ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

EXTERNAL GENITALIA

Our overview of the reproductive system begins at the external genital area or
vulva― which runs from the pubic are downward to the rectum. The mons pubis is a rounded
mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. During puberty, it becomes covered with hair.
The mons pubis contains oil-secreting (sebaceous) glands that release substances that are
involved in sexual attraction (pheromones). The labia majora (literally, large lips) are relatively
large, fleshy folds of tissue that enclose and protect the other external genital organs. They are
comparable to the scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and sebaceous glands,
which produce lubricating secretions. During puberty, hair appears on the labia majora. The
labia minora (literally, small lips) can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. The labia minora lie
just inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra. A rich supply of
blood vessels gives the labia minora a pink color. During sexual stimulation, these blood vessels
become engorged with blood, causing the labia minora to swell and become more sensitive to
stimulation. The area between the opening of the vagina and the anus, below the labia majora, is
called the perineum. It varies in length from almost 1 to more than 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters).
The opening to the vagina is called the introitus. The vaginal opening is the entryway for the
penis during sexual intercourse and the exit for blood during menstruation and for the baby
during birth. When stimulated, Bartholin glands (located beside the vaginal opening) secrete a
thick fluid that supplies lubrication for intercourse. The clitoris, located between the labia
minora at their upper end, is a small protrusion that corresponds to the penis in the male. The
clitoris, like the penis, is very sensitive to sexual stimulation and can become erect. Stimulating
the clitoris can result in an orgasm.

INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE STRUCTURE

The vagina, is a muscular canal (approximately 10 cm long) that serves as the

entrance to the reproductive tract. It also serves as the exit from the uterus during menses and
childbirth. The outer walls of the anterior and posterior vagina are formed into longitudinal
columns, or ridges, and the superior portion of the vagina—called the fornix—meets the
protruding uterine cervix. The walls of the vagina are lined with an outer, fibrous adventitia; a
middle layer of smooth muscle; and an inner mucous membrane with transverse folds called
rugae. Together, the middle and inner layers allow the expansion of the vagina to accommodate
intercourse and childbirth. The vagina is home to a normal population of microorganisms that
help to protect against infection by pathogenic bacteria, yeast, or other organisms that can enter
the vagina. The ovaries are the female gonads. Paired ovals, they are each about 2 to 3 cm in
length, about the size of an almond. The ovaries are located within the pelvic cavity, and are
supported by the mesovarium, an extension of the peritoneum that connects the ovaries to the
broad ligament. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped
organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix,
which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the
corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix
allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit. Fallopian tubes (oviducts), are narrow tubes
that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to
travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally
occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into
the lining of the uterine wall. The vagina ends at the cervix, the lower portion or neck of the
uterus. Like the vagina, the cervix has dual reproductive functions. After intercourse, sperm
ejaculated in the vagina pass through the cervix, then proceed through the uterus to the fallopian
tube where, if a sperm encounters an ovum (egg), conception occurs. The cervix is lined with
mucus, the quality and quantity of which is governed by monthly fluctuations in the levels of the
two principle sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-
system/female-external-genital-organs

https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/27-2-anatomy-and-physiology-of-the-
female-reproductive-system/
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