The female reproductive organs are a complex system of organs and structures that is responsible for the production and transport of gametes (eggs) and the development and nutrition of a fertilized egg into an embryo. The system is composed of both internal and external structures. Functions of the female reproductive organs include the production and release of eggs, transport of sperm to the site of fertilization, nurturing and development of a fertilized egg into an embryo, and production of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain pregnancy. During the menstrual cycle, hormones produced by the ovaries and pituitary gland control the growth and maturation of eggs, as well as the thickening and shedding of the uterine lining.
Female reproductive organs in detail
Ovaries in female reproductive
In every woman's body, there is a pair of amazing structures called ovaries. These ovaries are like little powerhouses, and each is about 2.5 cm long, 1.5 cm wide and 1.0 cm thick, shaped like a tiny egg. They hang behind the abdomen, right next to the pelvic wall, inside something called the “ovarian fossa.” Now, this ovarian fossa is like their cozy home. The outside of each ovary is covered with a special layer of cells called “germinal epithelium.” Now, don't be confused by the name this layer does not actually make the eggs. It is like a protective covering made of the same material as the stomach lining. All of the cells that will eventually become eggs are formed before the girl is born. These cells are hidden just beneath the germinal epithelium.
Fallopian tube in female reproductive
Inside every woman's body, there are two remarkable structures called “oviducts,” and they are key players in the miracle of life. These oviducts have an important mission: to transport eggs from the outer surface of the ovary to the inner chamber of the uterus, where a potential pregnancy can begin. Imagine these oviducts as two thin tubes, each about 10 centimeters long. They are quite flexible and have a layered structure. The inner lining of these tubes is made up of tiny, hair-like structures called “cilia.” These cilia are not just for show; Their important function is to help move the egg along the oviduct.
The journey of the egg through these oviducts is quite an adventure. It all starts near the uterus, where the oviducts initially connect. From there, they turn slightly, following the path toward the ovary. Once they get close to the ovary, they take a graceful turn, directing the eggs from the surface of the ovary into the oviducts.
Uterine part (uterus) in female reproductive organs
This part fits comfortably into the wall of the uterus. It is like an anchor point for the oviduct within the uterus, ensuring a stable connection.
Isthmus
The isthmus is an interesting area, as it is the narrowest part of the oviduct and is located closest to the uterus. It constitutes about one third of the total length of the oviduct.
Ampula
This is where the magic happens. The ampulla is the widest part of the oviduct, making up about two-thirds of its length. This section is the primary site of fertilization. Here, the egg and sperm meet, beginning the incredible process of creating a potentially new life.
Infundibulum
Think of the infundibulum as the welcoming committee. Located at the outermost edge of the oviduct, it contains finger-like structures called “fimbria”. These fimbriae are like little hands, ready to grasp the egg released from the ovary. One of these finger-like structures is particularly long and stands out – it's called the “ovarian fimbria.” This long, delicate structure is located close to the ovary.
Uterus of womb
It is a hollow fleshy organ shaped like a pear. It is situated in the pelvic cavity between the anterior urinary bladder and the posterior rectum. It provides protection and nutrition to the fertilized egg.
Fundus
The part located above the entrance of the uterine tube is called the fundus. It is dome-shaped and convex. Normally implantation of the fertilized egg occurs in the posterior part of the fundus.
Body
The triangular part located below the entrance of the uterine tube is called the main part. It gradually narrows towards the cervix below and continues along it.
Cervix
It is the posterior round narrow continuous part of the body. Its distal end is projected into the upper part of the vagina, which is called the vaginal part. The cavity of the cervix is called the cervical canal. It is shaped by logic. It is connected to the body cavity through the internal ostium uteri and to the vagina through the external ostium uteri. It is surrounded by anterior and posterior lips.
Vagina in female reproductive organs
It is an extensible muscular and fibrous cord. This is the sexual organ of a woman. It is a part of the excretory tube and birth canal of the uterus. It is about 8 cm long and extends beyond the vulva and upwards till the uterus.
The diameter of its cavity gradually increases from bottom to top. It is situated behind the ureter and urethra and in front of the rectum and anus. Its upper half remains above the pelvis and the other half remains in the perineum. In virgins the vaginal opening is covered partly by an annular mucosal fold.
But it breaks suddenly at any time due to injury or excessive physical exertion. In married women, the hymen is present in the form of round bulges around the vaginal opening. There is a pair (one on each side) of Bartholin's glands on either side of the vaginal opening. Their secretion keeps the cavity of the vestibule lubricated and neutralizes the acidic medium. There is a small space after the hymen. This is called vestibule of the vagina.
Vulva in female reproductive organs
The external genital organs of a woman are collectively called ‘vulva’. The round bulge formed by a pile of subcutaneous fat in front of the pubic symphysis is called mons pubis. Two thick folds of skin extend backward and downwards from the mons pubis. They go back and join together. These are called labia majora. The mons pubis and the lateral edges of the labia majora are covered with hair. The cleft-like space surrounded by the labia majora is called pudendal cleft.
The cleft-like space surrounded by the labia minora is called the vestibule of the vagina. In this, the gates of vagina, urethra and vestibular glands open. At the anterior meeting point of the labia minora, there is an erect and very sensitive structure, the size of a pea. It is called clitoris. The clitoris is considered to be an organ similar to the male penis. It becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal.
Some other parts in female reproductive organs
Mainly four layers of the uterus are present on its surface, these are as follows
Mucosal layer- This is the innermost layer. It is lined by stratified squamous epithelial tissue.
Submucous layer- It is located below the mucosal layer and is made of loose areolar tissue.
Muscular layer- Mainly two types of muscle layers are found in it, circular muscle layers are present in the inner layer and longitudinal muscle layers are present in the outer layer.
Fibrous layer- This is the outermost layer, it is vascular. Which is made of fibrous tissue and is highly vascular.
Function
It plays the role of a copulatory organ in the female.
There is blood during the menstrual cycle. Provides a way for it to come out of the body.
Plays the role of birth canal during delivery.
Conclusion
Humans are unisexual creatures, that is, male and female sexes are found in different organisms. The organism which produces only sperm is called male. The organisms from which only eggs are produced are called females. Fertilization of sperm and egg leads to the formation of a zygote, which later forms a new organism. The reproductive system in humans is much more developed and complex than that of other animals. In humans, fertilization of the egg takes place in the fallopian tube and embryonic and embryonic development takes place in the uterus.
FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)
1. What are the 5 reproductive organs of the female body?
Ans. It includes organs such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina.
2. What are the main organs of the female reproductive system?
Ans. Ovaries
3. What is female sperm called?
Ans. Gametes are an organism's reproductive cells.
4. Where is your uterus?
Ans. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum.
5. What is the cervix?
Ans. The lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina.
6. What is fallopian tube?
Ans. One of two long, slender tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus.
7. What is male organ called?
Ans. The external organs include the penis, scrotum and testicles.
8. What is the function of the ovary?
Ans. They produce eggs for fertilization and they make the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
9. Where are women's organs located?
Ans. Also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum.
10. How many ovaries does a woman have?
Ans. The ovaries are two small organs, about the size of your thumb.
11. How many eggs does a woman have?
Ans. When a girl reaches puberty, she has between 300,000-400,000 eggs, yet the monthly loss of oocytes slows down to 1,000.
12. Why is sperm called?
Ans. The word sperm is derived from the Greek word sperma, meaning "seed".
13. How to become pregnant fast?
Ans. Have sex regularly.
14. Can a girl get pregnant if sperm is released?
Ans. If semen (cum) gets ON the vulva or near the vaginal opening, sperm cells can swim into the vagina and cause pregnancy.
15. When do boys start producing sperm?
Ans. Ejaculation typically starts when a person begins producing sperm around the age of puberty.