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 is attached to the Upper Part of the Uterus, Located Above the Ovaries but 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 a New Like, Takes Place in the Fallopian Tube.

Uterus : Hollow, Muscular Pear-shaped Organ. Has Three Parts:

  1. Funds : Top Section Where Tubes Attach.

  2. Corpus or Body : Middle Section.

  3. 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. Has Three Layers:

1. Endometrium : Inner Layer of Specialized Endothilium.

2. Myometrium : Middle Layer.

3. Perimetrium: Outer Layer.


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 : Aka 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 Vulva Located Inside the Folds Which Contain the Openings to the Urethra and Vagina.

Clitoris : Area of Erectile Tissue.

Perineum : Area Between 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 production of Milk or Lactation, After Childbirth.