24712000 anatomy and physiology

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III. Anatomy and Physiology

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular, hollow

tube that extends from the vaginal

opening to the cervix of the uterus. It is

situated between the urinary bladder and

wall allows the vagina to expand and

contract. The muscular walls are lined

with mucous membranes, which keep it

protected and moist. A thin sheet of

tissue with one or more holes in it, called the hymen, partially covers the opening

of the vagina. The vagina receives sperm during sexual intercourse from the

penis. The sperm that survive the acidic condition of the vagina continue on

through to the fallopian tubes where fertilization may occur. The vagina is made

up of three layers, an inner mucosal layer; middle muscular is layer, and an outer

fibrous layer. The inner layer is made of vaginal rugae that stretch and allow

penetration to occur. These also help with stimulation of the penis. The middle

layer has glands that secrete acidic mucus (pH of around 4.0.) that keeps

bacterial growth down. The outer muscular layer is especially important with

delivery of a fetus and placenta.

Purposes of the Vagina

•Receives a males erect penis and semen during sexual intercourse.

•Pathway through a woman's body for the baby to take during childbirth.

•Provides the route for the menstrual blood (menses) from the uterus, to leave

the body.

•May hold forms of birth control, such as a diaphragm, FemCap, Nuva Ring, or

female condom.

The cervix (from Latin

"neck") is the lower, narrow

portion of the uterus where

it joins with the top end of

the vagina. Where they

join together forms an

almost 90 degree curve. It

is cylindrical or conical in

shape and protrudes through the

upper anterior vaginal wall. Approximately

half its length is visible with appropriate medical equipment; the remainder lies

above the vagina beyond view. It is occasionally called "cervix uteri", or "neck of

the uterus".During menstruation, the cervix stretches open slightly to allow the

endometrium to be shed. This stretching is believed to be part of the cramping

pain that many women experience. Evidence for this is given by the fact that

some women's cramps subside or disappear after their first vaginal birth because

the cervical opening has widened. The portion projecting into the vagina is

referred to as the portio vaginalis or ectocervix.

. On average, the ectocervix is three cm long and two and a half cm wide. It has

a convex, elliptical surface and is divided into anterior and posterior lips. The

ectocervix's opening is called the external os. The size and shape of the external

os and the ectocervix varies widely with age, hormonal state, and whether the

woman has had a vaginal birth. In women who have not had a vaginal birth the

external os appears as a small, circular opening. In women who have had a

vaginal birth, the ectocervix appears bulkier and the external os appears wider,

more slit-like and gaping. The passageway between the external os and the

uterine cavity is referred to as the endocervical canal.

. It varies widely in length and width, along with the cervix overall. Flattened

anterior to posterior, the endocervical canal measures seven to eight mm at its

widest in reproductive-aged women. The endocervical canal terminates at the

internal os which is the opening of the cervix inside the uterine cavity. During

childbirth, contractions of the uterus will dilate the cervix up to 10 cm in diameter

to allow the child to pass through. During orgasm, the cervix convulses and the

external os dilates.

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III. Anatomy and Physiology Vagina The vagina is a muscular, hollow tube that extends from the vaginal opening to the cervix of the uterus. It is situated between the urinary bladder and wall allows the vagina to expand and contract. The muscular walls are lined with mucous membranes, which keep it protected and moist. A thin sheet of tissue with one or more holes in it, called the hymen, partially covers the opening of the vagina. The vagina receives sperm during sexual intercourse from the penis. The sperm that survive the acidic condition of the vagina continue on through to the fallopian tubes where fertilization may occur. The vagina is made up of three layers, an inner mucosal layer; middle muscular is layer, and an outer fibrous layer. The inner layer is made of vaginal rugae that stretch and allow penetration to occur. These also help with stimulation of the penis. The middle layer has glands that secrete acidic mucus (pH of around 4.0.) that keeps bacterial growth down. The outer muscular layer is especially important with delivery of a fetus and placenta. Purposes of the Vagina •Receives a males erect penis and semen during sexual intercourse. •Pathway through a woman's body for the baby to take during childbirth. •Provides the route for the menstrual blood (menses) from the uterus, to leave the body. •May hold forms of birth control, such as a diaphragm, FemCap, Nuva Ring, or female condom. The cervix (from Latin "neck") is the lower, narrow portion of ...
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