Human Reproductive System: Female

Vulva

The female external reproductive organs.

Mon pubis

Rounded mound of fatty tissue located on the front of the female body, directly over the pubic bone.

Labia majora

Fatty outer fold on either side of the vaginal opening.

Labia minora

Two smaller fold of skin located between the labia majora.

Hymen

A thin membrane that has several openings and flexible tissue allowing the passage of menstrual flow.

Vagina

An elastic, muscle-lined tube that extends from the uterus to outside the body. It is also called the birth canal.

Cervix

Neck of the uterus and the site of glands that secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina.

Uterus

An organ with the size and shape of an upside-down pear which it primary function is to hold and nourish a developing embryo and fetus.

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus that provides for the attachment of the embryo.

Fallopian tubes

The tubes on each side of the uterus that connect the uterus to the region of the ovaries.

Ovaries

The two female sex gland that produce mature ova and female hormones on both sides of the uterus on the open sides of the fallopian tubes.

Ovulation

The process of releasing one mature ovum each month into a fallopian tube. It can live for about a day.

Menstruation

The process of shedding the uterine lining.