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    Fertility Symbol
    ::生育率符号

    The geometric design on this ancient stone carving represents a powerful symbol of female fertility: the vagina . The symbol is called yoni in Hindu, and it reflects the value placed by Hindu culture on the ability of females to give birth. The vagina is one of several organs in the female reproductive system .
    ::这块古老石雕刻的几何设计代表了女性生育力的有力象征:阴道。印度教的这个符号叫做Youni,它反映了印度教文化对女性生育能力的价值。阴道是女性生殖系统的若干器官之一。

    Female Reproductive Organs
    ::妇女生殖机构

    The female reproductive system is made up of internal and external organs that function to produce haploid female gametes called eggs (or oocytes), secrete female sex hormones (such as estrogen), and carry and give birth to a fetus . The internal female reproductive organs include the vagina, uterus , Fallopian (uterine) tubes, and ovaries . The external organs — collectively called the vulva — include the clitoris and labia . 
    ::女性生殖系统由内部和外部器官组成,这些器官的作用是产生被称为卵(或卵细胞)、女性性激素(如雌激素)秘密和产卵,其中女性生殖器官包括阴道、子宫、子宫管和卵巢,外部器官——统称为阴道——包括阴蒂和阴唇。

    The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal leading from its opening in the vulva to the neck of the uterus, called the cervix . It is about 7.5 cm (3.0 in.) long at the front, and about 9 cm (3.5 in.) long at the back. The vagina accommodates the penis and is the site where are usually ejaculated during sexual intercourse. I n the context of and natural (vaginal) childbirth, t he vagina is also referred to as the birth canal. In addition, it channels the flow of menstrual from the uterus.
    ::阴道是从阴道的开口到子宫颈(称为子宫颈)的弹性肌肉运河,前部大约7.5厘米(3.0英寸)长,后部大约9厘米(3.5英寸)长,阴道容纳阴茎,通常是在性交期间射精的地方,在自然(阴道)分娩的情况下,阴道也被称为分娩运河,此外,阴道还从子宫传经月经。

    Structure of the Vagina
    ::阴道结构

    and ligaments support the vagina within the pelvis. The vagina itself is made up of several layers of fibrous and muscular tissues and lined with mucous membranes. Folds in the mucosa provide the vagina with extra surface area so it can stretch in both length and width during intercourse or childbirth. The elasticity of the vagina and the extra mucosa allow it to stretch to many times its normal diameter in order to deliver a baby.
    ::阴道本身由几层纤维和肌肉组织组成,与粘膜粘合在一起; 粘膜的折叠为阴道提供了额外的表面积,使其在性交或分娩期间可以伸展长长和宽度; 阴道的弹性和额外的粘膜使阴道可以伸展到正常直径的很多倍,以便生育婴儿。

    Bacteria and pH in the Vagina
    ::阴道中的细菌和pH

    A healthy vagina is home to many symbiotic that help prevent (such as yeast) from colonizing the vagina. The pH in the vagina is normally between 3.8 and 4.5, and this acidity also helps keep pathogenic microorganisms from colonizing it. The vagina constantly sheds its epithelium, so it is considered self-cleaning. As a consequence, there is no need for douching to clean it. Physicians actually discourage the practice, as it may upset the normal bacterial and pH balance in the vagina.
    ::健康的阴道是许多共生性的家园,有助于防止(如酵母)阴道的殖民化。阴道中的pH值通常在3.8至4.5之间,这种酸性也有助于防止病原微生物的殖民化。阴道不断脱落其上皮,因此被认为是自我清洁。因此,没有必要做清洁。医生协会实际上劝阻这种做法,因为它可能破坏阴道中的正常细菌和pH平衡。

    Uterus
    ::尤特鲁斯

    The uterus (commonly called the womb) is a pear-shaped, muscular organ that is about 7.6 cm (3 in.) long. It is located above the vagina and behind the bladder in the center of the pelvis. The position of the uterus in the pelvis is stabilized by several ligaments and bands of supportive tissue. The uterus is where a fetus develops during gestation, and the organ provides mechanical protection and support for the developing offspring. Contractions of the muscular wall of the uterus are responsible for pushing the fetus out of the uterus during childbirth.
    ::子宫(通常称为子宫)是一个长约7.6厘米(3英寸)的梨状肌肉器官,位于阴道上方和骨盆中央膀胱后面;子宫在骨盆中的位置通过几个支撑性组织拉链和波段稳定下来;子宫是胎儿在妊娠期间发育的地方,该器官为发育中的后代提供机械保护和支持;子宫肌肉壁的腐蚀是分娩期间将胎儿从子宫中推出的原因。

    Parts of the Uterus
    ::日落部分

    As shown in the figure , the lower end of the uterus forms the cervix, which is also called the neck of the uterus. The cervix is about 2.5 cm (1 in.) long and protrudes downward into the vagina. A small canal runs the length of the cervix, connecting the uterine cavity with the lumen of the vagina. This allows semen deposited in the vagina to enter the uterus, and a baby to pass from the uterus into the vagina during birth. Glands in the cervix secrete mucus that varies in content and thickness, so it can function either as a barrier to keep microorganisms out of the uterus during pregnancy, or as a transport medium to help sperm enter the uterus around the time of ovulation . The rest of the uterus above the cervix is called the body of the uterus. The upper end of the uterus is connected with the two Fallopian tubes .
    ::如图所示,子宫下端形成子宫颈,也称为子宫颈。子宫颈长约2.5厘米(1英寸),直向阴道。小运河长于子宫颈长度,将子宫腔与阴道的润滑剂连接起来。这允许沉入阴道的精子进入子宫,婴儿在分娩期间从子宫进入阴道。子宫秘密肌肉中的腺在内容和厚度方面各有不同,因此它可以起到屏障作用,使微生物在怀孕期间远离子宫,或作为运输媒介,帮助精子在排卵时进入子宫。子宫以上的其他子宫被称为子宫的身体。子宫的上端与两个Fallopian管相连。

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    The cervix of the uterus opens into the vagina. The body of the uterus lies above the cervix.
    ::子宫颈切入阴道,子宫身体位于子宫颈以上。

    Tissues of the Uterus
    ::极地组织

    As indicated in the figure , the uterus consists of three tissue layers, called the endometrium , myometrium, and perimetrium.
    ::如图所示,子宫由三个组织层组成,称为子宫内子宫、子宫内子宫和子宫内子宫。

    • The endometrium is the innermost tissue layer of the uterus. It consists of epithelial tissue , including mucous membranes. This layer thickens during each and, unless an egg is fertilized, sloughs off during the following menstrual period. If an egg is fertilized, the thickened endometrium is maintained by and provides nourishment to the embryo . As gestation progresses, the endometrium develops into the maternal portion of the placenta . The placenta is a temporary organ that consists of a mass of maternal and fetal through which the mother’s and fetus’s blood exchange substances.
      ::子宫内部是子宫内部组织层,由上皮组织组成,包括粘膜膜。这种层在每层中厚,除非卵被施肥,否则在下个月经期间会滑落。如果卵被施肥,则厚度的内分泌由胚胎维持和提供营养。随着妊娠发展,子宫内分泌会发展到胎盘的母部分。胎盘是一种临时器官,由母亲和胎儿的血液交换物质组成的母体和胎儿质量组成。
    • The myometrium is the middle layer of the uterus. It consists mostly of a thick layer of smooth muscle tissue. Powerful contractions of the smooth muscle allow the uterus to contract and expel an infant during childbirth.
      ::子宫是子宫的中层,主要由厚厚的肌肉组织组成。 光滑肌肉的强力收缩使得子宫在分娩时可以收缩并驱逐婴儿。
    • The perimetrium is the outermost layer of the uterus. It covers the  outer surface of the uterus. This layer actually consists of two layers of epithelium that secrete fluid into the space between them. The fluid allows for small movements of the uterus within the pelvis, without causing it to rub  against other organs.
      ::perimetrium 是子宫的最外层, 它覆盖子宫的外表面。 这个层实际上由两层子宫内分泌液组成, 进入它们之间的空间。 流体允许子宫在骨盆内小幅移动, 同时又不会让子宫摩擦其他器官 。

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    The thick walls of the uterus are composed of layers of tissues known as endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium.
    ::子宫的厚壁由被称为内子体、子宫和子宫组织组成的组织层组成。

    Fallopian Tubes
    ::瀑布管

    The Fallopian tubes are two thin tubes that lie between the ovaries and the uterus. The Fallopian tubes are not attached to the ovaries, but their broad upper ends — called infundibula — lie very close to the ovaries. The infundibula also have fringe-like extensions called fimbriae that move in a waving motion to help guide eggs from the ovaries into the Fallopian tubes. The lower ends of the Fallopian tubes are attached to the upper part of the body of the uterus on either side of the body. They open into the uterus.
    ::Fallopian 管是卵巢和子宫之间的两根薄管。 Fallopian 管不是连接在卵巢上的,但是它们的大上端 — — 被称为Fundibula — — 与卵巢非常接近。在卵巢中,Furdibula 管也有边缘的延伸,称为Fimbriae, 以挥动运动帮助引导卵子从卵巢进入Fallopian 管。 Fallopian 管的下端被连接在身体两侧的子宫的上部。它们向子宫打开。

    The Fallopian tubes are made up of multiple tissue layers. The innermost layer consists of mucosal epithelium. The epithelium is covered with cilia , which can move in a sweeping motion to help eggs move through the tube from the ovary to the uterus. In between the ciliated of the epithelium are cells that secrete a fluid called tubular fluid. This fluid contains nutrients for sperm, eggs, and zygotes . The secretions in tubular fluid also remove certain molecules from the plasma membrane of sperm so they are better able to penetrate an egg. Other layers of the Fallopian tubes consist of connective tissue and smooth muscle. Contractions of the smooth muscle allow peristalsis to help move eggs through the tubes.
    ::Fallopian 管子由多个组织层组成。 内部层由粘结性上皮组成。 上皮被西里雅覆盖, 它可以以扫荡运动方式移动, 帮助卵子从卵巢到子宫的管子。 在上皮管的结膜间, 有分泌液的细胞, 叫做管状液。 这种液体含有精液、 蛋和的营养素。 管状液中的分泌也从精子的等离子膜中分离出某些分子, 这样它们就能更好地穿透卵子。 Fallopian 管的其他层由连接组织和光滑的肌肉组成。 光滑肌肉的缩缩缩可以帮助卵通过管移动。

    Ovaries
    ::阴流

    Like the testes in males, the ovaries in females are gonads that produce gametes and secrete sex hormones. The gametes produced by the ovaries are called eggs, or oocytes. The main sex hormone secreted by the ovaries is estrogen . The position of the paired ovaries relative to the other reproductive system organs is shown in the figure . Each ovary lies along one side of the uterus and is about 4 cm (1.6 in.) long. Fibrous ligaments attach one end of each ovary to its nearby Fallopian tube and the other and to its side of the uterus. These ligaments keep the ovaries in place within the pelvis.
    ::雌性卵巢与雄性睾丸一样,雌性卵巢是产生调子和分泌性激素的卵巢。卵巢生成的卵盘被称为蛋或卵细胞。卵巢秘密的主要性激素是雌激素。雌性卵巢相对于其他生殖系统器官的位置在图中显示。每个卵巢都位于子宫一边,长约4厘米(1.6英寸)。纤维性脊椎将卵巢的一端附在附近的Fallopian管和子宫的另一端。这些脊椎将卵巢放在骨盆内。

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    The placement of the two ovaries within the pelvis allows eggs from each ovary to enter a Fallopian tube and travel to the uterus.
    ::将两个卵巢放置在卵盆内,使每个卵巢的卵可以进入输卵管并前往子宫。

    Ovarian Follicles
    ::Ovarian 冰块

    The ovary consists of two main layers, called the ovarian medulla (the inner layer) and the ovarian cortex (the outer layer). The ovary also contains blood and lymphatic vessels. The ovarian cortex consists primarily of the functional units of the ovaries, which are called ovarian follicles . The follicles are nests of epithelial cells, within each of which is an egg. The photomicrog shows an ovarian follicle and the developing egg inside it. If an egg and follicle complete maturation, the follicle ruptures and the egg is released from the ovary. This event is called ovulation.
    ::卵巢由两个主要层组成,称为卵巢内层(内层)和卵巢皮层(外层),卵巢内也含有血液和淋巴血管。卵巢皮层主要由卵巢的功能单位组成,称为卵巢卵囊。卵囊是上皮细胞的巢,每个细胞中都有蛋。光微生物显示卵巢卵卵卵蛋和其中生长的卵。如果卵蛋和卵囊完全成熟,卵卵卵子破裂和卵蛋从卵巢中释放出来,则卵蛋破裂和卵子从卵巢中释放出来。这个活动被称为卵巢。

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    The black pointer in this image identifies an egg within its nest of follicular cells inside an ovary.
    ::此图像中的黑指针在卵巢内的卵巢中 辨别出一个卵子

    Eggs in the Ovaries
    ::卵在卵巢中的卵蛋

    Whereas the male testes produce sperm continuously after , the female ovary already contains all the eggs it will ever produce by the time a female is born. At birth, a baby girl’s ovaries contain at least a million eggs, each of which is contained within a follicle. Only about 500 of these eggs will eventually mature and be ovulated. This process starts at puberty and typically continues at monthly intervals until menopause occurs around age 52. The remaining eggs never mature, and their number declines as the woman ages. By menopause, a woman’s reserve of eggs is nearly depleted, and ovulation no longer occurs.
    ::男性睾丸在产精之后会持续产精,而雌卵巢已经包含了所有在女性出生时会产的卵子。 出生时,女婴卵子至少含有100万个蛋,其中每个蛋都包含在卵囊中。 这些卵子中只有大约500个最终会成熟并被排卵。 这一过程始于青春期,通常从月间开始,直到52岁左右更年期开始。 剩下的卵子永远不会成熟,随着女性年龄的老化,卵子数量会下降。 更年期,女性卵子储备几乎耗尽,排卵也不再发生。

    Vulva
    ::伏尔瓦

    The vulva is a general term for all of the external female reproductive organs. The vulva includes the clitoris, labia, and external openings for the urethra and vagina.
    ::阴道是所有外部女性生殖器官的一般术语,包括阴蒂、阴唇和尿道和阴道的外部开口。

    Labia
    ::拉比亚

    The labia (singular, labium) refer to the “lips” of the vulva, which are folds of tissue that contain and protect the other, more delicate structures of the vulva. There are two pairs of labia: the outer and larger labia majora, and the inner and smaller labia minora. The labia minora contain numerous sebaceous glands . These glands release secretions that help lubricate the labia and vulvar area.
    ::阴唇(、)是指阴唇的“滑动物”,即含有并保护另一个更为微妙的阴唇结构的组织折叠物,有两对阴唇:外阴唇和大阴唇,以及内阴唇和小阴唇,阴唇中含有许多细胞腺。这些腺释放出有助于阴唇和阴唇区域润滑的分泌物。

    Clitoris
    ::阴蒂

    The clitoris is located at the front of the vulva where the labia minora meet. The visible portion of the clitoris is called the glans clitoris. It is roughly the size and shape of a pea. It is highly sensitive, because it contains many nerve endings. A hood of tissue called the clitoral hood, or prepuce, normally covers and protects the clitoris. Stimulation of the glans clitoris during sexual activity generally results in sexual arousal in females, and may lead to orgasm.
    ::阴蒂位于阴唇相交处的阴道前部,阴蒂的可见部分被称为阴蒂,大致上是豆的大小和形状,高度敏感,因为它含有许多神经末端,一个称为阴蒂头巾或前部的组织头巾通常覆盖和保护阴蒂,性活动期间对阴蒂的刺激通常导致女性的性兴奋,并可能导致高潮。

    Other Vulvar Structures
    ::其他ulvar结构

    The area between the two labia minora is called the vestibule of the vulva. Both the urethra and vagina have openings to the outside of the body in the vestibule. The urethral opening (or meatus) is located just in front of, and is much smaller than, the vaginal opening. Both openings are protected by the labia. Two glands — called Bartholin’s glands — open on either side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete mucus and a vaginal and vulvar lubricant.
    ::两个阴唇之间的区域被称为阴道的遗迹。尿道和阴道的外部都有一个外部的外部。尿道的开口(或肉类)就在阴道的开口前方,比阴道的开口小得多。两个开口都受到阴唇的保护。两个腺——叫做Bartholin的腺——在阴道的开口的两侧都开着。这些腺分泌了阴道和阴道和阴道的润滑剂。

    Breasts
    ::乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳 乳

    The breasts are not directly involved in , but because they contain mammary glands , they can provide nourishment to an infant after birth. The breasts overlay major muscles in the chest from which they project outward in a conical shape. The two main types of tissues in the breast are adipose (fat) tissue and glandular tissue that produces milk. As shown in the figure , each mature breast contains many lobules, where milk is produced and stored during pregnancy. During breastfeeding (or lactation), the milk drains into ducts and sacs, which in turn converge at the nipple. Milk exits the breast through the nipple in response to the suckling action of an infant. The nipple is surrounded by a more darkly pigmented area called the areola. The areola contains glands that secrete an oily fluid, which lubricates and protects the nipple during breastfeeding.
    ::乳房不直接涉及乳房,但因为乳房含有哺乳性腺,它们可以在婴儿出生后提供营养;乳房覆盖其胸中主要肌肉,从胸部中以锥形向外投出;乳房的两大类组织是产奶的脂肪(脂肪)组织和腺组织;如图所示,每个成熟的乳房都含有许多乳房,在怀孕期间生产并储存牛奶;哺乳期间,奶液排入管子和囊中,而乳房反过来会聚集在乳头上;乳房通过乳头排出乳房,以响应婴儿的乳房的吸食动作;乳头被一个叫作白菜的更深色色色色区域包围;羊膜中含有酸液的乳腺,在哺乳期间保护乳头。

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    The breasts are not really reproductive organs, but they play a reproductive role as mammary glands that can produce milk to feed an infant.
    ::乳房不是真正的生殖器官,但作为哺乳腺,它们起着生殖作用,可以生产奶来喂养婴儿。

    Summary
    ::摘要

    • The female reproductive system is made up of internal and external organs that function to produce haploid female gametes called eggs, secrete female sex hormones (such as estrogen), and carry and give birth to a fetus.
      ::女性生殖系统由内部和外部的器官组成,这些器官的作用是产生被称为鸡蛋、女性性激素(如雌激素)秘密、产卵和产卵的杂乱无章的雌性调子。
    • The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal that can accommodate the penis. It is also where sperm are usually ejaculated during sexual intercourse. The vagina is the birth canal, and it channels the flow of menstrual blood from the uterus. A healthy vagina has a balance of symbiotic bacteria and an acidic pH.
      ::阴道是一种可以容纳阴茎的弹性肌肉渠道,也是精子通常在性交期间被射出的地方,阴道是出生的渠道,它从子宫中导出月经血液的流出,健康的阴道有共生细菌和酸性pH的平衡。
    • The uterus is a muscular organ above the vagina where a fetus develops. Its muscular walls contract to push out the fetus during childbirth. The cervix is the neck of the uterus that extends down into the vagina. It contains a canal connecting the vagina and uterus for sperm, or for an infant to pass through. The innermost layer of the uterus — the endometrium — thickens each month in preparation for an embryo, but is shed in the following menstrual period if fertilization does not occur.
      ::子宫是一种在胎儿发育的阴道上方的肌肉器官,其肌肉壁合力在分娩期间将胎儿排出;子宫颈是子宫颈,延伸至阴道;子宫有一条连接阴道和子宫的运河,供精子或婴儿通过;子宫最深层——内子宫——每个月为胚胎做准备,但如果不进行授精,则在下个月的月经期间脱落。
    • The Fallopian tubes extend from the uterus to the ovaries. Waving fimbriae at the ovary ends of the Fallopian tubes guide ovulated eggs into the tubes where fertilization may occur as the eggs travel to the uterus. Cilia and peristalsis help eggs move through the tubes. Tubular fluid helps nourish sperm as they swim up the tubes toward eggs.
      ::输卵管从子宫延伸到卵巢。在输卵管的卵巢端将卵子排入管子中,卵子在卵子到子宫时可能会受精。Cilia和持久性帮助卵子通过管子。在卵子上游到卵子的管子时,土质液有助于培养精子。
    • The ovaries are gonads that produce eggs and secrete sex hormones, including estrogen. Nests of cells called follicles in the ovarian cortex are the functional units of ovaries. Each follicle surrounds an immature egg. At birth, a baby girl’s ovaries contain at least a million eggs, and they will not produce any more during her lifetime. D uring a woman’s reproductive years, o ne egg typically matures and is ovulated each month.
      ::卵巢是产卵和分泌性激素的卵巢,包括雌激素。卵巢皮层中被称为卵囊的细胞是卵巢的功能单位。每个卵囊环绕着一个不成熟的蛋。 婴儿出生时,卵巢至少含有100万个蛋,在她生前不会再产卵。 在妇女生育的岁月里,一个蛋通常成熟,每个月都会卵卵。
    • The vulva is a general term for external female reproductive organs. The vulva includes the clitoris, two pairs of labia, and openings for the urethra and vagina. Secretions from Bartholin’s glands near the vaginal opening lubricate the vulva.
      ::阴道是女性生殖器官外部的一般术语。 阴道包括阴蒂、两对阴唇、尿道和阴道的开口。 巴托林阴道附近阴道露出阴道的洞穴。 阴道包括阴蒂、两对阴唇、尿道和阴道的开口。
    • The breasts are not technically reproductive organs, but their mammary glands produce milk to feed an infant after birth. Milk drains through ducts and sacs, and out through the nipple when a baby sucks.
      ::乳房不是技术上的生殖器官,但是他们的乳腺生产奶来喂婴儿。 乳房通过管道和囊体排水,婴儿生病时通过乳头排水。

    Review
    ::回顾

    1. State the general functions of the female reproductive system.
    ::1. 说明女性生殖系统的一般功能。

    2. Describe the vagina and its reproductive functions.
    ::2. 描述阴道及其生殖功能。

    3. Outline the structure and basic functions of the uterus.
    ::3. 概述子宫的结构和基本功能。

    4. What is the endometrium? How does it change during the monthly cycle?
    ::4. 末子体是什么?月周期变化如何?

    5. Relate features of the Fallopian tubes to the functions of these structures.
    ::5. 瀑布管的特征与这些结构的功能相对应。

    6. Define ovary.
    ::6. 界定卵巢。

    7. Identify the functional units of the ovaries.
    ::7. 确定卵巢的职能单位。

    8. Discuss the timing of egg production and ovulation in the context of a female’s lifetime.
    ::8. 讨论在女性一生中生产和排卵的时间。

    9. What is the vulva? What structures does it include?
    ::9. 阴道是什么?它包括哪些结构?

    10. Why are breasts included in discussions of reproduction, if they are not organs of the female reproductive system?
    ::10. 如果乳房不是女性生殖系统的器官,为什么将乳房纳入生殖问题的讨论?

    11. What is the function of the folds in the mucous membrane lining of the vagina?
    ::11. 阴道粘膜内膜折叠的功能是什么?

    12. What are two ways in which the female reproductive system protects itself from pathogens?
    ::12. 女性生殖系统保护自己免受病原体感染的两种方式是什么?

    13. True or False:  The fallopian tube runs through the cervix and allows sperm to enter the uterus.
    ::13. 真实或假:输卵管穿过子宫颈,允许精子进入子宫。

    14. True or False:  The nipple and the areola are not the same thing.
    ::14. 真实或假:乳头和蛋白质不一样。

    15. Immature eggs are located in __________, which are located within _________ .
    ::15. 成熟蛋位于________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Explore More
    ::探索更多

    Ectopic pregnancies are rare, but they are extremely dangerous. Check out this video for a brief overview on this topic:
    ::意外怀孕是罕见的,但非常危险。

    Watch this video to learn about how cervical mucus can change over a woman's menstrual cycle, and how it relates to  her fertility. 
    ::观看这段影片, 以了解宫颈粘结在女性月经周期中如何改变, 以及这与女性生育率有何关系。