Female Reproductive
System
The external and internal anatomy of the female reproductive system
How does the female reproductive system work?
What parts make-up the female anatomy?
The female reproductive anatomy includes both external and internal
structures.
The function of the external female reproductive structures (the
genital) is twofold: To enable sperm to enter the body and to protect
the internal genital organs from infectious organisms.
Four major hormones (chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity
of cells or organs) involved in the menstrual cycle: follicle-stimulating
hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone.
The external
structures of
the female
reproductive
system
Labia majora: The labia
majora (“large lips”)
LABIA enclose and protect the
other external
reproductive organ.
Labia minora: The labia
minora (“small lips”)
can have a variety of
sizes and shapes. This
skin is very delicate and
can become easily
irritated and swollen.
Bartholin’s glands:
• These glands are located next
to the vaginal opening on each
side and produce a fluid
(mucus) secretion.
• Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at
the clitoris, a small, sensitive
protrusion that is comparable to the
penis in males.
Vulva • The vulva is the external genitalia of the
female reproductive tract, situated
immediately external to the genital orifice.
• In human beings, major structures of the
vulva are:
• The mons pubis
• The labia majora and the labia minora
• The external portion of the clitoris
and the clitoral hood
• The vulva vestibule
• The opening (or urinary meatus) of
the urethra
• The opening (or introitus) of the
vagina
• The hymen
• Other notable structures include:
• The perineum
• The sebaceous glands on labia majora
• The vaginal glands (Bartholin’s glands
and paraurethral or Skene’s, glands)
HYMEN
Perineum
• The perineum is the region
between the genitals and the
anus, including the perineal
body and surrounding
structures.
Male
Perineum
The internal
reproductive organs
• The vagina is a canal that
VAGINA joins the cervix (the
lower part of uterus) to
the outside of the body.
It also is known as the
birth canal.
• a fibromuscular (made
up of fibrous and
muscular tissue) canal
leading from the outside
of the body to the cervix
of the uterus or womb.
• accommodates the male
penis during sexual
intercourse.
Uterus (womb):
• The uterus is a hollow,
pear-shaped organ that is
the home to a developing
fetus.
• Divided into two parts:
• the cervix, which is the
lower part that opens into
the vagina.
• the main body of the uterus,
called the corpus. The
corpus can easily expand to
hold a developing baby. A
canal through the cervix
allows sperm to enter and
menstrual blood to exit.
CERVIX
Body (Corpus).
Ovaries:
• The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that
are located on either side of the uterus. The
ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
• Each ovary is a solid, ovoid structure about the
size and shape of an almond, about 3.5 cm in
length, 2 cm wide, and 1 cm thick. The ovaries
are located in shallow depressions, called
ovarian fossae, one on each side of the uterus,
in the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. They
are held loosely in place
by peritoneal ligaments.
Function of the ovaries
• First, they shelter and protect the eggs a female is born with until
they are ready for use.
• Second, ovaries produce female reproductive hormones called
estrogen and progesterone, and some lesser hormones called relaxin
and inhibin.
• Third, ovaries release one egg, or sometimes more, each menstrual
cycle. This process is called ovulation.
• These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part
Fallopian tubes: of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova (egg cells) to
travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
Support for ovaries
• The broad ligament helps to
hold the uterus in its anatomic
position, although its
contribution is not considered
to be central.
• Ovarian Ligaments- attach to
the uterus
• Suspensory ligaments- secure
ovary to the lateral walls of the
pelvis
Mammary Glands
• A mammary gland is an organ in female mammals
that produces milk to feed young offspring
• The basic components of a mature mammary gland
are the alveoli, hollow cavities, a few millimeters
large lined with milk-secreting cuboidal cells and
surrounded by myoepithelial cells.
Mammary Gland: Cross-section of the mammary-
gland. 1. Chest wall 2. Pectoralis muscles 3.
Lobules 4. Nipple 5. Areola 6. Milk duct 7. Fatty tissue
8. Skin End Fragment
Female Sexual Response & Hormone Control
• The female sexual response includes arousal and orgasm, but there is
no ejaculation. A woman may become pregnant without having an
orgasm.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen,
and progesterone have major roles in regulating the functions of
the female reproductive system.
