Paper Example on Exploring Human Anatomy: A Systematic Study

One of the most exciting topics covered over the semester is the description and anatomy of the human body. The human body is made up of internal systems that are mechanically compounded interestingly. Each of these systems is made up of organs that are specifically designed to perform specific functions. The organs thus have to work in harmony to make the system complete. The proper working of these systems is essential to allow the body to operate normally. A healthy body is one that has all the systems and organs within functioning in the right way. The systems that make up the human body and functioning include the nervous system, reproductive systems, digestive system, respiration system, circulation system among others. A failure in one of these systems or organs composed of thereof compromise the functioning of the body, resulting in an unhealthy body. These could be caused by diseases or trauma, which if not acted upon, may result in further damages to the body. The paper looked at the anatomy of the female reproductive system, highlighting the significant organs and the different functions they perform. A brief discussion was also included of the diseases that commonly affect these organs as well as a glossary of their definitions included.

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The female anatomy is one of the most interesting among the topics covered. This is informed by how t was designed and how it functions. The female body is different from the male body in several areas, containing different organs that are adopted explicitly to performing a set of entirely different functions as well. Among the most commonly known organs of the female body that is different from the male body are the external genitals and the internal reproductive organs. The external organs are made up of the mons pubis and the vulva, which is the central, visible part outside the body. Internal organs include the ovaries and the uterus (Finer, 2004).

The pubis mond in female reproductive system forms the major part off the external organs. This is the area where the pubic hair grows and is attached to the pelvis in a mond like structure, which informs its naming as such. The hair on this organ have different functions including the reduction of friction during sex and keeping the genitals warm. Other functions of the pubic hair are similar to those performed by eyelashes and nose hair. These include the prevention of bacteria reproduction around the genitals through the production of sebum. Research also suggests that the hair plays a role in the prevention of infections including Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), vaginitis, yeast infections and cellulitis among others. It is also thought that they pubic hair play a limited role in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to their location on and around the vulva. The removal of these pubic hair puts one under an increased risk of diseases since it would be easier for pathogens to enter the body. The removal process can also cause skin irritation in the sensitive region, further exposing one to attacks by infections such as cellulitis (Nast, 2019).

It is made up of five different parts, each of which is tailored to perform various functions. Among the components that make up, this organ includes the labia majora, which are the visible lips that lead up to the opening of the vaginal canal. They are made up of a well-developed fat tissue and extend from the outside to the inside of the canal. The labia majora is joined into the vaginal canal by the labia minora, which is a mucosal layer extending to the inside of the vagina into the clitoris. A layer of stratified epithelium covers this part as opposed to sweat and hair glands. To the posterior left and right of the vulva is also set of Bartholin's glands, which are pea-sized and perform functions including the secretion of mucus to lubricate the vagina during intimacy. These glands are always the first to be affected in infection, leading to inflammation and pain in the area. The clitoris, a button like portion at the front junction completes the vulva. This small part is strategically located to enable ultimate sexual stimulation in the female. It is made up of numerous nerve endings that heighten its sensitivity, thus being responsible for sexual pleasure.

The vulva is susceptible to disorders of the skin, including folliculitis, characterised by the appearance of small painfiul bumps caused by bacterial activity in the hair follicles. These are typically caused by friction and resolve on their own with time. Contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by itching and burning sensations can also occur due to irritation. The Bartholin's glands are also susceptible to blockages, leading to a condition known as the Bartholin's cysts. Another common disorder that occurs in the vulva is vulvodynia, which may present itself as aches, soreness and swelling. Treatment includes dietary changes and self-care measures as well as surgery in difficult situations. The vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is another condition affecting the vulva and most often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The symptoms include itching, discolouration as well as the occurrence of abnormal skin (Lemish N., 2015). Treatment is by laser treatment as well as surgery in extreme cases.

The internal reproductive organs are made up of the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the uterus. The vagina is the canal which connects the uterus to the vulva on the outside. It contains the Bartholin's glands that are responsible for lubrication during sexual arousal. Additionally, it provides access to the uterus during the birth process. The cervix, on the other hand, forms the lower portion of the uterus, separating it from the vagina and usually dilates to create a path during childbirth. The uterus is a muscular sac located inside the pelvic cavity. Its primary function is the incubation of the foetus during pregnancy. Ovaries are the egg-shaped organs on each hand of the uterus. Their primary duties are the production of eggs for fertilisation as well as the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones, which are two of the most essential in the reproductive process. The ovaries are connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes, which provide accessway for the eggs and sperms to fertilize (Lemish N., 2015).

The internal sexual organs are also susceptible to diseases and infections. The most common infections of the internal organs are bacterial attacks, including STIs and yeast attacks. Common STIs that affect these organs include syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV and Aids, HPV as well as a host of UTIs. The most common symptoms of STI infections in the organs include a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, pain or burning sensation during sex or when urinating, bleeding, sores and itchiness. These infections are usually not life-threatening and easily treated with the administration of antibiotics, and typically resolve within weeks when tended to early (Finer, 2004). The type of infection, however, require testing to ascertain, thus it would be necessary to seek medical assistance as opposed to over the counter medication.

Other more complex diseases of the reproduction system include viral infections such as HPV, herpes and the HIV and AIDs viruses. These require extended-term treatment options and may cause irreversible harm when not caught and treated earlier. The HPV infection, for instance, lingers inside the body for years in the end without showing any symptoms, before finally exploding to cancer cells, which are harder to treat. The virus commonly affects the cervix, eating it up slowly as it degenerates into cancer cells. Herpes, on the other hand, affects the external parts causing painful sores that generally resolve on their own with time (Finer, 2004). Without treatment, however, the lesions periodically recur, causing pain and discomfort to the patient.

The female reproductive system is made up of several different organs that work in harmony to attain a standard function. Each organ, however, plays its unique role in the reproductive process, with its specifically tailored characteristics meant to suit its tasks. The system is made up of external and internal organs as we have seen in the discussion. The various diseases that affect each of them have also been discussed, along with possible remedies. Understanding the functioning of the reproductive system allows us to appreciate the body's function better as well as undertake the proper measures to ensure that we live a healthy lifestyle.

Glossary

Chromosome mutation: Changes in the chromosomal structure, resulting in abnormalities in cell growth and behaviour.

Digestive system: Composed of organs responsible for digestion and food nutrients absorption in the human body.

Egg cell: The egg cell refers to the female gamete produced in the ovaries. These are essential in reproduction, being the primary component in the fertilization process along with the male gametes.

Embryo: The first stage of development in multicellular organisms resulting from the fusion of male and female gametes during fertilization. Usually takes around three months to develop into the second stage where a fetus is formed. The embryo is generally formed in the ovaries before travelling down the fallopian tube and ultimately being deposited in the uterus where it undergoes full development.

Fertilization: The process by which male gametes from the sperm cell and female gametes from the egg cell are fused to form an embryo. Fertilization takes typically place in the ovaries and is the first step towards pregnancy in mammals.

Fetus: Second stage of development from an embryo after fertilization. Usually begins around the ninth week following conception in humans until the birth of the baby.

Genitalia: The internal and external structures of the organs making up the reproductive system.

Gestation period: The period of fetal development in the uterus beginning from conception to birth. Involves the transformation of an embryo to a full fetus. Takes nine months in humans.Hormones: Chemicals produced by endocrine glands that transmit messages from one part of the body to the other. Include oestrogen and progesterone in females, while males carry testosterone. They are usually transmitted through the bloodstream.

HPV: Human Papilloma Virus, affecting the cervix and resulting in a chromosomal mutation that might cause cancer if left untreated.

Menstruation: Vaginal bleeding that occurs as a part of the self-cleaning process of the uterus following the unsuccessful deployment of the ova. Occurs in a monthly cycle and helps in maintaining a healthy environment for the fetus development in the womb.

Nervous system: Part of the human function that coordinates actions through the transmission of electric signals from one part of the body to the other. Primarily made up of the brain and the spinal cord.Ovum: A single female reproductive cell produced by the ovaries. It carries the female gametes whose fusion with the male gametes result in the formation of the embryo. The fusion of the ova and sperm cells occurs during the process of fertilization.

Puberty: Stage in human development where sexual maturity is attained. This stage occurs typically during adolescence and marked by physical changes in the reproduction organs. Hormonal signals trigger it from the brain to the respective gonads.

Reproductive process: The process by which an offspring is created from male and female egg fusion.

Sebum: An oily liquid secreted by the subcutaneous glands in the skin, made up of triglycerides, wax, fatty acids and cholesterol. Sebum is usually secreted to lubricate and moisturize the skin as well as protect it from external irritants....