Read the given passage and answer the following questions:
The oviducts (fallopian tubes), uterus and vagina constitute the female accessory ducts. Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus, the part closer to the ovary is the funnel-shaped infundibulum. The edges of the infundibulum possess finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help in collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct, isthmus has a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus. The uterus is single and it is also called womb. The shape of the uterus is like an inverted pear. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic wall. The uterus opens into vagina through a narrow cervix. The cavity of the cervix is called cervical canal which alongwith vagina forms the birth canal. The wall of the uterus has three layers of tissue. The external thin membranous perimetrium, middle thick layer of smooth muscle, myometrium and inner glandular layer called endometrium that lines the uterine cavity. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong contraction during delivery of the baby.
Which parts of the female reproductive system form the birth canal?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Cervical canal and vagina
The passage states that “The uterus opens into vagina through a narrow cervix. The cavity of the cervix is called cervical canal which alongwith vagina forms the birth canal.”
During parturition the baby passes from the uterus to the outside. It moves through the cervical canal and then the vagina, so these two together make up the birth canal.
Option (1) Uterus and fallopian tubes — Incorrect. The fallopian tubes carry the ovum, and fertilisation takes place in them. The uterus is where the foetus grows. Neither is a passage for the baby at birth.
Option (2) Cervical canal and vagina — Correct. The cervical canal and the vagina together form the birth canal.
Option (3) Myometrium and endometrium — Incorrect. These are two of the three layers of the uterine wall. The myometrium contracts strongly during delivery and the endometrium lines the uterine cavity, but they do not form a canal.
Option (4) Cervix and fimbriae — Incorrect. The cavity of the cervix is part of the birth canal, but the fimbriae are finger-like projections at the edge of the infundibulum of the fallopian tube. They help collect the ovum after ovulation.