|
To understand why women have procedures to correct gynecological problems, it
is best to first learn and understand the anatomy and function of a woman’s
body.
Ovaries
Ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are
located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the
size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce an egg each month. Women are
born with all of the eggs they will ever have. In the process of producing and
releasing eggs, the ovaries also create sex hormones, such as estrogen and
progesterone.
Uterus
The uterus, also known as the womb, is located in the lower abdomen between
the bladder and the rectum. On each side of the uterus are fallopian tubes and
ovaries. The uterus is a hollow organ where a baby grows and is nourished.
During labor, the uterus contracts to deliver the baby. When a woman is not
pregnant, the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is shed each month during
her menstrual period. When a woman is pregnant, the lining thickens.
Vagina
The vagina is located in the inside of the body. The vagina is a channel that
begins at the vaginal opening and ends inside the body at the cervix. The vagina
is located directly below the urethral opening. The vagina is an incredibly
elastic structure that makes sexual intercourse, menstruation and childbirth possible. The vagina is where menstrual blood, vaginal fluids and
babies leave the body.
Vulva
The vulva is located on the outside surface of the body. It can be easily
examined. The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. The vulva
protects a woman's sexual organs, urinary opening and vagina. The vulva is one
location of a woman's sexual response.
Labia
The labia consists of two pairs of lips at the entrance of the vagina. The
outer lips of the vulva are called the labia majora. The labia majora, also known
as large lips, are on the sides of the vagina. The inner lips are called the labia minora. The labia minora,
also known as small lips, are two soft folds of skin within the
labia majora. The clitoris is at the top of the labia minora.
Clitoris
The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ. The clitoris is usually about 2 cm
long and .5 cm in diameter. It is located at the top of a woman's vulva, above
the urethral opening. Its function is to provide sexual pleasure. The clitoris
is a bundle of densely packed nerve endings. The abundance of nerve endings in the
clitoris makes it very sensitive to touch or pressure. The
clitoris has nothing to do with getting pregnant, menstruation, or urination.
Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes provide a connection between the ovaries and the uterus
for an egg to pass through. They are approximately three to four inches long.
The fallopian tubes are an important part of ovulation and conception. Without
properly functioning fallopian tubes, it can be very difficult to become
pregnant. Fertilization occurs within the fallopian tubes, and then the egg is gently
pushed into the uterus. When the egg successfully attaches to the uterus,
implantation occurs.
Cervix
The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. It is approximately two inches
long.
The cervix forms the neck of the uterus that opens to the vagina. It widens
(dilates) during childbirth to allow a passage for a baby and for fluid from
the uterus. Sperm also needs to travel through the cervix to reach the uterus.
Bladder
The bladder is a storage organ for urine and is located in the lower abdomen.
The bladder wall has the capacity to stretch and expand as the volume of urine
increases. When enough urine is in the bladder, receptors that respond to the
stretch in the bladder wall will send signals to the brain. This creates the
need to urinate. On average, a healthy adult can store up to two cups of urine
for two to five hours in his or her bladder.
Urethra
The urethra is a small hole at the top of the vulva from which women urinate.
The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body,
allowing urine to pass through. The brain signals the bladder muscles to
tighten, which squeezes urine out of the bladder. At the same time, the brain
signals the sphincter muscles to relax to let urine exit the bladder through the
urethra. When all the signals occur together, a woman has normal urination.
2/13/2009
|
