Presented By-

Prof. AVINASH KUMAWAT

Vice Principal
IPHHCON, Jammu
 ANATOMY OF FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
 The organs of the female reproductive system produce
and sustain the female sex cells (egg cells or ova),
transport these cells to a site where they may be
fertilized by sperm, provide a favorable environment
for the developing fetus, move the fetus to the outside
at the end of the development period, and produce the
female sex hormones. The female reproductive
system is made up of the internal and external 
sex organs that function in reproduction of new 
offspring.
Contd….
 In humans, the female reproductive system is immature at
birth and develops to maturity at puberty to be able to produce 
gametes, and to carry a foetus to full term. The internal sex
organs are the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The uterus
or womb accommodates the embryo which develops into the
foetus. The uterus also produces vaginal and uterine secretions
which help the transit of sperm to the Fallopian tubes. The
ovaries produce the ova (egg cells). The external sex organs
are also known as the genitals and these are the organs of the 
vulva including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. The
vagina is connected to the uterus at the cervix.
 The organs are broadly divided into:
 External Genitalia
 Internal Genitalia
 Accessory Reproductive Organs
 EXTERNAL GENITALIA
(Synonyms: Vulva, Pudendum)
 The vulva (plural vulvas or vulvae; derived from Latin for wrapper
or covering) consists of the external female sex organs. The vulva
includes the mons pubis (mons veneris), labia majora, labia minora, 
clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulval vestibule, urinary meatus, the 
vaginal opening, and Bartholin's and Skene's vestibular glands. The
urinary meatus is also included as it opens into the vulval vestibule.
Other features of the vulva include the pudendal cleft, 
sebaceous glands, the urogenital triangle (anterior part of the 
perineum), and pubic hair. The vulva includes the entrance to the 
vagina, which leads to the uterus, and provides a double layer of
protection for this by the folds of the outer and inner labia. 
Pelvic floor muscles support the structures of the vulva. Other
muscles of the urogenital triangle also give support. The main
external structures of the female reproductive system include:
Mons pubic:
 In human anatomy, the mons pubis or pubic mound (also known
simply as the mons, and known specifically in females as the mons
Venus or mons veneris) is a rounded mass of fatty tissue found over
the pubic symphysis of the pubic bones. For females, the mons
pubis forms the anterior portion of the vulva. It divides into the 
labia majora (literally "larger lips"), on either side of the furrow
known as the pudendal cleft, that surrounds the labia minora, clitoris
, urethra, vaginal opening, and other structures of the vulval
vestibule. Although present in both men and women, the mons
pubis tends to be larger in women. Its fatty tissue is sensitive to 
estrogen, causing a distinct mound to form with the onset of female 
puberty. This pushes the forward portion of the labia majora out and
away from the pubic bone. The mound also becomes covered with 
pubic hair. It often becomes less prominent with the decrease in
bodily estrogen experienced during menopause.
Labia majora: 
 The labia majora (singular: labium majus) are two
prominent longitudinal cutaneous folds that extend
downward and backward from the mons pubis to the
perineum. Together with the labia minora they form the 
labia of the vulva. The labia majora enclose and protect
the other external reproductive organs. Literally
translated as "large lips," the labia majora are relatively
large and fleshy. The labia majora contain sweat and oil-
secreting glands. After puberty, the labia majora are
covered with hair. The labia majora are homologous to
the male scrotum. 
Labia minora:
 The labia minora (singular: labium minus "smaller lip"), also
known as the inner labia, inner lips, vaginal lips or nymphae,
are two flaps of skin on either side of the human vaginal
 opening in the vulva, situated between the labia majora. The
labia minora vary widely in size, color and shape from
individual to individual. Literally translated as "small lips," the
labia minora can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. They
surround the openings to the vagina (the canal that joins the
lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra
(the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of
the body). The labia minora are homologous to the male 
urethral surface of the penis.
Clitoris:
 The clitoris is a female sex organ, small cylindrical erectile body,
measuring about 1.5 to 2 cm present at the front junction of the 
labia minora (inner lips), above the opening of the urethra. The two
labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is
comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold
of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the foreskin at the
end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive to
stimulation and can become erect. The clitoris also usually lacks a 
reproductive function. The clitoris is the human female's most
sensitive erogenous zone and generally the primary anatomical
 source of human female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex
structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The glans (head) of
the human clitoris is roughly the size and shape of a pea, and is
estimated to have about 8,000 sensory nerve endings.
Vestibular bulbs:
 In female, the vestibular bulbs, bulbs of the vestibule or clitoral bulbs are two
elongated masses of erectile tissue typically described as being situated on
either side of the vaginal opening. They are united to each other in front by a
narrow median band. the vestibular bulbs are more closely related to the clitoris
 than to the vestibule because of the similarity of the trabecular and erectile
tissue within the clitoris and bulbs, and the absence of trabecular tissue in other
genital organs, with the erectile tissue's trabecular nature allowing engorgement
and expansion during sexual arousal. The vestibular bulbs are homologous to
the bulb of penis and the adjoining part of the corpus spongiosum of the male
and consist of two elongated masses of erectile tissue. Their posterior ends are
expanded and are in contact with the greater vestibular glands; their anterior
ends are tapered and joined to one another by the pars intermedia; their deep
surfaces are in contact with the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm;
superficially, they are covered by the bulbospongiosus.
Vulval vestibule
 The vulval vestibule (or vulvar vestibule or vestibule of
vagina) is a triangular space of the vulva bounded
anteriorly by the clitoris, posteriorly by the fourchette
and each side  between the labia minora into which the 
urinary meatus (urethral opening) and the 
vaginal opening open. Its edge is marked by Hart's line.
It represents the distal end of the urogenital sinus of the
embryo. Structures opening in the vulval vestibule are
Urethral opening. Vaginal orifice or Introitus and
hymen. Opening of Bartholin's glands. Skene's ducts.
External urethral orifice:
The female external urethral orifice is the external opening of the 
urethra, from which urine is ejected during urination. The 
external urethral orifice is placed about 1-1.5 cm behind the clitoris
 and immediately in front of that of the vagina; it usually assumes
the form of a short, sagittal cleft with slightly raised margins. To its
left and right are the openings of the Skene's glands. The vaginal
orifice is a median slit below and behind the opening of the urethra;
its size varies inversely with that of the hymen. To the left and right
of the vulval vestibule are the labia minora. In front of it are the 
clitoral hood, frenulum clitoridis, and the clitoral glans. Posterior to
it is the posterior commissure of the labia minora and the frenulum
of labia minora. The sides of the vestibule are visible as Hart's line
on the inside of the inner lips. Hart's line is the outer edge of the
area and marks the change from vulvar skin to the smoother
transitional skin of the vulva.
Vaginal orifice / Introitus and Hymen:
 The vaginal opening is called the introitus of the vagina. The
Latin word "introitus" comes from "intro", into, within + "ire",
to go = to go into. In anatomy, an introitus is thus an entrance,
one that goes into a canal or hollow organ such as the vagina.
An introitus is any type of entrance or opening. However, the
term often refers to the opening of the vagina, which leads to
the vaginal canal. The vaginal opening sits in the rear portion
of the vulva (the external female genitalia). The vaginal
introitus is the opening to the vagina. The vagina is a muscular
canal that extends to the cervix, the opening of the uterus.
During penetration, the vaginal canal stretches. After
penetration, the vagina and introitus shrink back to their
original size.
Conted…
 The hymen is a thin piece of mucosal tissue that
surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal
 opening. It forms part of the vulva, or external genitalia,
and is similar in structure to the vagina. The hymen is
rich in nerve endings. In children, a common appearance
of the hymen is crescent-shaped, although many shapes
are possible. During puberty, estrogen causes the hymen
to change in appearance and become very elastic. Normal
variations of the post-pubertal hymen range from thin
and stretchy to thick and somewhat rigid; or it may
instead be completely absent.
Conted…
 The hymen usually rips or tears during the first time 
penetrative intercourse, which usually results in pain
and, sometimes, mild temporary bleeding or spotting.
Sources differ on how common bleeding after first
intercourse is. The state of the hymen is not a reliable
indicator of virginity, although it continues to be
considered so in certain cultures, and virginity testing
 may be done. Minor injuries to the hymen may
heal without visible signs of previous injury. A torn
hymen may be surgically restored in a procedure called 
hymenorrhaphy.
Opening of Bartholin's glands:
The Bartholin's glands (also called glands or greater vestibular
glands) are two pea sized compound alveolar glands located
slightly posterior and to the left and right of the opening of
the vagina. They secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina during
sexual arousal and are homologous to bulbourethral glands in
males. However, while Bartholin's glands are located in
the superficial perineal pouch in females, bulbourethral glands
are located in the deep perineal pouch in males. Their duct length
is 1.5 to 2.0 cm and they open into navicular fossa. The ducts are
paired and they open on the surface of the vulva. The fluid may
slightly moisten the labial opening of the vagina, serving to make
contact with this sensitive area more comfortable.
Skene's ducts:
 The Skene's glands are located in the general area of the vulva,
on the anterior wall of the vagina around the lower end of the 
urethra. The Skene's glands are homologous with the prostate
 gland in males, containing numerous micro anatomical
 structures in common with the prostate gland, such as 
secretory cells. The two Skene's ducts lead from the Skene's
glands to sites on the surface of the vulva, to the left and right
of the urethral opening, from which they are structurally
capable of secreting fluid and purpose of it is to secrete a fluid
that helps lubricate the urethral opening, possibly contributing 
antimicrobial factors to protect the urinary tract from
infections.
INTERNAL GENITAL ORGANS
 In humans, the female reproductive system is immature
at birth and develops to maturity at puberty to be able
to produce gametes, and to carry a foetus to full term.
The internal sex organs are the vagina, uterus, cervix,
fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The uterus or womb
accommodates the embryo which develops into the
foetus. The uterus also produces vaginal and uterine
secretions which help the transit of sperm to the 
Fallopian tubes. The ovaries produce the ova (egg cells
).
VAGINA
 The vagina is the elastic, fibromusculomembranous sheath of
the female genital tract communicating the uterine cavity
with the exterior at the vulva. In humans, it extends from the 
vulva to the cervix. The opening of the vagina lies in the 
urogenital triangle. The urogenital triangle is the front
triangle of the perineum and also consists of the urethral
opening and associated parts of the external genitalia. The
vaginal canal travels upwards and backwards, between the
urethra at the front, and the rectum at the back. Near the
upper vagina, the cervix protrudes into the vagina on its front
surface at approximately a 90 degree angle. 
Conted…
 The vaginal and urethral openings are protected by
the labia. The outer vaginal opening is normally
partly covered by a membrane called the hymen. At
the deep end, the cervix (neck of the uterus) bulges
into the vagina. The vagina allows for 
sexual intercourse and birth. It also channels 
menstrual flow (menses), which occurs in humans
and closely related primates as part of the monthly 
menstrual cycle.
Conted…
 The length of the vagina varies among women of
child-bearing age. During sexual arousal, the vagina
expands both in length and width. If a woman stands
upright, the vaginal canal points in an upward-
backward direction and forms an angle of
approximately 45 degrees with the uterus. The
diameter of vaginal canal is about 2.5 cm. 
1. Vaginal wall
 The vagina has an anterior, a posterior and two lateral
walls. A cross-section of the vaginal canal (the vaginal
lumen) can resemble an “H” or a “W” shape, as the walls
flatten against themselves. Because of the presence of the
cervix in the front wall of the vagina, there is a difference
in length between the anterior wall, approximately 7.5 cm
(2.5 to 3 in) long, and the posterior wall, approximately
9 cm (3.5 in) long. The vaginal wall is made of muscle
covered in a mucus membrane, similar to the tissue in
your mouth. The wall contains layers of tissue with many
elastic fibers. The walls of the vagina are covered by
many folds called rugae, which are pleats of extra tissue
that allow the vagina to expand during sex or childbirth.
2. Fornices
 The fornices of the vagina (sing. fornix of the
vagina or fornix vaginae) are the superior
portions of the vagina, extending into the
recesses created by the 
vaginal portion of cervix. The word "fornix" is
Latin for "arch". There are four fornices:
one anterior fornix is close to the vesico
-uterine pouch, one posterior fornix behind
the cervix and two lateral fornices.
Function of vagina
 The vagina has 3 main functions:
 provides a passageway for blood and mucosal tissue

from the uterus during a woman’s monthly period

 receives the penis during sexual intercourse and holds

the sperm until they pass into the uterus

 provides a passageway for childbirth
THE UTERUS
 The uterus isa hollow muscular organ located
in the female pelvis between the bladder and
rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that
travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the
egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and
implant itself in the lining of the uterus. Into
its upper part the uterine tubes open, one on
either side, while below, its cavity
communicates with that of the vagina.
Conted…
 In the virgin state the uterus is flattened antero-
posteriorly and is pyriform in shape, with the
apex directed downward and backward. It lies
between the bladder in front and the pelvic or
sigmoid colon and rectum behind, and is
completely within the pelvis, so that its base is
below the level of the superior pelvic aperture. Its
upper part is suspended by the broad and the
round ligaments, while its lower portion is
imbedded in the fibrous tissue of the pelvis.
Position of uterus
 The uterus is in the middle of the pelvic cavity in 
frontal plane. The uterus is mobile and moves posteriorly
under the pressure of a full bladder, or anteriorly under the
pressure of a full rectum. If both are full, it moves
upwards. Increased intra-abdominal pressure pushes it
downwards. The mobility is conferred to it by musculo-
fibrous apparatus that consists of suspensory and
sustentacular part. Under normal circumstances the
suspensory part keeps the uterus in anteflexion and
anteversion (in 90% of women) and keeps it "floating" in
the pelvis. The meaning of these terms is described below:
 Distinction More common Less common

"Anteverted": Tipped "Retroverted": Tipped

Position tipped
forward backwards

"Anteflexed": Fundus
"Retroflexed": Fundus
Position of fundus is pointing forward
is pointing backward
relative to the cervix
Conted…
 The sustentacular part supports the pelvic organs and
comprises the larger pelvic diaphragm in the back and
the smaller urogenital diaphragm in the front. In cases
where the uterus is "tipped", also known as retroverted
uterus, the person may have symptoms of pain during
sexual intercourse, pelvic pain during menstruation,
minor incontinence, urinary tract infections, fertility
difficulties and difficulty using tampons. A pelvic
examination by a doctor can determine if a uterus is
tipped.
Measurements of uterus
 The uterus is located within the pelvic region
 immediately behind and almost overlying the 
bladder, and in front of the sigmoid colon. The
human uterus is pear-shaped and about 7.6 cm
(3.0 in) long, 4.5 cm (1.8 in) broad (side to
side), and 3.0 cm (1.2 in) thick. A typical adult
uterus weighs about 60 grams.
Part of uterus
It is divisible into two portions. On the surface, about midway
between the apex and base, is a slight constriction, known as
the isthmus, and corresponding to this in the interior is a narrowing
of the uterine cavity, the internal orifice of the uterus. The portion
above the isthmus is termed the body and that below, the cervix. The
part of the body which lies above a plane passing through the points
of entrance of the uterine tubes is known as the fundus. So all over
the uterus can be divided anatomically into four regions:
 The corpus, which is further divided in to:
 The fundus
 The body
 Isthmus
 The cervix
Fundus of Uterus
 The part of the body which lies above a plane passing
through the points of entrance of the uterine tubes is
known as the fundus. The fundus (fundus uteri) is the
uppermost about 1.5 cm rounded portion of the
uterus, convex in all directions, and covered by
peritoneum continuous with that on the vesical and
intestinal surfaces. Some coils of small intestine, and
occasionally the distended sigmoid colon are rest on
it. Fundus
Body of Uterus
 The portion of the uterus above the isthmus is termed the body. Body
of the uterus is about 3.5 cm long. The body gradually narrows from
the fundus to the isthmus and that below, the cervix.  Body (corpus
uteri) gradually narrows from the fundus to the isthmus:
 The vesical or anterior surface (facies vesicalis) is flattened and
covered by peritoneum, which is reflected on to the bladder to form
the vesicouterine excavation. The surface lies in apposition with the
bladder.
 The intestinal or posterior surface (facies intestinalis) is convex
transversely and is covered by peritoneum, which is continued down
on to the cervix and vagina. It is in relation with the sigmoid colon,
from which it is usually separated by some coils of small intestine.
Conted…
 The lateral margins (margo lateralis) are slightly
convex. At the upper end of each the uterine tube
pierces the uterine wall. Below and in front of this
point the round ligament of the uterus is fixed, while
behind it is the attachment of the ligament of the ovary.
These three structures lie within a fold of peritoneum
which is reflected from the margin of the uterus to the
wall of the pelvis, and is named the broad ligament.
Isthmus
 The uterine isthmus is the inferior-posterior part of
uterus on its cervical end here the uterine muscle is
narrower and thinner. It connects superiorly-
anteriorly to the complementary parts of the uterus:
the body and the fundus. The uterine isthmus can
become more compressible in pregnancy, which is a
finding known as Hegar's sign.
Cervix
 The cervix or cervix uteri (Latin, 'neck of the uterus') is
the lower part of the uterus in the 
human female reproductive system. The cervix is usually
2 to 3 cm long (~1 inch) and roughly cylindrical in shape,
which changes during pregnancy. The narrow, central 
cervical canal runs along its entire length, connecting the 
uterine cavity and the lumen of the vagina. The opening
into the uterus is called the internal os and the opening
into the vagina is called the external os. The lower part of
the cervix, known as the vaginal portion of the cervix (or
ectocervix) bulges into the top of the vagina.
Layers of uterus
 The uterus has three layers, which together form the uterine wall. From innermost to
outermost, these layers are the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium.
 The endometrium is the inner epithelial layer, along with its mucous membrane, of the 
mammalian uterus. It has a basal layer and a functional layer; the functional layer
thickens and then is sloughed during the menstrual cycle or estrous cycle. During 
pregnancy, the uterine glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in
size and number and form the decidua. Vascular spaces fuse and become
interconnected, forming the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the 
embryo and fetus.
 The myometrium of the uterus mostly consists of smooth muscle. The innermost layer
of myometrium is known as the junctional zone, which becomes thickened in 
adenomyosis.
 The perimetrium is a serous layer of visceral peritoneum. It covers the outer surface of
the uterus.
 Surrounding the uterus is a layer or band of fibrous and fatty connective tissue called
the perimetrium that connects the uterus to other tissues of the pelvis.
Interior of the Uterus
 The cavity of the uterus is small in comparison
with the size of the organ. The Cavity of the
Body (cavum uteri) is a mere slit, flattened
antero-posteriorly. It is triangular in shape, the
base being formed by the internal surface of
the fundus between the orifices of the uterine
tubes, the apex by the internal orifice of the
uterus through which the cavity of the body
communicates with the canal of the cervix.
Conted…
 The canal of the cervix (canalis cervicis uteri) is somewhat
fusiform, flattened from before backward and broader at
the middle than at either extremity. It communicates above
through the internal orifice with the cavity of the body, and
below through the external orifice with the vaginal cavity.
The wall of the canal presents an anterior and a posterior
longitudinal ridge, from each of which proceed a number
of small oblique columns, the palmate folds, giving the
appearance of branches from the stem of a tree. The folds
on the two walls are not exactly opposed, but fit between
one another so as to close the cervical canal.
Ligaments of Uterus
 The tone of the pelvic floor provides the primary
support for the uterus. Some ligaments provide further
support, securing the uterus in place. The ligaments of
the uterus are eight in numbers:
 One anterior ligament.
 One posterior ligament.
 Two lateral or broad ligaments.
 Two uterosacral ligaments.
 Two round ligaments.
Conted…
 Broad Ligament: This is a double layer of peritoneum attaching the
sides of the uterus to the pelvis. It acts as a mesentery for the uterus
and contributes to maintaining it in position.
 Round Ligament: A remnant of the gubernaculums extending from
the uterine horns to the labia majora via the inguinal canal. It functions
to maintain the anteverted position of the uterus.
 Ovarian Ligament: Joins the ovaries to the uterus.
 Cardinal Ligament: Located at the base of the broad ligament, the
cardinal ligament extends from the cervix to the lateral pelvic walls. It
contains the uterine artery and vein in addition to providing support to
the uterus.
 Uterosacral Ligament: Extends from the cervix to the sacrum. It
provides support to the uterus.
Function of uterus
The uterus has these main functions that aid in the development of the
growing fetus:
 It provides mechanical protection to help prevent physical damage
to the fetus.
 It provides nutritional support, helping the fetus gain the nutrients
it needs for proper growth.
 It provides waste removal, helping to keep the fetal environment
clean.
 The most important role of the uterus is for housing a developing
fetus.
 Each month, hormones like estrogen and progesterone encourage
the uterine lining (also called endometrium) to thicken and mature
in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Conted…
 During pregnancy, the uterus stretches and grows to
accommodate the maturing fetus.
 It also maintains the proper environment for the fetus to grow
in thanks to a large supply of blood vessels and nutrients
from the endometrium.
 The uterus also contracts rhythmically during intercourse to
facilitate the passage of sperm through the cervix and deep
into the uterus for conception.
 The thick muscular layer of the uterus is responsible for
pushing the baby and placenta out during childbirth.
Blood supply
 The uterus is supplied by arterial blood both from
the uterine artery and the ovarian artery. Another
anastomotic branch may also supply the uterus from
anastomosis of these two arteries.
FALLOPIAN TUBE
(Synonyms: Uterine tube, Oviduct)
 The Fallopian tubes, also known as uterine
tubes or salpinges (singular salpinx) are uterine appendages
. The name comes from the Catholic priest and anatomist 
Gabriele Falloppio for whom other anatomical structures
are also named. Fallopian tube measuring about 10 to 13
cm long and 0.5–1.2 cm in diameter. It lie in the upper
border of the broad ligament, extending laterally from the
uterus, opening into the abdominal cavity, near the ovaries.
Inside the Fallopian tubes there are hair-like fallopian cilia
 which carry the fertilized egg from the ovaries of female
to the uterus, via the uterotubal junction.
Female reproductive system:
the fallopian tubes…
Tube widens to form the End of tube is
ampulla (am pyu lah) called the
infundibulum
The isthmus is (in fun DIB yū lum)
the portion
that connects
to uterus
Fimbria (fihm bree ah) are Opening
the finger-like projections is called
around the opening that the
trap the egg as it leaves the ostium
ovary (ah stē um)
Female reproductive system: the
fallopian tubes…

The fallopian tube is 10-13 inches long. The egg,

released from the ovary, is captured by the fimbria and
brought into the fallopian tube. The egg is moved
along inside the tube by muscular contractions and the
waving action of cilia. It takes an egg about 3-4 days
to travel the length of the tube. If an egg is fertilized, it
occurs here.
Female reproductive system:
the ovaries…
The two ovaries are
attached to each
side of the uterus
by a ligament. They
are oval-shaped,
about the size of a
large olive, and lie
close to the fimbria
at the end of the
fallopian tubes.
Each ovary is filled, already at birth, with egg-
containing sacs called follicles. Each egg is called
an ovum.
Female reproductive system: the
ovaries and ova…
Once every 21 days,
one follicle in one
ovary ripens. This
mature follicle is a
graafian (GRAW fee un)
follicle. The follicle
ruptures in response
to hormones from the After the follicle ruptures, it
pituitary gland, becomes a mass of yellow
releasing the cells called the corpus
ovum/egg… a process luteum. This is a temporary,
called ovulation. progesterone-producing
structure.