum infections, also known as childbed fever and puerperal fever, are any bacterial infections of the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage. Signs and symptoms usually include a fever greater than 38.0 °C (100.4 °F), chills, lower abdominal pain, and possibly odorous vaginal discharge. It usually occurs after the first 24 hours and within the first ten days following delivery.

The most common infection is that of the uterus and surrounding tissues known as puerperal sepsis, postpartum metritis, or postpartum endometritis. Risk factors include caesarean section (C-section), the presence of certain bacteria such as group B streptococcus in the vagina, premature rupture of membranes, multiple vaginal exams, manual removal of the placenta, and prolonged labour among others. Most infections involve a number of types of bacteria. Diagnosis is rarely helped by culturing of the vagina or blood. In those who do not improve, medical imaging may be required. Other causes of fever following delivery include breast engorgement, urinary tract infections, infections of an abdominal incision or an episiotomy, and atelectasis.

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LINKED FROM (PARENTS)
← Penile–vaginal intercourse ← Vaginal intercourse ← Vulva ← Postpartum infections
LINKS TO (CHILDREN)
Vulva → Labia majora → Labia minora → Vulval vestibule → Clitoris → Bulb of vestibule → Vagina → Hymen → Vaginal fornix → Uterus → Cervix → Body of the uterus → Fundus uteri → Cervical canal → Uterine cavity → Endometrium → Myometrium → Perimetrium → Fallopian tube → Isthmus of Fallopian tube → Ampulla of Fallopian tube → Infundibulum of uterine tube → Fimbriae of uterine tube → Ovary → Peritoneum → Broad ligament of the uterus → Mesosalpinx → Mesovarium → Mesometrium → Round ligament of uterus → Ovarian ligament → Suspensory ligament of ovary → Ovarian artery → Ovarian vein → Uterine artery → Uterine veins → Vaginal artery → Vaginal venous plexus → Ureter → Pelvic floor → Levator ani → Femoral head → Hip bone → Internal iliac artery → External iliac artery → Abdominal cavity → Sex organ → Human reproduction → Offspring → Puberty → Ova → Human fertilization → Fetus → Pregnancy → Sexual intercourse → Childbirth → Embryo → Uterine lining → Sperm → Menstrual cycle → Zygote → Menstruation →