External Genitalia & Internal Organs

vulva

Female external genitalia (collectively)

mons pubis

Mound of skin and adipose tissue overlying pubic symphysis

labia majora

Pair of thick folds of skin, connective tissue, and adipose tissue

labia minora

Pair of thin folds of hairless skin internal to labia majora; anteriorly form prepuce (hood) of clitoris

clitoris

Small erectile body capped with a glans

vestibule

Area enclosed by labia minora; contains urethral and vaginal openings

greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands

Pea-sized glands deep to labia majora; secrete mucus to lubricate vulva and vagina

ovaries

Primary sex organs (gonads); produce eggs and secrete estrogen, progesterone, and androgens

uterine (fallopian) tubes

~4 inches long; fimbriae sweep ovum into tube; site of fertilization

fimbriae

Finger-like folds at ovarian end of uterine tube

uterus

Thick-walled muscular organ; cradles fetus; produces menstrual flow

fundus

Broad curved upper region of uterus

body

Midportion of uterus

cervix

Cylindrical inferior portion of uterus projecting into vagina

internal os

Opening from lumen into cervical canal

external os

Opening from cervical canal into vagina

perimetrium

Thin connective tissue; outer layer of uterine wall

myometrium

Thick smooth muscle; middle layer of uterine wall

endometrium

Inner lining of uterus; sheds during menstruation

vagina

Birth canal; 4-5 inches long; discharges menstrual fluid, receives penis/semen, delivers baby

fornices

Arch-shaped blind spaces posterior to cervix (anterior and posterior)

hymen

Thin membrane with openings across vaginal opening; allows menstrual fluid to escape

estrogen

Ovarian hormone; converts girls into sexually mature women; regulates menstrual cycle; involved in pregnancy

progesterone

Ovarian hormone (corpus luteum); prepares endometrium for implantation; inhibits lactation during pregnancy

corpus luteum

Yellow structure formed at site of ruptured ovarian follicle; produces progesterone

menstrual cycle

Average 28 days; menstruation days 1-5; ovulation around day 14

ovulation

Release of oocyte from follicle (~day 14)

menarche

First menstrual period (requires at least 17% body fat)

thelarche

Onset of breast development

pubarche

Onset of pubic and axillary hair

oocyte

Female egg cell