female reproductive system

• Ovaries are almond-shaped glands around 3cm long that produces ova (female gametes). there is one on each side of the abdominal cavity and are supported by ligaments 
• the ovaries are composed of a mass of connective tissue called the stroma which is surrounded by layer of cells containing numerous germ cells. these cells are enclosed in a follicle. as the follicle matures, it moves to surface of ovary and ruptures. at any given time there are numerous follicles in various stages of development
• Fimbriae are finger-like projections that appear to just touch the surface of ovary which help guide the egg into the fallopian tube 
• uterine tubes carry the egg from ovary to the uterus. there are two tubes, one extending from each ovary
• lining contains cilia which helps carry the egg towards the uterus. contraction of smooth muscles in the walls of the uterine tube also aids in the movement of eggs
• Uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ which helps protect and nourish a developing foetus 
• the uterus is behind urinary bladder and in front of rectum and held in position in pelvic cavity by broad ligaments which allow for movement. the wall is mainly made of smooth muscle with a soft mucous membrane lining called the endometrium
• Cervix is at the lower end of uterus and protrudes into the vagina 
• Vagina is a muscular structure that receives the penis during sexual intercourse and enlarges to form birth canal during childbirth
• the vagina is a canal leading to outside of the body and is capable of stretching. it is lined with mucous membranes and about 10cm in length 
• Vulva is the region the vagina opens to and is made up of the external genital organs
• Labia majora is two fleshy folds of skin made of fat and fibrous tissue. it contains a large number of glands that produce and oily secretion 
• the outer surfaces of the labia majora are pigmented, and after puberty is covered in hair. the inner surface is smooth, lacks hair, and moist from oily secretions 
• Labia minora is two smaller folds of skin, beneath and between labia majora and surrounds the space into which the urethra and vagina open. it is pinkish in colour , without fat, and lacks hair 
• Clitoris  is at the upper end of and surrounded by labia minora. it contains erectile tissue, blood vessels, nerves. it is sensitive to touch, swelling with blood when stimulated 
• female reproductive system

  A) uterus

  B) cervix

  C) ovary

  D) labia minora

  E) vagina

  F) fallopian tube

  G) labia majora

  H) fimbriae

  I) clitoris

  
• External opening of vagina is partially covered by fold of tissue called hymen. it is stretched and usually torn when sexual intercourse occurs for the first time