Female Reproductive System : The Classical World

Introduction

The two female gonads, the ovaries, produce eggs (ova), the female gametes, and female hormones. The mature eggs are transported by the Fallopian, or uterine, tubes to the womb or uterus, where the eggs have the opportunity to be fertilized by the sperm conveyed there by the vagina. The uterus protects, supports, and nourishes the developing embryo and fetus. The placenta (cake), which gives new meaning to the notorious “let them eat the cake,” actually exchanges nutrients and waste between mother and fetus during pregnancy. After birth, the breasts (the mammary, or lactiferous, glands) produce the nutrients to feed the child.

The external genitalia (vulva = wrap) are the labia (lips) majora and minora, that protect the vaginal and urethral meatus; the clitoris (key or bolt), sensitive erectile tissue in front of the vaginal opening; the breast, to whose areola (the dark pigmented areas around the nipple) milk is transported by lactiferous ducts.

Abortion is the term for a termination of a pregnancy. It can either be spontaneous – a miscarriage – or therapeutic (induced), before a fetus becomes viable, i.e. usually before 20 -24 weeks.

As for the stages of pregnancy or gestation, conception refers to the successful meeting and “marrying” of the male and female gametes. The embryonic (swelling in the body) stage refers to the first 8 weeks, when the fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterus. It is a period of rapid growth and the formation of major organ systems. The fetal (fruit) stage extends from the 9th week until birth.

Labor is the expulsion of the fetus through the vagina.
1. The dilation stage: the fetus, pushed by the contraction of the uterine muscle – under the influence of the hormone oxytocin – presses the cervix to dilate.
2. The effacement stage: the cervix thins, so that it widens enough
3. The birth: usually the fetus emerges head first – crowning. A breech presentation – the reverse – is much more complicated.
4. The placenta stage (after birth): uterine contractions force out the placenta.