Female Reproductive System Parts and Functions
The female reproductive system was designed to serve many functions. It produces ova, or egg cells, which are necessary for reproduction. The reproductive system is set up to carry the ova to the fallopian tubes where the egg and sperm are fertilized. The next step for fertilized eggs is to implant in the uterine walls and start the phases of pregnancy. The female reproductive system also contributes to the generation of female sex hormones, which also help to keep the reproductive cycle regular.
The structure of female reproductive system consists of various componenets where each of them have specific roles. The parts and functions of female reproductive system are discuss below:
Ovaries
The primary female sex organs that create the female gamete and other hormones are the ovaries. One of these organs is located on either side of the lower abdomen. Each ovary is between 2 and 4 cm long, and ligaments connect them to the uterus and pelvic wall. The ovary is separated into two zones—the outer cortex and the inner medulla—and is covered by a thin layer of epithelium that encloses the ovarian stroma.
Numerous ovarian follicles in various developmental stages make up the cortex. The primary component of the female reproductive system is referred to as the ovarian follicle. Ampulla, isthmus, and infundibulum are the three anatomical regions that make up each oviduct.
Uterus
It is a muscular female reproductive organ with an inverted pear form. There are three layers that make up the uterus’s walls: an inside glandular layer, a middle thick layer, and an outside thin layer. Ligaments linked to the pelvic wall, which opens into the vagina from a thin cervix, support these three layers. The birth canal is made by the vagina and the cervical canal. A muscular tube called the vagina extends from the uterus‘ lower end to the outside.
Fallopian Tubes
A pair of muscular, funnel-shaped structures called fallopian tubes run from the right and left superior corners of the uterus to the margin of the ovaries. The eggs discharged from the ovaries are picked up by these tubes, which are encased in tiny projections called fimbriae, which then transport them to the infundibulum where they supply the uterus. Cilia on each fallopian tube serve the purpose of transporting the ovum to the uterus.
Vagina
The muscular and elastic tube that links the cervix to the outside body is called the vagina. It serves as the penis’s container during sexual activity and transports sperm to the uterus and fallopian tubes. By enlarging to allow the delivery of the fetus during childbirth, it also serves as a birth canal.
Cervix
The uterine cervix, a tubular structure that connects the vagina and uterine cavity, serves as a passage between the two. At the cervical os, the inferior cervix opens into the upper vagina. The cervix’s lining that extends into the vagina is referred to as the ectocervix and is made up of stratified squamous epithelium.
The endocervix, which is made of columnar epithelium, lines the interior of the cervical canal. The transformation zone is the area where the ecto- and endocervix converge and is distinguished by the change from columnar to squamous epithelium.
Labia Minora
The smaller lips are referred to as labia minora. They are a pair of very small cutaneous folds that descend from the clitoris. The anterior folds of the labia minora that encircle the clitoris create the clitoral hood and frenulum of the clitoris. The limits of the vulva vestibule are then formed by the labia minora deviating downward and obliquely.
Labia Majora
The lateral and longitudinal margins of the vulval clefts are defined by the labia majora, a prominent pair of cutaneous skin folds. The clitoris, labia minora, vulva vestibule, Bartholin’s glands, vestibular bulbs, Skene’s glands, vaginal entrance, and urethra are all protected by the folds they produce.
Clitoris
The clitoris is an erectile organ that resembles the male penis. It is made up of two corpora cavernosa, the glans, and prepuce. The female homologue of the penis, the clitoris is situated below the mons pubis. The clitoris is made up of two erectile vascular tissue corpora cavernosa that are adjacent to each other and encircled by a fibro collagenous sheath. A central septum that is incomplete partially separates the two corpora.
Also Read: Diagram of Female Reproductive System
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs which play an important part in reproduction. The female reproductive system parts and functions also play a crucial role in hormonal regulation and menstrual cycle regulation.
The vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are the internal sex organs. This article will cover the female reproductive system diagram, anatomy, and functions in detail.
Table of Content
- Female Reproductive System
- Female Reproductive System Diagram
- Female Reproductive System Parts and Functions
- Ovulation
- Menstrual Cycle
- Functions of Female Reproductive System
- Conclusion – Female Reproductive System
- FAQs on Female Reproductive System –