Female reproductive system

• Ovaries


  The ultimate life-maker for females. They have an estimated length of 4 cm, width of 2 cm, and thickness of 1.5 cm. They appear almond-shaped, pitted like a raisin, and grayish-white in color. They are located proximal to both sides of the uterus at the lower abdomen. Their function is to produce, mature, and discharge egg cells or ova. They also mature and maintain secondary sex characteristics in females. They have three divisions: the protective layer of epithelium, the cortex, and the central medulla.
• Fallopian Tubes


  Smooth, hollow tunnels that serve as the pathway for egg cells towards the uterus. They are divided into four parts: the interstitial (1 cm long), the isthmus (2 cm long), the ampulla (5 cm long), and the infundibular (2 cm long and funnel-shaped). The funnel has small hairs called fimbria that propel the ovum into the fallopian tube. The tube is lined with mucous membrane, connective tissue, and a muscle layer responsible for peristaltic movements that propel the ovum forward. The distal ends are open, allowing for conception to occur.
• Uterus


  A hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located in the lower pelvis, posterior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum. It has an estimated length of 5-7 cm, width of 5 cm, and depth of 2.5 cm in its widest part. For non-pregnant women, it weighs approximately 60g. Its function is to receive the ovum from the fallopian tube, provide a place for implantation and nourishment, and give protection for the growing fetus. It is divided into three parts: the body, the isthmus, and the cervix.
• Mons Veneris


  A pad of fat tissues over the symphysis pubis, covered in coarse, curly pubic hair. It protects the pubic bone from trauma.
• Labia Minora


  Two connective tissue folds that are pinkish in color. The internal surface is composed of mucous membrane and the external surface is skin. It contains sebaceous glands all over the area.
• Labia Majora


  Lateral to the labia minora, two folds of fat tissue covered by loose connective tissue and epithelium. Their function is to protect the external genitalia and the distal urethra and vagina from trauma. They are covered in pubic hair that serves as additional protection.
• Vestibule


  A smooth, flattened surface inside the labia wherein the openings to the urethra and the vagina arise.
• Clitoris


  A small, circular organ of erectile tissue at the front of the labia minora, covered by a fold of skin called the prepuce. It is the center for sexual arousal and pleasure for females due to its high sensitivity to touch and temperature.
• Skene's Glands


  Also called paraurethral glands, they are found lateral to the urethral meatus and have ducts that open into the urethra. Their secretions lubricate the external genitalia during coitus.
• Bartholin's Gland


  Also called bulbovaginal gland, it is another gland responsible for the lubrication of the external genitalia during coitus. It has ducts that open into the distal vagina. Both Skene's and Bartholin's gland secretions are alkaline to help sperm survive in the vagina.
• Fourchette


  A ridge of tissue formed by the posterior joining of the labia minora and majora. During episiotomy, this is the tissue that is cut to enlarge the vaginal opening.
• Perineal Body


  A muscular area that stretches easily during childbirth. Pregnancy exercises like Kegel's and squatting are done to strengthen the perineal body to allow easier expansion during childbirth and avoid tearing the tissue.
• Hymen


  Tough, elastic, semicircle tissue that covers the opening of the vagina and is torn during the first sexual intercourse.