The female reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that function together for reproduction, hormone regulation, and the menstrual cycle.
Here's a detailed look at the female reproductive system and its organs, classified as either primary or accessory organs:
Primary Organ:
1. Ovaries:
The primary reproductive organs in females, located on either side of the lower abdomen.
The ovaries are responsible for producing ova (eggs) and secreting the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Each ovary contains thousands of follicles, which are small sacs containing immature eggs.
During each menstrual cycle, one or more follicles mature, and one egg is released during ovulation.
Position:
The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs, located on either side of the lower abdomen, adjacent to the lateral pelvic wall.
Structure:
Each ovary is an almond-shaped organ containing numerous follicles, small sacs that contain immature eggs (oocytes).
The ovarian stroma, the connective tissue that makes up most of the ovary, contains blood vessels, nerves, and hormone-producing cells.
Function:
Production of ova (eggs) through the process of oogenesis
Secretion of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy, and maintain secondary sexual characteristics
Accessory Organs:
Internal accessory organs:
2. Fallopian tubes (oviducts):
Two narrow tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus.
Each tube has finger-like projections called fimbriae at the end near the ovary.
When an egg is released from the ovary, the fimbriae help guide it into the fallopian tube.
Fertilization by a sperm cell typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.
Position:
The fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, are two narrow tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus.
Structure:
Each fallopian tube is lined with ciliated epithelial cells and smooth muscle.
The end of the tube near the ovary has finger-like projections called fimbriae that help guide the egg into the tube.
Function:
To transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus
To provide a suitable environment for fertilization, which typically occurs within the tube
3. Uterus (womb):
A muscular, pear-shaped organ located in the lower abdomen between the bladder and rectum.
The primary function of the uterus is to house and nourish a developing foetus during pregnancy.
The inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, thickens during the menstrual cycle to prepare for a potential pregnancy.
If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is shed during menstruation.
Position:
The uterus, also known as the womb, is located in the lower abdomen between the bladder and rectum.
Structure:
It is a muscular, pear-shaped organ composed of three layers:
i. the endometrium (inner lining)
ii. myometrium (middle muscular layer)
iii. perimetrium (outer serous layer)
The size and shape of the uterus can change during pregnancy to accommodate the growing foetus.
Function:
To house and nourish a developing foetus during pregnancy
To shed its inner lining (endometrium) during menstruation if fertilization does not occur
4. Cervix:
The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.
The cervix has a small opening called the os, which allows for the passage of sperm into the uterus and the exit of menstrual blood.
During childbirth, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
5. Vagina:
A muscular, elastic canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva.
The vagina serves multiple functions: it is the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse, the passage for menstrual blood to exit the body, and the birth canal during childbirth.
The walls of the vagina can expand and contract to accommodate different sizes and to aid in childbirth.
Position:
The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal that extends from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) to the vulva, the external female genitalia.
Structure:
It is composed of an inner mucosal layer, a middle muscular layer, and an outer fibrous layer.
The walls of the vagina can expand and contract to accommodate different sizes and aid in childbirth.
The vaginal lining contains mucus-secreting cells that help maintain moisture and lubrication.
Function:
Receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse
Passage for menstrual blood to exit the body c. Birth canal during childbirth
External accessory organs:
6. Vulva:
The external female genitalia, which include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
The mons pubis is a fatty, rounded area over the pubic bone, which is covered with pubic hair.
The labia majora are large, fleshy folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening, while the labia minora are smaller, inner folds that protect the clitoris and urethra.
The clitoris is a small, sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, which plays a role in sexual arousal and pleasure.
The vaginal opening is located between the labia minora and allows for the entrance of the penis during intercourse and the exit of menstrual blood and childbirth.