Anatomy and Physiology

Below are the external parts of the female reproductive system and their functions

Vulva is the term for the collective external parts of the female reproductive system. The
parts found in the vulva include the mons pubis, the labia, clitoris, and glands, such as
Bartholin’s glands and Skene’s glands, which help in lubrication. These parts perform a variety
of functions, such as protecting the internal sexual organs, keeping the area moist, and
facilitating intercourse.

The following are the various parts of the vulva:

Mons pubis

It is a fleshy area located over the pubic bone and above the vagina. Mons pubis is
prominent in females and usually covered with pubic hairs after puberty.

Function: Cushioning the pubic bones

Labia

These are often referred to as the lips of the vagina and consist of two parts, labia majora
and labia minora.

Labia majora

These are the larger outer prominent pair of lips that cover the labia minora. It is a
cutaneous skin fold.

Function: Protection of delicate inner components

Labia minora

These are a pair of inner smaller lips below the labia majora. It encircles the clitoris and
the vulval vestibule.

Function: Protection of clitoris, urethra, and the vaginal opening

Clitoris

It is a sensory sexual organ similar to the penis in males. Clitoris is made up of erectile
tissues, which cause it to become erect and swollen during sexual arousal. Vestibular bulbs are
two band-like tissues related to the clitoris and present on either side of it.

Function: Acts as a pleasure center

Vulval vestibule

The openings to the urethra and the vagina are contained in the vulval vestibule, which is
outlined by the labia minora. The edge of the vulval vestibule is also referred to as the Hart’s
line.

Function: Protects the urethral and vaginal openings

Bartholin’s glands

These are also known as the greater vestibular glands and are located posterior to the
vaginal opening, one each on either side of the vagina. The pair of glands produce a secretion,
which lubricates the vagina during sexual arousal. The secretion also moisturizes the vulva. The
glands are homologous to bulbourethral glands found in males.

Function: Secretion of a lubricating fluid

Skene’s glands

These are also known as the lesser vestibular glands and are located on either side of the
urethra. These glands secrete fluid to lubricate the urethra opening and the vulva during sexual
arousal.

Function: Secretion of a lubricating fluid

The Internal Parts Of The Female Reproductive System And Their Functions.

Vagina

It is a muscular canal, anteriorly connected to the vulva, and posteriorly connected to

the cervix. The vaginal opening is surrounded by a membrane called the hymen.

Function: It functions as the recipient of the male penis and the sperms (male gametes) during
sexual intercourse. The vagina acts as a discharge tract for menstrual flow and also functions as
the birth canal for the newborn during vaginal birth.
Uterus

It is a pear-shaped organ, also known as the womb, and is located in the pelvis between
the bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly. Once an egg or ovum is fertilized, it implants
into the inner lining of the uterus. The fertilized egg forms an embryo and then a fetus.

Function: The uterus protects and nourishes the fetus through a specialized tissue called the
placenta. The fetus stays in the uterus throughout the pregnancy (gestation), approximately nine
months, until it is ready to be delivered.

The uterus consists of the following parts:

 Cervix: It is also known as the neck of the uterus and is part of the uterus that lies
between the vagina and the corpus (body) of the uterus.
 Cervical canal: It is a canal that runs through the cervix.
 Corpus: This is the central body of the uterus. It is located behind the cervix and below
the fallopian tube openings. Corpus is the part of the uterus where a fertilized egg
implants to form an embryo and later develop into a fetus.
 Fundus: This is the uppermost rounded portion of the uterus and lies opposite the cervix.

Fallopian tubes

These are also known as the uterine tubes and are long slender tubes that connect the
ovaries to the uterus.

Function: The ovum (egg) passes from the ovaries to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.
Fertilization of the egg usually takes place in these fallopian tubes.

Ovaries

These are the primary reproductive organs in the female body. There are two ovaries, one
on either side of the uterus (6). Ovaries have an ovoid shape.

Functions: Ovaries are responsible for the productions of the ovum, which is the female gamete.
It contains several structures called follicles, which produce an egg that matures during each
menstrual cycle. The ovaries also secrete essential hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Fimbriae
 These are finger-like structures that catch or collect the ovum when released by the
ovaries and transfer it to the fallopian tube with a pushing motion.

Function: Unlike sperms (male gametes), the ovum is non-motile, and the fimbriae help provide
the necessary motility to the ovum by pushing it towards the uterus.

The Female Hormones and Its Function

Among the most prominent female hormones we find those that are produced in the
ovaries: Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone; and those that are synthesized in the brain: FSH
(follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).

Estrogen

As mentioned, this hormone is predominantly synthesized in the ovaries and in small

amounts in the adrenal glands and fat cells. During pregnancy estrogen is also produced in the
placenta. Its’ role in our sexual and reproductive system is very important since its main function
is to prepare the female reproductive system to make it fertile.

Nevertheless, estrogen receptors are found all over the body including the brain, breast,
pelvic floor and genital tract, which makes it clear that this hormone does not only affect our
reproductive system but also other parts of the body:

 growth of hair and nails

 body fat distribution
 breast development
 bone development
 body fluid regulation and fluid retention
 cardiovascular physiology
  cognition, sleep and mood
 collagen production and skin health

Progesterone

Like estrogen, this hormone is synthesized in the ovaries at the end of ovulation and in
the placenta during pregnancy. The development and functioning of the uterus are largely
dependent on the work of this hormone.

The main role of progesterone is to prepare the uterus lining (endometrium) to receive the
fertilized egg for implantation. During pregnancy, progesterone levels are maintained to support
a healthy uterine environment for the growing fetus. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone
levels drop, which leads to the endometrium being shed and eliminated through menstruation.

Testosterone

This hormone, normally associated with men, is also produced in small amounts by the
adrenal glands and the ovaries. It influences both libido and regulation of the menstrual cycle and
is also associated to bone health.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

This hormone, although less known, plays a fundamental role in the female reproductive
system. It is synthesized in the pituitary gland of the brain and stimulates the production of
androgens – “male” hormones like testosterone – and estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen.
One of the most important functions of LH is to facilitate ovulation by causing the release of the
egg contained in the follicle.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Like the luteinizing hormone, FSH is synthesized in the pituitary gland and plays a
fundamental role in the control of the growth and reproductive activities. It is one of the
hormones essential to pubertal development as it stimulates estrogen production and facilitates
the maturation of the ovarian follicles.
 MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Under the
influence of hormones, mostly estrogen and progesterone, the menstrual cycle is a series of
changes that the uterus and other female reproductive organs go through about once a month.

If a pregnancy occurs, the menstrual cycle stops cycling. When there’s no pregnancy
(which is most of the time), the menstrual cycle repeats itself over and over again from puberty
(starting anywhere from age 9-16) through menopause (which is when periods naturally stop
usually somewhere around age 50).

Follicular Phase

On the first day of a period, a “new” cycle begins as a hormone called Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) starts to rise. FSH tells the ovaries to get some eggs ready to
release. This is called the follicular phase because the eggs grow inside follicles (which are small
fluid filled cysts), and the follicles release the hormone estrogen in this phase. Estrogen causes
the endometrium to get thicker and fluffier so it will be nice and cozy for a fertilized egg if one
comes its way.

The follicular phase lasts from the first day of a period to ovulation, and that takes
anywhere from 1-3 weeks in normal cycles. It’s the most unpredictable and variable phase of the
menstrual cycle.

Ovulation

When an egg is released from the ovary, it is called ovulation. The changing estrogen
levels from the follicular phase cause another hormone called leutenizing hormone (LH) to rise
quickly. The surge in LH triggers one of the follicles (usually the largest) to pop open and release
its egg, which heads into the fallopian tube and starts its journey toward the uterus. If the egg is
fertilized that means a possible pregnancy. It is your body’s way of prepping for a possible
pregnancy If the egg is not fertilized, it dissolves in about 2 days.

Most women can’t feel exactly when they ovulate, but some may notice mild cramping
for about a day or two (that’s called mittelschmerz). It’s also normal for vaginal discharge to
look more clear and stretchy for a few days around the time of ovulation.

Luteal Phase

After ovulation, the follicle the egg grew in (called a corpus luteum) continues to produce
another hormone called progesterone. Progesterone keeps the endometrium healthy and is
required to support the growth of a pregnancy. But if there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum
stops producing progesterone, and the falling progesterone levels cause the entire lining of the
uterus to shed so it can start over again with a new cycle, preparing for another egg.

The coolest thing about the luteal phase is that it is almost always the same length of 14-
15 days in all cycles and for all women with periods. That means if you could precisely predict
your next period (where’s that crystal ball?) and count backwards two weeks, you would know
when you ovulate!"

Menstruation

Menstruation or the menstrual period is the period of time that the endometrial lining is
released (that’s why we call it a period). Periods normally last 3-7 days as the endometrium plus
blood and fluids are slowly released. Once the period begins, guess what? The cycle of hormones
starts all over with the follicular phase, preparing another egg and the endometrium.
Referencs:

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rana Choudhary (MBBS, DNB, DGO)Written by Dr. Bhagyashree
Ketkar (BDS)January 7, 2021

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/female-reproductive-system-diagram-anatomy-parts-
function_00669462/

https://shop.vegavero.com/female-hormones-their-functions

https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/cycle-syncing-how-to-adapt-your-food-and-exercise-to-your-
menstrual-cycle/

The Facts on Menstrual Cycle Phases, 2019. Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder,
Girlology

https://tampax.com/en-us/period-health/menstrual-cycle-phases/