Classification and homology with the male system
The organs of the female reproductive system are divided into four functional groups. Most of them have anatomical analogues (homologues) in males.
- Gonads: Ovaries (ovaria). They perform a generative function (the site of oocyte formation) and an endocrine function (synthesis of predominantly female sex hormones). The male analogue is the testes (testes), which also produce gametes and hormones.
- Conduit and gestational organs: Fallopian (uterine) tubes, uterus (Uterus), and vagina. In males, these correspond to the epididymis and ductus deferens, although the function of fetal gestation is entirely absent in the male body.
- External genitalia: Clitoris, vestibular bulbs, labia majora and minora. The clitoris is homologous to the corpora cavernosa (corpora cavernosa), and the vestibular bulbs are homologous to the corpus spongiosum (corpus spongiosum), which in females is divided into two symmetrical parts.
- Accessory glands: Greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) and mammary glands. Bartholin's glands correspond to the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands in males. An important difference is that females lack analogues of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
Topography of the uterus and vagina
The uterus (Uterus, metra) and vagina are closely related to adjacent pelvic organs, which is of great clinical significance.
- Relation to the urinary bladder: The urinary bladder (Vesica urinaria) lies anterior to the uterus, and its base rests on the urogenital diaphragm. The vessels of the urinary bladder, uterus, and vagina form direct connections (anastomoses) at the base of the broad ligament. The anterior wall of the vagina is separated from the posterior wall of the bladder and urethra by the vesicovaginal septum.
- Relation to the rectum: The rectum (Rectum) is adjacent to the posterior wall of the vagina. The upper part of the posterior fornix of the vagina, together with the rectum, forms the rectouterine pouch (pouch of Douglas).
- Ligamentous apparatus and tissue spaces: The space between the leaves of the broad ligament around the cervix is filled with parametrial tissue (parametrium). During intraligamentary growth of pathological formations (e.g., myomatous nodes), they are located lateral to the uterus, occupying the parametrium. During pregnancy, the stretching of the ligaments (proper ligament of the ovary, suspensory ligament of the ovary, and broad ligament) leads to a high position and mobility of the uterine appendages.
External genitalia (vulva)
The structures of the vulva include the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.
Histological features: The vulva is covered by stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. The only exception is the vestibule of the vagina, which is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. In the neutral period of development, the mucosa of the vulva appears thin, smooth, and pale pink.
Lymphatic system of the abdominal cavity and pelvis
In fetuses and children (based on 7–8 month anatomical specimens), a dense network of lymphatic vessels is clearly visualized, running from the organs to regional nodes with the subsequent formation of major trunks (lumbar, intestinal trunks).
Visceral lymph nodes:
- Superior mesenteric nodes (Nodi lymphoidei mesenterici superiores): located in the mesentery of the small intestine. They collect lymph from the small intestine (Intestinum tenue), cecum, ascending and transverse colon, as well as the appendix. They are grouped around the superior mesenteric artery (A. mesenterica superior).
- Colic nodes: divided into right, middle (in the mesentery of the Colon transversum), and left.
- Inferior mesenteric nodes (Nodi lymphoidei mesenterici inferiores): collect lymph from the left half of the large intestine. They include sigmoid and superior rectal nodes.
Parietal and pelvic nodes: Represented by the right lumbar nodes (Nodi lymphoidei lumbales dextri), running along the inferior vena cava (V. cava inferior), and common iliac nodes (Nodi lymphoidei iliaci communes), located along the corresponding arteries.
Class and exam questions
What epithelium lines the vestibule of the vagina?
The vestibule of the vagina is lined with stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium, unlike the rest of the vulvar structures, where the epithelium is keratinized.
What organs does the vagina border?
The anterior wall of the vagina borders the urethra and urinary bladder (via the vesicovaginal septum), and the posterior wall borders the rectum.
Which male organs are homologous to the clitoris and vestibular bulbs?
Anatomically, the clitoris corresponds to the corpora cavernosa, and the vestibular bulbs correspond to the corpus spongiosum of the male penis.
Where do pathological formations localize during intraligamentary growth?
They are located lateral to the uterus, filling the parametrium—the connective tissue situated around the cervix between the leaves of the broad ligament.
What else to study on this topic
- Blood supply and innervation of the female pelvic organs
- Histological structure of the cervix during different phases of the cycle
- Development, regeneration, and cyclic changes of the uterus
- Peritoneum of the lesser pelvis
- Topography of major abdominal blood vessels (aorta, inferior vena cava)
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