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The female reproductive and sexual anatomy includes the external and internal sex organs, such as the vulva and vagina, and the internal reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and uterus. The female reproductive system produces hormones, which help a girl develop into a sexually mature woman during puberty. Females also use these organs to produce and release eggs which, when fertilised by a male's sperm, grow into a baby in the uterus.
Female reproductive organs
| Organ | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vulva | External genitalia | Protects vaginal and urinary openings |
| Labia majora (outer lips) | Part of the vulva Two folds of skin, covered with hair and forming a pad of fatty tissues on the pubic bone | The outer folded skin enclosing the labia minora (inner lips) and vaginal and urinary openings |
| Labia minora (inner lips) | Part of the vulva Two folds of skin, within the labia majora | The hairless folds of skin between the outer lips that enclose the clitoris and vaginal opening |
| Clitoris | Part of the vulva Located above the opening of the urethra, a highly sensitive gland packed with nerve endings Becomes enlarged when aroused | Sexual pleasure |
| Hymen | Membrane that covers the entrance to the vagina | Helps to protect the vaginal opening |
| Vagina | Muscular tube from the uterus to the vulva and external body Elastic in nature (potential space rather than a 'black hole') | Allows passage of menstrual blood flow from the uterus and the conduct of sexual intercourse Birth passage |
| Ovaries | Two oval-shaped glands located on both sides of the uterus within the pelvic cavity | Contain ova/ovum (eggs) to be released monthly as part of the menstrual cycle Produce the female hormones progesterone and oestrogen |
| Fallopian tubes | Narrow tubes joining the ovary and the uterus The ovary end of the tube has finger-like projections floating and reaching over the ovaries to help sweep up the egg | An egg (ova) or eggs (ovum) moves down the fallopian tube(s) after being released from the ovary Fertilisation can take place within the fallopian tube or uterus |
| Uterus | Hollow muscular organ shaped like an upside down pear which lies in the centre of the pelvis Stretches and expands with growth of the foetus during pregnancy | Organ in which the initial embryo, and later the foetus, grows and provides a total nurturing environment |
