Female reproductive system

Ovaries (structure/location)

Paired, almond-shaped organs in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus

Ovaries (function)

Produce oocytes (eggs) and secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone (critical in menstruation and fertility)

Fimbriae (structure/location)

Finger-like projections at the end of each fallopian tube near the ovary

Fimbriae (function)

Help to catch and direct the released egg into the oviduct (fallopian tube) during ovulation

Oviducts (fallopian tubes) structure

Two slender tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries, lined with ciliated epithelial cells

Oviducts (function)

Help transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus (fertilization typically occurs here)

Uterus (structure/location)

A hollow, muscular organ located between the bladder and anus

Uterus (function)

Provides a site for embryo implantation and supports fetal development during pregnancy

Endometrium (uterus)

Inner lining

Myometrium (uterus)

Muscle layer

Perimetrium (uterus)

Outer serous layer

Cervix (structure/location)

Lower cylindrical portion of the uterus that extends into the vagina (gateway between the uterus/vagina)

Cervix (function)

Allows menstrual blood to exit and sperm to enter, produces cervical mucus that changes during the menstrual cycle

Vagina (structure)

A muscular, elastic tube that extends from the cervix to the external genitalia a passageway for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth

Vagina (function)

Lined with mucous membranes that provide lubrication and protection

Vulva (definition)

External part of the female genitalia

Vulva (structures)

Labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, and openings of the urethra and vagina

Vestibule (location)

Area within the vulva that lies between the labia minora

Vestibule (structures)

Vaginal opening, urethral opening, and openings of the greater vestibular glands

Greater vestibule glands (location/function)

Near the vaginal opening, and secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina mainly during sexual arousal

Clitoris (structure/location)

Small sensitive organ with nerve endings at the top of the vulva where the labia minora meet

Clitoris (function)

Key component in sexual arousal and pleasure

Prepuce (clitoral hood) structure/function

Fold of skin that partially or fully covers and protects the glans clitoris. (equivalent to the male foreskin)

Glans clitoris (structure/location)

External portion of the clitoris, a small round structure at the front of the vulva

Glans clitoris (defintion)

Contains a dense connective concentration of sensory nerve endings and highly sensitive to stimulation

Crus of clitoris (corpus cavernosum) location

Erectile tissue structures that extend backward and laterally along the pubic arch from the clitoral body

Crus of clitoris (defintion)

Become engorged with blood during sexual arousal, similar to the corpora cavernosa in the penis

Clitoral bulbs (corpus spongiosum) structure/location

Two elongated masses of erectile tissue beneath the labia minora and on either side of the vaginal opening

Clitoral bulbs (corpus spongiosum) definition

Homologous to the corpus spongiosum in males and also engorge during sexual arousal, contributing to clitoral and vulvar swelling

Labia majora (structure)

Outer larger folds of the skin covered with pubic hair, contains sweat, and sebaceous glands

Labia majora (function)

Protect the external genitalia

Labia minora (structure)

Inner smaller folds of skin that are hairless, contain many blood vessels and nerve endings

Labia minora (function)

Protect the vaginal and urethral openings

Mons pubis (structure)

Rounded area of fatty tissue located over the pubic symphysis above the labia majora covered with pubic hair after puberty

Mons pubis (function)

Provides cushioning for the underlying pelvic bone

Breasts (structure/location)

Paired structures on the anterior chest wall consisting of glandular tissue and adipose (fat) tissue

Breasts (function)

Involved in milk production and lactation

Nipples (structure)

Protruding structures at the center of each breast that contain ducts surrounded by the areola

Nipples (function)

Deliver milk to the surface

Areola (structure)

Pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipples that contain montgomerys glans

Areola (function)

Secrete lubricating fluids to protect the nipple during breastfeeding

Mammary glands (structure/function)

Milk-producing structures of the breasts composed of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts that transport milk to the nipple

Lactiferous duct (definition)

Channels through which milk travels from the mammary glands to the nipple, each breast has multiple of these that open at the nipple