OVERVIEW OF REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
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.
It's divided into two parts namely;
1.External structures
2.Internal structures
1.External structures;The external genital structures include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora,
and clitoris. The area containing these structures is called the vulva.
The external genital structures have three main functions:
I.Allowing sperm to enter the body
II. the internal genital organs from infectious organisms
III.Providing lubrication and sexual pleasure
_The mons pubis is a rounded mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. During puberty, it
becomes covered with hair. The mons pubis contains oil-secreting (sebaceous) glands that release
substances that are involved in sexual attraction (pheromones).
_The labia majora (literally, large lips) are relatively large, fleshy folds of tissue that enclose and protect
the other external genital organs. The labia majora contain sweat and sebaceous glands, which produce
lubricating secretions. During puberty, hair appears on the labia majora.
_The labia minora (literally, small lips) can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. The labia minora lie just
inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra. A rich supply of blood
vessels gives the labia minora a pink color. During sexual stimulation, these blood vessels become
engorged with blood, causing the labia minora to swell and become more sensitive to stimulation.
_The area between the opening of the vagina and the anus, below the labia majora, is called the
perineum. It varies in length from almost 1 to more than 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters).
_The labia majora and the perineum are covered with skin similar to that on the rest of the body. In
contrast, the labia minora are lined with a mucous membrane, whose surface is kept moist by fluid
secreted by specialized cells.
_The opening to the vagina is called the introitus. The vaginal opening is the entryway for the penis
during sexual intercourse and the exit for blood during menstruation and for the baby during birth.
When stimulated, Bartholin glands (located inside tissue beside the vaginal opening) secrete a thick fluid
that supplies lubrication for intercourse.
_The opening to the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the outside, is located above and in
front of the vaginal opening.
_The clitoris, located between the labia minora at their upper end, is a small protrusion that
corresponds to the penis in the male. The clitoris, like the penis, is very sensitive to sexual stimulation
and can become erect. Stimulating the clitoris can result in an orgasm.
Female internal reproductive system;
_The internal genital organs form a pathway (the genital tract). This pathway consists of the following:
I.Vagina (part of the birth canal), where sperm are deposited and from which a baby can emerge
II.Cervix (the lower part of the uterus), where sperm enter and which opens (dilates) when a pregnant
woman is ready to gives birth
III.Uterus, where an embryo can develop into a fetus
IV.Fallopian tubes (oviducts), where sperm can fertilize an egg after traveling through the cervix and
uterus.
V.Ovaries, which produce and release eggs sperm can travel up the tract, and eggs down the tract.
