Female Reproductive System

 Produces eggs (ova)

 Secretes sex hormones
 Receives the male spermatazoa during
 Protects and nourishes the fertilized egg until it is fully developed
 Delivers fetus through birth canal
 Provides nourishment to the baby through milk secreted by mammary glands in
the breast
STRUCTURE LOCATION & DESCRIPTION FUNCTION
Upper chest one on each side
containing alveolar cells (milk
production), myoepithelial cells
Breasts Lactation milk/nutrition for newborn.
(contract to expel milk), and duct
walls (help with extraction of
milk).
During childbirth, contractions of the
uterus will dilate the cervix up to 10 cm
The lower narrower portion of
Cervix in diameter to allow the child to pass
the uterus.
through. During orgasm, the cervix
convulses and the external os dilates
Small erectile organ directly in
Clitoris Sexual excitation, engorged with blood.
front of the vestibule.
Fallopian Extending upper part of the Egg transportation from ovary to uterus
tubes uterus on either side. (fertilization usually takes place here).
Thin membrane that partially
Hymen covers the vagina in young
females.
Outer skin folds that surround
Labia majora Lubrication during mating.
the entrance to the vagina.
Inner skin folds that surround the
Labia minora Lubrication during mating.
entrance to the vagina.
Mound of skin and underlying
Mons fatty tissue, central in lower
pelvic region
Ovaries Provides an environment for maturation
Pelvic region on either side of
(female of oocyte. Synthesizes and secretes sex
the uterus.
gonads) hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
Short stretch of skin starting at
Perineum the bottom of the vulva and
extending to the anus.
Pelvic cavity above bladder,
Urethra Passage of urine.
tilted.
 To house and nourish developing
Uterus Center of pelvic cavity.
human.
Receives penis during mating. Pathway
through a womans body for the baby to
take during childbirth. Provides the
Canal about 10-8 cm long going
route for the menstrual blood (menses)
Vagina from the cervix to the outside of
from the uterus, to leave the body. May
the body.
hold forms of birth control, such as an
IUD, diaphragm, neva ring, or female
condom
Surround entrance to the
Vulva reproductive tract.(encompasses
all external genitalia)
The innermost layer of uterine Contains glands that secrete fluids that
Endometrium
wall. bathe the utrine lining.
Myometrium Smooth muscle in uterine wall. Contracts to help expel the baby.

External Genitals

Vulva
The external female genitals are collectively referred to as The Vulva. This
consists of the labia majora and labia minora (while these names translate as "large" and
"small" lips, often the "minora" can be larger, and protrude outside the "majora"), mons
pubis, clitoris, opening of the urethra (meatus), vaginal vestibule, vestibular bulbs,
vestibular glands.
The term "vagina" is often improperly used as a generic term to refer to the vulva or
female genitals, even though - strictly speaking - the vagina is a specific internal structure
and the vulva is the exterior genitalia only. Calling the vulva the vagina is akin to calling
the mouth the throat.
Mons Veneris
The mons veneris, Latin for "mound of Venus" (Roman Goddess of love) is the
soft mound at the front of the vulva (fatty tissue covering the pubic bone). It is also
referred to as the mons pubis. The mons veneris is sexually sensitive in some women and
protects the pubic bone and vulva from the impact of sexual intercourse. After puberty it
is covered with pubic hair, usually in a triangular shape. Heredity can play a role in the
amount of pubic hair an individual grows.
Labia Majora
The labia majora are the outer "lips" of the vulva. They are pads of loose
connective and adipose tissue, as well as some smooth muscle. The labia majora wrap
around the vulva from the mons pubis to the perineum. The labia majora generally hides,
partially or entirely, the other parts of the vulva. There is also a longitudinal separation
called the pudendal cleft. These labia are usually covered with pubic hair. The color of
the outside skin of the labia majora is usually close to the overall color of the individual,
although there may be some variation. The inside skin is usually pink to light brown.
They contain numerous sweat and oil glands. It has been suggested that the scent from
these oils are sexually arousing.
Labia Minora
Medial to the labia majora are the labia minora. The labia minora are the inner
lips of the vulva. They are thin stretches of tissue within the labia majora that fold and
protect the vagina, urethra, and clitoris. The appearance of labia minora can vary widely,
from tiny lips that hide between the labia majora to large lips that protrude. There is no
pubic hair on the labia minora, but there are sebaceous glands. The two smaller lips of the
labia minora come together longitudinally to form the prepuce, a fold that covers part of
the clitoris. The labia minora protect the vaginal and urethral openings. Both the inner
and outer labia are quite sensitive to touch and pressure.
Clitoris

The clitoris, visible as the small white oval between the top of the labia minora
and the clitoral hood, is a small body of spongy tissue that functions solely for sexual
pleasure. Only the tip or glans of the clitoris shows externally, but the organ itself is
elongated and branched into two forks, the crura, which extend downward along the rim
of the vaginal opening toward the perineum. Thus the clitoris is much larger than most
people think it is, about 4" long on average.
The clitoral glans or external tip of the clitoris is protected by the prepuce, or clitoral
hood, a covering of tissue similar to the foreskin of the male penis. However, unlike the
penis, the clitoris does not contain any part of the urethra.
During sexual excitement, the clitoris erects and extends, the hood retracts, making the
clitoral glans more accessible. The size of the clitoris is variable between women. On
some, the clitoral glans is very small; on others, it is large and the hood does not
completely cover it.
Urethra
The opening to the urethra is just below the clitoris. Although it is not related to
sex or reproduction, it is included in the vulva. The urethra is actually used for the
passage of urine. The urethra is connected to the bladder. In females the urethra is 1.5
inches long, compared to males whose urethra is 8 inches long. Because the urethra is so
close to the anus, women should always wipe themselves from front to back to avoid
infecting the vagina and urethra with bacteria. This location issue is the reason for
bladder infections being more common among females.
Hymen
The hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane that separates the lumen of the
vagina from the urethral sinus. Sometimes it may partially cover the vaginal orifice. The
hymen is usually perforated during later fetal development.
Because of the belief that first vaginal penetration would usually tear this membrane and
cause bleeding, its "intactness" has been considered a guarantor of virginity. However, the
hymen is a poor indicator of whether a woman has actually engaged in sexual intercourse
because a normal hymen does not completely block the vaginal opening. The normal
hymen is never actually "intact" since there is always an opening in it. Furthermore, there
is not always bleeding at first vaginal penetration. The blood that is sometimes, but not
always, observed after first penetration can be due to tearing of the hymen, but it can also
be from injury to nearby tissues.
A tear to the hymen, medically referred to as a "transection," can be seen in a small
percentage of women or girls after first penetration. A transection is caused by
penetrating trauma. Masturbation and tampon insertion can, but generally are not forceful
enough to cause penetrating trauma to the hymen. Therefore, the appearance of the
hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity or chastity.
Perineum
The perineum is the short stretch of skin starting at the bottom of the vulva and
extending to the anus. It is a diamond shaped area between the symphysis pubis and the
coccyx. This area forms the floor of the pelvis and contains the external sex organs and
the anal opening. It can be further divided into the urogenital triangle in front and the anal
triangle in back.
The perineum in some women may tear during the birth of an infant and this is apparently
natural. Some physicians however, may cut the perineum preemptively on the grounds
that the "tearing" may be more harmful than a precise cut by a scalpel. If a physician
decides the cut is necessary, they will perform it. The cut is called an episiotomy.

Internal Genitals
Vagina
The vagina is a muscular, hollow tube that extends from the vaginal opening to
the cervix of the uterus. It is situated between the urinary bladder and the rectum. It is
about three to five inches long in a grown woman. The muscular wall allows the vagina
to expand and contract. The muscular walls are lined with mucous membranes, which
keep it protected and moist. A thin sheet of tissue with one or more holes in it, called the
hymen, partially covers the opening of the vagina. The vagina receives sperm during
sexual intercourse from the penis. The sperm that survive the acidic condition of the
vagina continue on through to the fallopian tubes where fertilization may occur.
The vagina is made up of three layers, an inner mucosal layer, a middle muscularis layer,
and an outer fibrous layer. The inner layer is made of vaginal rugae that stretch and allow
penetration to occur. These also help with stimulation of the penis. microscopically the
vaginal rugae has glands that secrete an acidic mucus (pH of around 4.0.) that keeps
bacterial growth down. The outer muscular layer is especially important with delivery of
a fetus and placenta.

Purposes of the Vagina

 Receives a males erect penis and semen during sexual intercourse.
 Pathway through a woman's body for the baby to take during childbirth.
 Provides the route for the menstrual blood (menses) from the uterus, to leave the
body.
 May hold forms of birth control, such as a diaphragm, FemCap, Nuva Ring, or
female condom.

Cervix
The cervix (from Latin "neck") is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it
joins with the top end of the vagina. Where they join together forms an almost 90 degree
curve. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior
vaginal wall. Approximately half its length is visible with appropriate medical equipment;
the remainder lies above the vagina beyond view. It is occasionally called "cervix uteri",
or "neck of the uterus".
During menstruation, the cervix stretches open slightly to allow the endometrium to be
shed. This stretching is believed to be part of the cramping pain that many women
experience. Evidence for this is given by the fact that some women's cramps subside or
disappear after their first vaginal birth because the cervical opening has widened.
The portion projecting into the vagina is referred to as the portio vaginalis or ectocervix.
On average, the ectocervix is three cm long and two and a half cm wide. It has a convex,
elliptical surface and is divided into anterior and posterior lips. The ectocervix's opening
is called the external os. The size and shape of the external os and the ectocervix varies
widely with age, hormonal state, and whether the woman has had a vaginal birth. In
women who have not had a vaginal birth the external os appears as a small, circular
opening. In women who have had a vaginal birth, the ectocervix appears bulkier and the
external os appears wider, more slit-like and gaping.
The passageway between the external os and the uterine cavity is referred to as
the endocervical canal. It varies widely in length and width, along with the cervix
overall. Flattened anterior to posterior, the endocervical canal measures seven to eight
mm at its widest in reproductive-aged women. The endocervical canal terminates at the
internal os which is the opening of the cervix inside the uterine cavity.
During childbirth, contractions of the uterus will dilate the cervix up to 10 cm in diameter
to allow the child to pass through. During orgasm, the cervix convulses and the external
os dilates.
Uterus
The uterus is shaped like an upside-down pear, with a thick lining and muscular
walls. Located near the floor of the pelvic cavity, it is hollow to allow a blastocyte, or
fertilized egg, to implant and grow. It also allows for the inner lining of the uterus to
build up until a fertilized egg is implanted, or it is sloughed off during menses.
The uterus contains some of the strongest muscles in the female body. These muscles are
able to expand and contract to accommodate a growing fetus and then help push the baby
out during labor. These muscles also contract rhythmically during an orgasm in a wave
like action. It is thought that this is to help push or guide the sperm up the uterus to the
fallopian tubes where fertilization may be possible.
The uterus is only about three inches long and two inches wide, but during pregnancy it
changes rapidly and dramatically. The top rim of the uterus is called the fundus and is a
landmark for many doctors to track the progress of a pregnancy. The uterine cavity refers
to the fundus of the uterus and the body of the uterus.
Helping support the uterus are ligaments that attach from the body of the uterus to the
pelvic wall and abdominal wall. During pregnancy the ligaments prolapse due to the
growing uterus, but retract after childbirth. In some cases after menopause, they may lose
elasticity and uterine prolapse may occur. This can be fixed with surgery.
Some problems of the uterus include uterine fibroids, pelvic pain (including
endometriosis, adenomyosis), pelvic relaxation (or prolapse), heavy or abnormal
menstrual bleeding, and cancer. It is only after all alternative options have been
considered that surgery is recommended in these cases. This surgery is called
hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, and may include the removal of
one or both of the ovaries. Once performed it is irreversible. After a hysterectomy, many
women begin a form of alternate hormone therapy due to the lack of ovaries and hormone
production.
Fallopian Tubes
At the upper corners of the uterus are the fallopian tubes. There are two fallopian
tubes, also called the uterine tubes or the oviducts. Each fallopian tube attaches to a side
of the uterus and connects to an ovary. They are positioned between the ligaments that
support the uterus. The fallopian tubes are about four inches long and about as wide as a
piece of spaghetti. Within each tube is a tiny passageway no wider than a sewing needle.
At the other end of each fallopian tube is a fringed area that looks like a funnel. This
fringed area, called the infundibulum, lies close to the ovary, but is not attached. The
ovaries alternately release an egg. When an ovary does ovulate, or release an egg, it is
swept into the lumen of the fallopian tube by the fimbriae.
Once the egg is in the fallopian tube, tiny hairs in the tube's lining help push it down the
narrow passageway toward the uterus. The oocyte, or developing egg cell, takes four to
five days to travel down the length of the fallopian tube. If enough sperm are ejaculated
during sexual intercourse and there is an oocyte in the fallopian tube, fertilization will
occur. After fertilization occurs, the zygote, or fertilized egg, will continue down to the
uterus and implant itself in the uterine wall where it will grow and develop.
If a zygote doesn't move down to the uterus and implants itself in the fallopian tube, it is
called a ectopic or tubal pregnancy. If this occurs, the pregnancy will need to be
terminated to prevent permanent damage to the fallopian tube, possible hemorrhage and
possible death of the mother.
Mammary glands

Cross section of the breast of a human female.

Mammary glands are the organs that produce milk for the sustenance of a baby.
These exocrine glands are enlarged and modified sweat glands.
Structure
The basic components of the mammary gland are the alveoli (hollow cavities, a few
millimetres large) lined with milk-secreting epithelial cells and surrounded by
myoepithelial cells. These alveoli join up to form groups known as lobules, and each
lobule has a lactiferous duct that drains into openings in the nipple.
The myoepithelial cells can contract, similar to muscle cells, and thereby push the milk
from the alveoli through the lactiferous ducts towards the nipple, where it collects in
widenings (sinuses) of the ducts. A suckling baby essentially squeezes the milk out of
these sinuses.
The development of mammary glands is controlled by hormones. The mammary glands
exist in both sexes, but they are rudimentary until puberty when - in response to ovarian
hormones - they begin to develop in the female. Estrogen promotes formation, while
testosterone inhibits it.
At the time of birth, the baby has lactiferous ducts but no alveoli. Little branching occurs
before puberty when ovarian estrogens stimulate branching differentiation of the ducts
into spherical masses of cells that will become alveoli. True secretory alveoli only
develop in pregnancy, where rising levels of estrogen and progesterone cause further
branching and differentiation of the duct cells, together with an increase in adipose tissue
and a richer blood flow.
Colostrum is secreted in late pregnancy and for the first few days after giving birth. True
milk secretion (lactation) begins a few days later due to a reduction in circulating
progesterone and the presence of the hormone prolactin. The suckling of the baby causes
the release of the hormone oxytocin which stimulates contraction of the myoepithelial
cells.
The cells of mammary glands can easily be induced to grow and multiply by hormones. If
this growth runs out of control, cancer results. Almost all instances of breast cancer
originate in the lobules or ducts of the mammary glands.