structures

Ovaries

Almond-shaped organs located in the pelvic cavity; form and store egg cells(ova) and produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovaries, which can then travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus

Ovum

Female egg cell

Graafian follicles

100,000 microscopic sacs that make up a large portion of the ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature ovum. Normally one of theses develops to maturity monthly between puberty and menopause. It moves to the surface of the ovary and releases the ovum, which passes into the fallopian tubes.

Fallopian tubes

Pair of tubes attached to the uterus that provide a passageway for the ovum to move from the ovary o the uterus (also called uterine tubes)

Fimbria (pl. fimbriae)

Finger-like projection at the free end of the fallopian tube

Uterus

Pear sized and shaved muscular organ that lies beneath pelvic cavity, except during pregnancy when it enlarges and extends into the abdominal cavity. It’s functions are menstruation, pregnancy, and labour.

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus

Myometrium

Muscular middle layer of the uterus

Perimetrium

Outer protective Ayer of the uterus that secrets watery serous fluid to reduce friction (also called uterine serosa)

Corpus

Large central portion of the uterus (also called uterine body)

Fundus

Rounded upper portion of the uterus

Cervix

Narrow lower portion of the uterus

Vagina

Passageway between the uterus and the outside of the body

Hymen

Fold of membrane found near the opening of the vagina

Clitoris

Network of erectile tissue and nerves with external and maternal components; the majority of the structure is located inside the body and not visible to the eye

Glans clitoris

External portion of the clitoris protruding below the shelter formed where the labia majora meet in the anterior portion of the vulva (the shelter is called the clitoral hood)

Body

Internal erectile tissue posterior to the glans clitoris, extending dismally and branching around the vagina (also called shaft)

Crura (s. Crus)

Internal erectile tissue branching from the clitoral body posterior lay, forming long structures often called legs

Clitoral bulbs

Internal erectile tissue located between he cura and the vaginal wall that increases in size during sexual stimulation

Vulva

External genitals of the female reproductive system, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minors, glans clitoris, urinary meatus, and vaginal opening

Perineum

Pelvic floor in the male and female reproductive systems. In the female reproductive system it refers to the area between the vaginal opening and the anus

Bartholin glands

Pair of mucus-producing glands coated on each side of the vagina, near the vaginal opening (also called greater vestibular glands)

Breasts

Milk-producing glands. Each one consists of 15 to 20 divisions or lobules (mammary glands)

Mammary papilla

Breast nipple

Areola

Pigmented area around the breast nipple