Female Reproduction

Ovaries

Two female, almond-shaped gonads located in the pelvic cavity.

Follicles

Thousands of small sacs in the ovaries which contain an immature ovum or sex cell.

Ovulation

When an ovum matures, enlarges, and then ruptures to release a mature ovum.

Fallopian Tubes

Two tubes about 5" long and attached to the upper part of the uterus, located above the ovaries but with no direct attachment to the ovaries.

Peristalsis

Rhythmic movement of the muscle layer of the tubes which moves the ovum.

Cilia

Hairlike structures or lining of the tubes which keep the ovum moving toward the uterus.

Fertilization

Union of an ovum with a sperm to create new life, takes place in the fallopian tube.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular pear-shaped organ with three parts:funds, corpus or body, and cervix.

Funds

Top Section Where Tubes Attach

Corpus or Body

Middle Section

Cervix

Narrow, Bottom Section Which Attaches to the Vagina and is the Organ of menstruation and Allows for development of the Fetus and contracts to Aid in the Expulsion of the Fetus at Birth.

Endometrium

Inner layer of specialized endothelium in the uterus.

Myometrium

Middle layer of the uterus.

Perimetrium

Outer layer of the uterus.

Vagina

Muscular tube which connects to the cervix of the uterus with the outside and acts as a passageway for menstrual flow and receives sperm and semen from the male.

Bartholin's Gland

Also known as vestibular gland, two smaller glands located on either side of the vaginal opening and secretes mucus for lubrication during intercourse.

Vulva

Refers to structures that form the external genital area.

Mons Veneris

Triangular pad of fat covered with hair.

Labia Majora

Two larger folds of fatty tissue covered with hair.

Labia Minora

Two smaller folds located inside (above).

Vestibule

Area of the vulva located inside the folds which contain the openings to the urethra and vagina.

Clitoris

Area of erectile tissue.

Perineum

Area between the vagina and anus in the female or describes both male and female entire pelvic floor.

Breast or Mammary Glands

Contain lobes separated into sections by connective and fatty tissue and exits on the surface at the nipples, main function is the production of milk or lactation after childbirth.