The female reproductive system is a complex network of organs that can be divided into internal and external genitalia.
The labia majora and labia minora, Skene glands, Bartholin glands, clitoris, vestibule, perineum, urethral meatus, mons pubis, and periurethral region are among the external genitalia, which is not part of the true pelvis. The vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are among the internal genitalia, which refers to the organs inside the true pelvis.
Understanding female-specific anatomy is essential for medical practitioners, especially those investigating the female reproductive system in gynaecology and obstetrics.
Table of Contents
- Internal Genitalia Meaning
- Different Parts of Female Internal Genitalia
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Internal Genitalia Meaning
The female or male reproductive organs are termed genitalia. The genitalia encompasses external and internal structures. The scrotum and penis are the male external genitalia. The labia minora, labia majora (vulva) and the clitoris comprise the female external genitalia. The Fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, uterus, and vagina are the female internal genitalia. The epididymis, testes, and vas deferens comprise the male internal genitalia.
The female reproductive system, also known as female internal genitalia, is located within the pelvic cavity.
The female reproductive system has a role in pregnancy, conception, and childbirth.
The reproductive system also significantly affects other areas of health. For instance, the ovaries produce hormones that affect mood, cholesterol levels, bone density, and heart health.
Different Parts of Female Internal Genitalia
Vagina
The outermost female internal genitalia is the vagina. It transcends from the uterus to the external genitalia, the vulva. Functionally, it promotes menstruation, sexual activity, and childbirth. The vagina is situated anterior to the rectum and posterior to the urethra and urinary bladder.
The hymen, a thin flap of tissue, may partly cover the vaginal opening. Sexual activity, tampon use, or strenuous physical activity like bicycling can rupture the hymen.
The lining of a woman’s vagina develops folds and wrinkles during reproductive years. The lining is smooth after menopause and before puberty. The mucous membrane that lines the vagina is kept moist by secretions from glands in the cervix and fluids generated by cells on its surface.
Uterus
The uterus is a muscular, pear-shaped organ with thick walls situated in the centre of the pelvis, in front of the rectum and behind the bladder. The uterus is fixed in place by various ligaments. The main objective of the uterus is to maintain a developing foetus.
The cervix and the corpus (main body) comprise the uterus. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries and the upper section of the uterus.
The lower portion of the uterus, known as the cervix, extends into the upper vagina. The cervix is mucous membrane lined, similar to the vagina. A cervix-based channel, the cervical canal, allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit the uterus.
The cervix usually acts as a protection against infection. However, during sexual activity, the cervix can allow the bacteria that cause STDs to enter the uterus.
The uterus’s corpus (main body), consisting of muscle tissue, can expand to encompass a developing foetus. During labour, its muscular walls constrict to force the baby forth through the vagina and cervix. The corpus is double the length of the cervix during the reproductive years. The cervix and uterus are generally the same sizes after menopause.
If fertilisation occurs, the uterus serves as a house for the developing foetus and its placenta. Every month, the uterus’ endometrial lining multiplies in anticipation of embryo implantation. The endometrial lining sheds during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.
Ovaries
The ovaries are the female analogue of the male testes and are bilateral female gonads. To facilitate fertilisation, they discharge the ovum (egg). In addition, they perform the function of endocrine glands, secreting various hormones important for female sexual development, menstruation, and fertility.
Ovarian follicles, cavities filled with fluid, house the budding egg cells (oocytes). There is one oocyte in each follicle. Ligaments connect the ovaries to the uterus.
Each ovary is situated below the fallopian tubes and next to the uterus in the ovarian fossa of the true pelvis. The ovary has two poles (superior and inferior) and four surfaces (posterior, anterior, lateral and medial).
Fallopian or Uterine Tubes
The bilateral muscular fallopian (uterine) tubes connect the uterine stalks to the superior regions of the ovaries. Ovum fertilisation often takes place in the fallopian tubes. They also carry the resulting zygote for implantation into the uterus.
The fallopian tube serves as the specific location for sperm and egg fertilisation. Small hair-like projections, known as the cilia, line the fallopian tubes. The muscles and cilia in the tube wall push an egg down along all the uterus’ tubes. The fertilised egg travels to the uterus after fertilisation and implants there.
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