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isorders of the female reproductive system have
widespread effects on physical and psychological
function, including general health status, sexuality, and
reproductive potential. This chapter provides a review
of the structure and function of the female reproductive
system and a discussion of disorders of the external and
internal female reproductive organs, menstrual disor-
ders, and disorders of the breast.
Structure and Function of the
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system consists of the external
and internal genital structures.
1,2
The external struc-
tures, or genitalia, are situated in the anterior part of the
perineum, and the internal structures (vagina, uterus,
fallopian tubes, and ovaries) are located in the pelvic
cavity (Fig. 40-1).
External Genitalia
The external genitalia, which are collectively referred to
as the
vulva
, include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia
minora, clitoris, and perineal body (Fig. 40-2). Because
of their location, the urethra and anus usually are con-
sidered in a discussion of the external genitalia.
The
mons pubis
is a rounded, skin-covered fat pad
located anterior to the symphysis pubis. Running pos-
teriorly from the mons pubis are two elongated, hair-
covered, fatty folds, the
labia majora
. The labia majora
enclose the
labia minora
, which may be smaller than the
labia majora
and are composed of skin, fat, and some
erectile tissue. The
clitoris
is located below the clitoral
hood, which is formed by the joining of the two labia
minora to form the
prepuce
. The clitoris is an erectile
organ, rich in vascular and nervous supply. Analogous
to the male penis, it is a highly sensitive organ that
becomes engorged during sexual stimulation.
D
Disorders of
the Female
Genitourinary
System
40
C h a p t e r
Structure and Function of the Female Reproductive
System
External Genitalia
Internal Genitalia
Vagina
Uterus and Cervix
Fallopian (Uterine) Tubes
Ovaries
The Menstrual Cycle
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Ovarian Hormones
Ovarian Follicle Development and Ovulation
Endometrial Changes
Disorders of the Female Reproductive Organs
Disorders of the External Genitalia
Bartholin Gland Cyst and Abscess
Benign and Malignant Disorders of the Vulva
Vulvodynia
Disorders of the Vagina
Vaginitis
Cancer of the Vagina
Disorders of the Uterine Cervix
Cervicitis
Premalignant Lesions and Cancer of the
Cervix
Disorders of the Uterus
Infectious Disorders of the Uterus and Pelvic
Structures
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Endometrial Cancer
Uterine Leiomyomas
Disorders of Uterine Support
Disorders of the Ovaries
Cystic Lesions of the Ovaries
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ovarian Cancer
Menstrual Disorders
Dysfunctional Menstrual Cycles
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual Syndrome Disorders
Menopause and Aging Changes
Disorders of the Breast
Breast Structures
Benign Disorders
Inflammatory Disorders
Benign Epithelial Disorders
Breast Cancer
Detection
Diagnosis and Classification
Treatment
Paget Disease
