Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus,
vagina, vulva, mammary glands and breasts. These organs are involved in the
production and transportation of gametes and the production of sex hormones. The
female reproductive system also facilitates the fertilization of ova by sperm and
supports the development of offspring during pregnancy and infancy
Female Reproductive System Anatomy
Ovaries
The ovaries are a pair of small glands about the size and shape of almonds, located
on the left and right sides of the pelvic body cavity lateral to the superior portion of
the uterus. Ovaries produce female sex hormones such as estrogen and
progesterone as well as ova (commonly called “eggs”), the female gametes. Ova
are produced from oocyte cells that slowly develop throughout a woman’s early
life and reach maturity after puberty. Each month during ovulation, a mature ovum
is released. The ovum travels from the ovary to the fallopian tube, where it may be
fertilized before reaching the uterus.
Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes are a pair of muscular tubes that extend from the left and right
superior corners of the uterus to the edge of the ovaries. The fallopian tubes end in
a funnel-shaped structure called the infundibulum, The inside of each fallopian
tube is covered in cilia that work with the smooth muscle of the tube to carry the
ovum to the uterus.
Uterus
The uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located posterior and superior
to the urinary bladder. Connected to the two fallopian tubes on its superior end and
to the vagina (via the cervix) on its inferior end, the uterus is also known as the
womb, as it surrounds and supports the developing fetus during pregnancy. The
inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, provides support to the
embryo during early development. The visceral muscles of the uterus contract
during childbirth to push the fetus through the birth canal.
Vagina
The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to
the exterior of the body. It is located inferior to the uterus and posterior to the
urinary bladder. The vagina functions as the receptacle for the penis during
