ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Female Reproductive System

Structures

The external genitalia, also called the vulva, includes the mons pubis (a
fatty mound which covers the pubic bone), the labia majora (outer lips of
the vagina), the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina), the vaginal
opening, the urethral opening (opening of the urethra, a tube which
carries urine from the bladder outside of the body), the clitoris (a small
structure with sensitive nerve endings located within the labia minora, the
sole purpose of which is for sexual arousal and pleasure), and the
perineum (the space between the anus (the rectal opening), and the
vaginal opening).

The internal reproductive anatomy includes the uterus, two ovaries, two
fallopian tubes, the urethra, the pubic bone, and the rectum. The uterus
contains an inner lining called the endometrium (which builds ups and
sheds monthly in response to hormonal stimulation). The lower portion of
the uterus is called the cervix, Cervix is the 3rd lower portion of the uterus,
neck like part (uteri cervix), narrowed where it joins of the top end of the
vagina. Cylindrical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior
vaginal wall. It has cervical mucus that is made of 90% of water, depending
on the water content which varies during the menstrual cycle that functions
as barrier. It usually contains electrolytes, mainly Calcium, Sodium, and
Potassium, organic components such as amino acids and soluble proteins.
It is also composed of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and selenium
elements. The cervix also contains a small opening called the os.
Menstrual blood flows through the os into the vagina during menstruation.
Semen travels through the os into the uterus and the fallopian tubes
following ejaculation during sexual intercourse. The cervical os dilates
(opens) during childbirth.
The ovaries, two small almond-shaped structures located on each side of
the uterus, are the female gonads (reproductive glands). Female babies
are born with over 400,000 ova (the gametes, also referred to as egg cells
or oocytes), which are stored in the ovaries. The female body does not
produce any additional ova. The ovaries produce estrogen and
progesterone. The ovaries are close to, but not actually connected to the
fallopian tubes, thin tube-like structures that are the site of fertilization,
the fusion of the male and female gametes.