Female Reproductive System

cervix

It is the lower most part of the uterus and is made up of strong muscles. The function of the cervix is to allow flow of menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and direct the sperms into the uterus during intercourse. The opening of the cervical canal is normally very narrow.

prepuce

a fold of skin formed by the labia minora and protects the sensitive clitoris.

clitoris

a small, sensitive protrusion/organ located at the top of the vulva, just above the urethra and the vaginal opening. The function of the clitoris is to provide pleasure. Many women and girls enjoy touching, or having their partner touch their clitoris because this can be arousing and can also give them an orgasm

hymen

a thin membrane of tissue that surrounds and narrows the vaginal opening. The physiological purpose of the hymen is still unclear. Although it doesn't seem to have a specific function, it is thought that hymen tissue remains as a vestige of vaginal development.

urethra

connecting tube to the bladder. The urethral opening is located between the clitoris and the vaginal orifice

vulva

external portion of the female genital organs

perineum

in females, the area between the vagina and the anus.below the pelvic diaphragm and between the legs. It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina.

G-spot

inside the vagina, on the front wall toward the front of the body and has a different texture than other areas inside the vagina. Some girls and women say that rubbing this spot gives them an orgasm.

uterus

nurturing the fertilized ovum that develops into the fetus and holding it till the baby is mature enough for birth. The fertilized ovum gets implanted into the endometrium and derives nourishment from blood vessels which develop exclusively for this purpose.

anus

opening at the end of the anal canal.

vagina

receives the penis during sexual intercourse and also serves as a conduit for menstrual flow from the uterus. During childbirth, the baby passes through the vagina (birth canal).

labia minora

small lips that lie inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the urethra and vagina.

fallopian tube

the female structures that transport the ova from the ovary to the uterus each month. In the presence of sperm, it is in the fallopian tubes that fertilization usually takes place and the uterine tubes transport the fertilized egg to the uterus for implantation.

endometrium

the tissue lining the inner cavity of the uterus, preventing adhesions between the opposed walls of the myometrium, thereby maintaining the patency of the uterine cavity. During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in size and number.

labia majora

two large, fleshy lips, or folds of skin.

ovary

two main reproductive functions in the body. They produce oocytes (eggs) for fertilization and they produce the reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. In the ovary, all eggs are initially enclosed in a single layer of cells known as a follicle, which supports the egg.