The Female Reproductive System and Anatomy

The female reproductive system contains two ovaries. They are oval glands held in place by ovarian ligaments attached to the uterus. Each ovary is located next to the funnel-shaped opening of the Fallopian tube, without being attached to it.

The ovaries are the primary location for oogenesis, which is the production of female gametes. The ovaries also secrete hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that participate in the ovarian and menstrual cycles and play a role in physical changes during puberty in females.

Fallopian tubes are two ducts, reaching the ovaries. They create a canal leading to the uterus. When an oocyte is released by the ovary, it is caught by the closest Fallopian tube. The oocyte is moved along the tube by the cilia covering its internal lining.

Fertilization occurs in the Fallopian tube. An oocyte becomes an ovum, then a zygote, which continues its path to the uterus. If there is no fertilization, the unfertilized oocyte simply moves through the Fallopian tube towards the uterus to be eventually evacuated with menstruation.

The uterus, commonly referred to as the womb, is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where the baby develops during pregnancy. In adult females, it is normally approximately 7 cm long and 5 cm wide^[1], but stretches considerably during pregnancy.

The uterine walls are made of muscle tissue. These muscles contract to evacuate menstruation, which can sometimes be painful. This is called menstrual cramps. The muscles of the uterus also contract to deliver the baby and placenta during childbirth.

The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium.

The inner cavity of the uterus is lined with a tissue rich in blood vessels, called the endometrium. The endometrium is required for the implantation of the embryo. It thickens during the menstrual cycle. If there is no fertilization, its superficial layer disintegrates and flows out through the vagina, a process known as menstruation.

The cervix is ​​the lowest part of the uterus, bordering the vagina. It keeps the developing baby inside the uterus during pregnancy, but it thins and widens its opening to let the baby through during birth. It also allows the flow of menstruation from the uterus to the vagina and the passage of spermatozoa into the uterus.

The vagina is a canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. Its entrance is approximately in the center of the vulva. The vagina is very stretchy. During sexual intercourse, it can receive the penis and the sperm. It also allows the passage of the baby during childbirth.

The vagina secretes lubricating fluids. It is also colonized by helpful bacteria that make up the vaginal flora. The vaginal flora forms a protective barrier against certain infections.

The labia, sometimes referred to as the lips, is a set of skin folds.

The labia minora, sometimes called the inner lips, is a set of thin folds surrounding the urinary meatus and the vaginal opening. The function of the labia minora is to protect these structures.

The labia majora, sometimes called the outer lips, is a set of thicker skin folds, covered with hair. They surround the labia minora and protect them.

The appearance of the labia majora and labia minora varies greatly from person to person.

The hymen is a half-moon or crown shaped membrane that usually partially covers the vaginal opening. The appearance, thickness, and coverage of the hymen varies greatly from person to person. During some physical activities or vaginal penetration, such as sexual intercourse or the application of a tampon, the hymen can stretch. Since the flexibility of the hymen varies, it can tear in some cases. The tear may or may not be accompanied by bleeding.

The Bartholin’s glands, also called the greater vestibular glands, are located inside the body on either side of the vaginal opening. The glands open into the vulva, where they secrete a lubricating fluid.