Female Reproductive System in Human

The human female reproductive system performs the following functions:

a) Formation of eggs

b) Reception of sperms during copulation

c) Providing a conducive environment for fertilisation

d) Providing shelter and nourishment to the growing embryo.

The female reproductive system is associated with the formation and maturation of the egg and
the feeding and protection of the developing embryo inside the womb.

Female Reproductive Organ

The female reproductive organs include a pair of ovaries, a pair of fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina
and vulva.

Ovaries
Human ovaries are a pair of almond shaped structures about 3cm long, 1.5cm wide lying one on
either side of the vertebral column in the abdominal cavity. Each ovary is attached to the dorsal
abdominal wall by a mesentery called mesovarium.

T.S. Mammalian Ovary

Histology

Each ovary is covered by a layer of germinal epithelium. During embryonic life, the cells of the
germinal epithelium proliferate thousands of primordial follicles. The stroma is composed of
fibrous connective tissue which is differentiated into outer cortex and inner medulla.

The cortex contains thousands of tiny undeveloped ovarian follicles. Medulla contains only
blood vessels and nerve fibres.

A fully mature ovarian follicle is called a Graafian follicle. It has an outer multilayered
membrana granulosa formed of 2 - 3 layers of follicle cells. The oocyte is surrounded by a
vitelline membrane, zona radiata and corona radiata. The oocyte is attached to the membrana
granulosa by a group of cells called discus proligerus. The graafian follicle has a follicular cavity
or antrum filled with a colourless follicular fluid. The fluid is termed as liquor folicelli.

In human female, on an average every 28 days one graafian follicle matures and ruptures
releasing an ovum. After this the follicle turns into the corpus luteum made up of large conical
yellowish cells. Corpus luteum serves as a temporary endocrine gland, by releasing female sex
hormones namely progesterone and estrogen.

Ovary Histology
In a normal adult female, there are nearly four lakh follicles present in the two ovaries. Of them
only one ovum matures and is liberated in each menstrual cycle by alternate ovaries. Others
undergo regression and disappear due to death, during the reproductive years of the females. This
phenomenon is referred to as follicular atresia.

The maturation of the graafian follicle is under the control of the FSH and LH (Follicle Secreting
Hormone and Luetinising Hormone). The interstitial cells of the ovary secrete the hormone
estrogen. The progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum.

Fallopian Tubes or Oviducts

A pair of ciliated, muscular, tubular structures extend from the ovaries to the uterus. They are
about 12 cm in length and is divided into 3 parts a funnel like opening lying close to the ovaries
called infundibulum which opens into the peritoneal cavity by means of ostium, a middle dilated
ampulla and the last part which opens into the uterus called as the isthmus. The fallopian tubes
are kept in position by a mesentery attached to the uterus.

Function

It is involved in the conduction of ovum or zygote towards the uterus by peristalsis and it is also
the site of fertilisation.

Uterus

It is a large, hollow, muscular, pear shaped, highly vascular organ present in the pelvis between
the bladder and the rectum. It is about 8 cm long and 5 cm broad. It consists of a upper broad
part called the body or corpus, a narrow uterine cavity or the internal as and a lower cylindrical
part called the cervix.

The thick uterine wall has 3 layers of endometrium which is highly vascular. The uterus opens
into the vagina by a narrow cervix.

Function
The uterus harbours the developing embryo and provides it with nutrients and oxygen and
removes the carbondioxide and wastes.

Vagina

It is the copulation chamber in females. It is about 7.5 cm long and extends backward in front of
the rectum from the cervix. The vaginal opening is situated in the vestibule between the labia
minora and the vulva.

In the virgin state, a thin membranous diaphragm - the hymen is present at the vaginal orifice.

Function

It receives the sperms during copulation and is the birth canal during parturition.

Vulva

It is the external female genital organ. It includes the vaginal orifice, labia majora, labia minora,
clitoris and Bartholin glands. The opening of the vagina is closed by 2 muscular folds of skin, the
labia majora. Inside these are a pair of labia minora. A sensitive erectile organ about the size of a
pea is present at the junction of the 2 labia minoria. It is called the clitoris and is homologous to
the male penis.
Accessory Sex Glands of Female

Bartholin Glands

These secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina at the time of mating and parturition.

Breasts

These are a pair of rounded structures present on ventral thoracic wall with a nipple in its middle.
The breast has about 20 lobes of mammary glands which are modified sweat glands. These lobes
secrete milk to nourish the new born baby. Each lobe is separated from the others by dense
connective and adipose tissues. Milk release in the female is regulated by certain hormones.

Human Female Mammary Gland

Hormonal control of the female reproductive system

1) The hormones of the anterior pituitary gland namely LH (Leutinising hormone) and FSH
(Follicle stimulating hormone) control the functioning of the female reproductive system.

2) The LH stimulates ovulation (rupture of the mature follicle to release ovum).

3) The LH also stimulates the secretion of the hormone progesterone. The release of LH by the
anterior pituitary is in turn controlled by a hormone of the hypothalamus, Gonadotropin releasing
hormone (GnRH).

4) Corpus luteum synthesises both estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone has many effects on
the body.

5) The FSH, stimulates the secretion of estrogens. The release of FSH by the anterior pituitary is
in turn controlled by a hormone, Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) of the hypothalamus.

6) The granulosa cells of the developing ovarian follicles synthesise oestrogen. Oestrogens are
responsible for the development of the secondary sexual characteristics in mature women.

7) The levels of progesterone and oestrogen has a negative feedback control on the release of
GnRH from the hypothalamus, i.e., a high level of estrogen or progesterone suppresses the
release of GnRH and viceversa.

Puberty in female
Puberty sets in between 10 - 14 years. It is characterised by the beginning of ovulation and the
menstrual cycle. It is initiated by the hormone estrogen.

It is characterised by an enlargement of breasts, broadening of the hip region, pubic and axillary
hair growth, increase in subcutaneous fat in thighs and buttocks and stoppage of growth of long
bones and height.
“Female Reproductive System in Human”
The Female Reproductive System
FEMALE EXTERNAL GENITAL ANATOMY
“The Female External Genital Organs”
“The External Organs”
Female Sex Organ Structures and Their Functions

The female organs are much more complicated than male. As they are confined in the body and
not openly visible, most of the girls are ignorant about their organs. Hence it is important that
full knowledge about the female organs structure and their functions be discussed in detail.

Vulva - The two visibly fleshy folds, covered with hair are the outer lips or labia Majora. When
parted, they reveal two smaller or inner lips or labia. The insides of the inner are covered with
the mucous membranes. The inner lips of labia are one of the several sexual sensation centers.
During intercourse these labia remain constantly massaged by the rubbing of the penis.

The principal organ of the sex feeling, the clitoris, is situated just above junction of the inner lips.
The clitoris looks like a mini penis having erectile tissue and head and free skin. It is covered
form above by a hood of skin. The clitoris is made of highly sensitive nerves which respond very
well to sexual stimulation. It is from this entire that the sexual feeling begins and permeates in
the entire body through vulva and vagina. When erect, the clitoris looks like the size or shape of
small bean. About an inch below the clitoris is a small opening of the tube called urethra. Its duct
conducts the urine from the bladder. The urethra has only the urinary function and no sexual
function.

The mucous membrane above the clitoris is covered with glands which secret smegma. Owing to
the structure, cleanliness in the woman is a little more difficult than in the man. It is not only
hygienically necessary to keep it clean but also for this reason that it emits foul smell which tend
to inhibit sexual desire in the man.

Hymen - Just below the urinary passage is the entrance to vagina. In a normal virgin girl, this
opening remains partially closed by a thin membrane called the hymen. Though it appears in
different shapes but normally it looks like a crescent in shape appearing like the forward
extension of the black walls of the vagina. In many cases during the first intercourse when the
hymen is ruptured there may be slight bleeding and pain. It is a false notion that the hymen is the
symbol of virginity. A nicked or stretched or tattered hymen does not mean the body has been
penetrated into. It could be ruptured on account of jerks or falls that a young girl might
experience. Many girls may not have much of it or others may lose it in doing some kind of
vigorous job.

Vagina - It is a tube or canal extending from vulva to the neck of the uterus. It is three and half to
4 inches in length in its normal relaxed position. It is here that the penis in intercourse is
sheathed with its elastic walls. It receives the seminal discharge and allows the sperm to travel
forward towards the womb in search of an ovum. It is through this tube that a child passes to the
outside world.

The flexible walls of the vagina are lined by a mucous membrane secreting a fine fluid which
keeps it moist and clean. It has great releasing and contracting power. It is because of this reason
that the vagina besides being made up of flexible walls, is able to accommodate much larger
penis not withstanding its small cavity.

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 The External Organs

FIG. 1171– External genital organs of female. The labia minora have
been drawn apart.

(Partes Genitales Externæ Muliebres)

The external genital organs (Fig. 1171) of the female are: the mons
pubis, the labia majora et minora pudendi, the clitoris, the
vestibule of the vagina, the bulb of the vestibule, and the greater
vestibular glands. The term pudendum or vulva, as generally
applied, includes all these parts.
  The Mons Pubis (commissura labiorum anterior; mons Veneris), the
rounded eminence in front of the pubic symphysis, is formed by a
collection of fatty tissue beneath the integument. It becomes covered
with hair at the time of puberty.
  The Labia Majora (labia majora pudendi) are two prominent
longitudinal cutaneous folds which extend downward and backward
from the mons pubis and form the lateral boundaries of a fissure or
cleft, the pudendal cleft or rima, into which the vagina and urethra
open. Each labium has two surfaces, an outer, pigmented and covered
with strong, crisp hairs; and an inner, smooth and beset with large
sebaceous follicles. Between the two there is a considerable quantity
of areolar tissue, fat, and a tissue resembling the dartos tunic of the
scrotum, besides vessels, nerves, and glands. The labia are thicker in
front, where they form by their meeting the anterior labial
commissure. Posteriorly they are not really joined, but appear to
become lost in the neighboring integument, ending close to, and nearly
parallel with, each other. Together with the connecting skin between
them, they form the posterior labial commissure or posterior
boundary of the pudendum. The interval between the posterior
commissure and the anus, from 2.5 to 3 cm. in length, constitutes the
perineum. The labia majora correspond to the scrotum in the male.
 
  The Labia Minora (labia minora pudendi; nymphæ) are two small
cutaneous folds, situated between the labia majora, and extending
from the clitoris obliquely downward, lateralward, and backward for
about 4 cm. on either side of the orifice of the vagina, between which
and the labia majora they end; in the virgin the posterior ends of the
labia minora are usually joined across the middle line by a fold of skin,
named the frenulum of the labia or fourchette. Anteriorly, each
labium minus divides into two portions: the upper division passes
above the clitoris to meet its fellow of the opposite side, forming a fold
which overhangs the glans clitoridis, and is named the preputium
clitoridis; the lower division passes beneath the clitoris and becomes
united to its under surface, forming, with its fellow of the opposite
side, the frenulum of the clitoris. On the opposed surfaces of the
labia minora are numerous sebaceous follicles.
  The Clitoris is an erectile structure, homologous with the penis. It is
situated beneath the anterior labial commissure, partially hidden
between the anterior ends of the labia minora. It consists of two
corpora cavernosa, composed of erectile tissue enclosed in a dense
layer of fibrous membrane, united together along their medial surfaces
by an incomplete fibrous pectiniform septum; each corpus is
connected to the rami of the pubis and ischium by a crus; the free
extremity (glans clitoridis) is a small rounded tubercle, consisting of
spongy erectile tissue, and highly sensitive. The clitoris is provided
like the penis, with a suspensory ligament, and with two small
muscles, the Ischiocavernosi, which are inserted into the crura of the
clitoris.
 
The Vestibule (vestibulum vaginæ).—The cleft between the labia
minora and behind the glans clitoridis is named the vestibule of the
vagina: in it are seen the urethral and vaginal orifices and the
openings of the ducts of the greater vestibular glands.
  The external urethral orifice (orificium urethræ externum; urinary
 meatus) is placed about 2.5 cm. behind the glans clitoridis and
immediately in front of that of the vagina; it usually assumes the form
of a short, sagittal cleft with slightly raised margins.
  The vaginal orifice is a median slit below and behind the opening of
the urethra; its size varies inversely with that of the hymen.
  The hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane situated at the orifice
of the vagina; the inner edges of the fold are normally in contact with
each other, and the vaginal orifice appears as a cleft between them.
The hymen varies much in shape. When stretched, its commonest form
is that of a ring, generally broadest posteriorly; sometimes it is
represented by a semilunar fold, with its concave margin turned
toward the pubes. Occasionally it is cribriform, or its free margin
forms a membranous fringe. It may be entirely absent, or may form a
complete septum across the lower end of the vagina; the latter
condition is known as an imperforate hymen. It may persist after
copulation, so that its presence cannot be considered a sign of
virginity. When the hymen has been ruptured, small rounded
elevations known as the carunculæ hymenales are found as its
remains. Between the hymen and the frenulum of the labia is a shallow
depression, named the navicular fossa.
  The Bulb of the Vestibule (bulbus vestibuli; vaginal bulb) is the
homologue of the bulb and adjoining part of the corpus cavernosum
urethræ of the male, and consists of two elongated masses of erectile
tissue, placed one on either side of the vaginal orifice and united to
each other in front by a narrow median band termed the pars
intermedia. Each lateral mass measures a little over 2.5 cm. in length.
Their posterior ends are expanded and are in contact with the greater
vestibular glands; their anterior ends are tapered and joined to one
another by the pars intermedia; their deep surfaces are in contact with
the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm; superficially they are
covered by the Bulbocavernosus.
  The Greater Vestibular Glands (glandulæ vestibularis major
[Bartholini]; Bartholin’s glands) are the homologues of the bulbo-
urethral glands in the male. They consist of two small, roundish bodies
of a reddish-yellow color, situated one on either side of the vaginal
orifice in contact with the posterior end of each lateral mass of the
bulb of the vestibule. Each gland opens by means of a duct, about 2
cm. long, immediately lateral to the hymen, in the groove between it
and the labium minus.

The Female External Genital Organs

The Mons Pubis

  The mons (L. mountain) pubis is a rounded fatty elevation located anterior to the
pubic symphysis and lower pubic region.
 It consists mainly of a pad of fatty connective tissue deep to the skin.

 The amount of fat increases during puberty and decreases after menopause.
 The mons pubis becomes covered with coarse pubic hairs during puberty, which also
decrease after menopause.

 The typical female distribution of pubic hair has a horizontal superior limit across
the pubic region.

The Labia Majora

 The labia (L. large lips) are two symmetrical folds of skin, which provide protection
for the urethral and vaginal orifices.
 These open into the vestibule of the vagina.

 Each labium majus, largely filled with subcutaneous fat, passes posteriorly from the
mons pubis to about 2.5 cm from the anus.
 They are situated on each side of the pudendal cleft, which is the slit between the
labia majora into which the vestibule of the vagina opens.
 The labia majora meet anteriorly at the anterior labial commissure.

 They do not join posteriorly but a transverse bridge of skin called the posterior
labial commissure passes between them.

The Labia Minora

 The labia minora (L. small lips) are thin, delicate folds of fat-free hairless skin.
 They are located between the labia majora.

 The labia minora contain a core of spongy tissue with many small blood vessels but
no fat.
 The internal surface of each labium minus consists of thin skin and has the typical pink
colour of a mucous membrane.
 It contains many sensory nerve endings.

 Sebaceous and sweat glands open on both of their surfaces.

  The labia minora enclose the vestibule of the vagina and lie on each side of the orifices
of the urethra and vagina.
 They meet just superior to the clitoris to form a fold of skin called the prepuce (clitoral
hood).

 In young females the labia minora are usually united posteriorly by a small fold of the
skin, the frenulum of the labia minora.

The Vestibule of the Vagina

 The vestibule (L. vestibulum, antechamber) is the space between the labia minora.
 The urethra, vagina, and ducts of the greater vestibular glands open into the vestibule.

The External Urethral Orifice

 This median aperture is located 2 to 3 cm posterior to the clitoris and immediately

anterior to the vaginal orifice.
 On each side of this orifice are the openings of the ducts of the paraurethral glands
(Skene's glands).
 These glands are homologous to the prostate in the male.

The Vaginal Orifice

 This large opening is located inferior and posterior to the much smaller external
urethral orifice.
 The size and appearance of the vaginal orifice varies with the condition of the hymen
(G. membrane), a thin fold of mucous membrane that surrounds the vaginal orifice.

The Greater Vestibular Glands

 These glands are about 0.5 cm in diameter.

 They are located on each side of the vestibule of the vagina, posterolateral to the
vaginal orifice.

 They are round or oval in shape and the bulbs of the vestibule partly overlap them
posteriorly.
  From the anterior parts of the glands, slender ducts pass deep to the bulbs of the
vestibule and open into the vestibule of the vagina on each side of the vaginal orifice.
 These glands secrete a small amount of lubricating mucus into the vestibule of the
vagina during sexual arousal.

 The greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) are homologous with the
bulbourethral glands in the male.

The Lesser Vestibular Glands

 These are small glands on each side of the vestibule of the vagina.
 They open into it between the urethral and vaginal orifices.

 These glands also secrete mucus into the vestibule, which moistens the labia and
the vestibule.

The Clitoris

 The clitoris is 2 to 3 cm in length.

 It is homologous with the penis and is an erectile organ.
 Unlike the penis, the clitoris is not traversed by the urethra; therefore it has no corpus
spongiosum.

 The clitoris is located posterior to the anterior labial commissure, where the labia
majora meet.
 It is usually hidden by the labia when it is flaccid.

 The clitoris consists of a root and a body that are composed of two crura, two corpora
cavernosa, and a glans.

 It is suspended by a suspensory ligament.

 The parts of the labia minora passing anterior to the clitoris form the prepuce of the
clitoris (homologous with the male prepuce).
 The parts of the labia passing posterior to the clitoris form the frenulum of the clitoris,
which is homologous with the frenulum of the penile prepuce.

 The clitoris, like the penis, it will enlarge upon tactile stimulation, but it does not
lengthen significantly.
 It is highly sensitive and very important in the sexual arousal of a female.
 

The Bulbs of the Vestibule

 These are 2 large, elongated masses of erectile tissue that are about 3 cm in length.
 They lie along the sides of the vaginal orifice, deep to the bulbospongiosus muscles
and are homologous with the bulb of the penis.
 Unlike the penis, however, the bulbs are separated from the clitoris and are
separated by the vestibule of the vagina.

Arterial Supply of the Female External Genitalia

 The rich arterial supply to the vulva is from two external pudendal arteries and one
internal pudendal artery on each side.

 The internal pudendal artery supplies the skin, sex organs, and the perineal
muscles.
 The labial arteries are branches of the internal pudendal artery, as are the dorsal
and deep arteries of the clitoris.

Venous Drainage of the Female External Genitalia

 The labial veins are tributaries of the internal pudendal veins and venae comitantes
of the internal pudendal artery.

Lymph Drainage of the Female External Genitalia

 The vulva contains a very rich network of lymphatic channels.

 Most lymph vessels pass to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes and deep inguinal
nodes.

Innervation of the Female External Genitalia

 The nerves to the vulva are branches of:

1. The ilioinguinal nerve;

2. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve;
3. The perineal branch of the femoral cutaneous nerve;
4. And the perineal nerve.
 The Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female
egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes. The system is designed to
transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm,
normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. After conception, the uterus offers a safe and favorable
environment for a baby to develop before it is time for it to make its way into the outside world.
If fertilization does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of
the uterine lining). In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones
that maintain the reproductive cycle.

During menopause the female reproductive system gradually stops making the female hormones
necessary for the reproductive cycle to work. When the body no longer produces these hormones
a woman is considered to be menopausal.

What parts make-up the female anatomy?

The female reproductive anatomy includes internal and external structures.

The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genital) is twofold: To enable
sperm to enter the body and to protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms. The
main external structures of the female reproductive system include:

 Labia majora: The labia majora enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs.
Literally translated as "large lips," the labia majora are relatively large and fleshy, and are
comparable to the scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and oil-secreting glands.
After puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.
 Labia minora: Literally translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very small or up to 2
inches wide. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the vagina (the
canal that joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra (the tube
that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).
 Bartholin’s glands: These glands are located next to the vaginal opening and produce a fluid
(mucus) secretion.
 Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is
comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce,
which is similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive
to stimulation and can become erect.

The internal reproductive organs include:

 Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the
body. It also is known as the birth canal.
 Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing
fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the
vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold
a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to
exit.
  Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus.
The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
 Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and
serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the
fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then
moves to the uterus, where it implants to the uterine wall.

What happens during the menstrual cycle?

Females of reproductive age (anywhere from 11-16 years) experience cycles of hormonal
activity that repeat at about one-month intervals. (Menstru means "monthly"; hence the term
menstrual cycle.) With every cycle, a woman’s body prepares for a potential pregnancy, whether
or not that is the woman’s intention. The term menstruation refers to the periodic shedding of the
uterine lining.

The average menstrual cycle takes about 28 days and occurs in phases: the follicular phase, the
ovulatory phase (ovulation), and the luteal phase.

There are four major hormones (chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity of cells or
organs) involved in the menstrual cycle: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone,
estrogen, and progesterone.

Follicular phase
This phase starts on the first day of your period. During the follicular phase of the menstrual
cycle, the following events occur:

 Two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released
from the brain and travel in the blood to the ovaries.
 The hormones stimulate the growth of about 15-20 eggs in the ovaries each in its own "shell,"
called a follicle.
 These hormones (FSH and LH) also trigger an increase in the production of the female hormone
estrogen.
 As estrogen levels rise, like a switch, it turns off the production of follicle-stimulating hormone.
This careful balance of hormones allows the body to limit the number of follicles that complete
maturation, or growth.
 As the follicular phase progresses, one follicle in one ovary becomes dominant and continues to
mature. This dominant follicle suppresses all of the other follicles in the group. As a result, they
stop growing and die. The dominant follicle continues to produce estrogen.

Ovulatory phase
The ovulatory phase, or ovulation, starts about 14 days after the follicular phase started. The
ovulatory phase is the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, with the next menstrual period starting
about 2 weeks later. During this phase, the following events occur:

 The rise in estrogen from the dominant follicle triggers a surge in the amount of luteinizing
hormone that is produced by the brain.
 This causes the dominant follicle to release its egg from the ovary.
  As the egg is released (a process called ovulation) it is captured by finger-like projections on the
end of the fallopian tubes (fimbriae). The fimbriae sweep the egg into the tube.
 Also during this phase, there is an increase in the amount and thickness of mucus produced by
the cervix (lower part of the uterus.) If a woman were to have intercourse during this time, the
thick mucus captures the man's sperm, nourishes it, and helps it to move towards the egg for
fertilization.

Luteal phase
The luteal phase begins right after ovulation and involves the following processes:

 Once it releases its egg, the empty follicle develops into a new structure called the corpus
luteum.
 The corpus luteum secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone prepares
the uterus for a fertilized egg to implant.
 If intercourse has taken place and a man's sperm has fertilized the egg (a process called
conception), the fertilized egg (embryo) will travel through the fallopian tube to implant in the
uterus. The woman is now considered pregnant.
 If the egg is not fertilized, it passes through the uterus. Not needed to support a pregnancy, the
lining of the uterus breaks down and sheds, and the next menstrual period begins.

How many eggs does a woman have?

During fetal life, there are about 6 million to 7 million eggs. From this time, no new eggs are
produced.

The vast majority of the eggs within the ovaries steadily die, until they are depleted at
menopause. At birth, there are approximately 1 million eggs; and by the time of puberty, only
about 300,000 remain. Of these, 300 to 400 will be ovulated during a woman's reproductive
lifetime. The eggs continue to degenerate during pregnancy, with the use of birth control pills,
and in the presence or absence of regular menstrual cycles.
 FEMALE EXTERNAL GENITAL ANATOMY

The female reproductive anatomy consists of the external genital organs, the internal genital organs and
the breasts, which are the accessssory organs of reproduction. The female external genital organs, also
called the ‘VULVA’, are those genital organs that are present on the surface of the female body and can
be easily examined, From front to back, the female external genital organs which are easily visible are
the mons pubis which extend into the two labia majora.

The other organs are enclosed between the labia majora. They are the two thin labia minora, the clitoris,
the vestibule, the external urethral meatus, the vaginal opening covered with a hymen in virgins, the
perineum and a number of glands like the Bartholin's glands and the vestibular glands.

Mons Pubis : The mons (also called mons venereum or mount of Venus) is the rounded fatty mass over
the pubic bone covered with hair and coarse skin. It acts as a buffer during sexual intercourse,
preventing injury to the underlying bone. It also contains sebaceous and sweat glands. Some of the
latter form a specialized type of gland called the apocrine glands. These glands release a secretion with a
characteristic smell that increases sexual attraction.

After menopause, the pubic hair becomes thinner, coarser and starts to grey. The mons loses the pad of
fat. In a very elderly woman, even the labia majora and minor may become thin and flattened. Labia
Majora : The labia majora are bilateral folds of skin with underlying fat extending backwards from the
mons pubis. They are homologous to the scrotum in males. Posteriorly they merge into the perineum in
front of the anus. Their outer surface becomes covered with hair at puberty. But the inner surface
remains smooth, moistened by the secretions from the sebaceous and other glands deep inside. The
labia majora also contain apocrine glands. In a young girl, before the onset of menstruation, the labia
major are thinner with less fat and a fine smooth skin. Hair growth over the labia is one of the first signs
of maturity of the ovaries with the growth of graafian follicles. In women in menopause, the labia
becomes thinner with less fat and considerable hair loss.

Labia Minora : The labia minora are delicate flaps of soft skin which lie within the labia majora. They
may be of different sizes in different women and if large enough, may protrude from between the labia
majora. Their inner surfaces remain in contact with each other. Anteriorly, they unite to enclose the
clitoris between them, forming the prepuce and frenulum from before backwards. The labia minora
contains no fat but are so vascular that they become turgid during sexual stimulation.

Since the labia are very thin and delicate, they can get torn during labor and childbirth causing heavy
bleeding. Bleeding can continue even in the postpartum period and postpartum infections are a
common occurance.

Vestibule : The vestibule is the part of the vulva lying between the two labia minora. It has two
important openings – (a) the external urethral opening which is a small slit-like opening just behind the
clitoris (b) the vaginal opening which is a larger opening behind the urethral opening. In virgins, the
opening of the vagina is covered by a thin incomplete membrane, called the ‘hymen’.

Injuries during labor occurs commonly in the vestibular region, especially the paraurethral region,
Clitoris : The clitoris is present in the upper part of the vestibule at the point where the two labia minor
meet.It is a small cylindrical structure homologous to the penis in males. Like the male penis, it also has
a glans, a prepuce and two corpora cavernosa which are attached to the pubic bones. The clitoris is
made up of erectile tissue and is richly supplied with nerves, making it the most erotically sensitive part
of the body.

Bartholin’s glands : These are small pea-sized glands situated inside the vestibule on either side of the
vaginal opening. They produce a mucoid secretion at times of sexual excitement that help to lubricate
the vagina and vulva.

Vestibular bulbs : They are embedded in the mucous membrane of the vestibule and are composed of
erectile tissue

Perineum : The perineum is the less hairy cutaneous area lying between the vaginal orifice in front and
the anus behind.
THE EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS

The female external sex organs consist of the mons Veneris, the major
and minor lips, the clitoris, and the vaginal opening. All of these parts
together are also often referred to collectively as the vulva (Latin:
covering).

The Mons Veneris

The mons Veneris {Latin: mountain of Venus) consists of fatty tissue

under the skin just over the pubic bone. On the outside, the area is
covered with pubic hair, which first develops during puberty, and which
makes the mons veneris by far the most conspicuous part of the vulva.

The Major Lips

The major lips (labia majora) are two thick and fatty folds of skin which
extend from the mons Veneris downward, forming the outer borders of
the vulva. On the outside, they are also covered with hair just as the
mons Veneris. As the major lips usually lie close together, they seem to
keep the other parts of the vulva covered.

The Minor Lips

Just beneath the major lips lie the minor lips (labia minora). These are
two thin folds of skin richly endowed with blood vessels and nerve
endings. As a result, they are quite sensitive to the touch. The minor lips
merge at the top forming a single fold of skin covering the clitoris. This
fold is also called the foreskin or prepuce of the clitoris, or simply the
clitoral hood.
THE FEMALE SEX ORGANS

1. Mons Veneris
2. Major lip (one of a pair)
3. Minor lip (one of a pair)
4. Clitoris 5. Opening of urethra
6. Urinary bladder
7. Vaginal opening
8. Vagina
9. Cervix
10. Uterus
11. Fallopian tube (one of a pair)
12. Ovary (one of a pair)

The Clitoris

The clitoris (Greek kleitoris: that which is closed in) is located below the
mons Veneris at the point where the minor lips meet. The clitoris is a
short cylindrical organ composed mainly of erectile tissue, i.e., of two
spongy bodies (corpora cavernosa) which can quickly fill with blood and
thus cause the entire organ to stiffen and increase in size.

The clitoris is partly covered by the clitoral hood or foreskin. It is

possible for genital secretions (smegma) to accumulate under this
foreskin, thus causing irritation and other problems. (See "Pain During
Sexual Intercourse.")

The average length of a clitoris in its unexcited state is less than an inch
and most of it is hidden from view. However, in the state of excitement
it may swell to twice its usual diameter, in a way, the clitoris can be
compared to a very small penis, and its glans, which is normally
exposed, is extremely sensitive to the touch as it is studded with
innumerable nerve endings. Unlike the penis, however, the excited
clitoris does not protrude but retracts under its hood. The clitoris is
easily excitable by mechanical stimulation, and it plays an essential role
in a woman's sexual excitement. (For details, see "The Female Sexual
Response.")

The Vaginal Opening

The vaginal opening lies below that of the urethra which, in females, is
independent from the sex organs and is used exclusively for the release
of urine. The urethral opening is very small, and it lies roughly halfway
between the clitoris and the vaginal opening. By contrast, the vaginal
opening is rather large, although it may be partially closed by a thin
membrane called the hymen.

The hymen has no known physiological function. Nevertheless, in the

past many people ascribed great significance to it. For example, it was
believed that an unbroken hymen provided proof of a woman's virginity.
However, such a belief is nothing more than a superstition. A hymen
usually has one or several holes in it which may be stretchable and thus
allow for the insertion of fingers, or even a penis, without tearing. On
the other hand, in some women the hymen tears easily, not only as a
result of coitus but also because of strenuous physical exercise or sports
activities, in some cases, the hymen is even absent altogether. It follows
from these observations that the condition of a woman's hymen does not
prove anything one way or the other about her sexual innocence or
experience. In most cases, the first coitus may very well be the occasion
for the breaking of the hymen, but it can, of course, also occur during
masturbation and petting, or when the woman first uses menstrual
tampons. The tearing of the hymen may cause some initial discomfort
and slight bleeding. However, there is no reason for women to fear any
great pain.
On both sides of the vaginal opening, between the edge of the hymen
and the minor lips, are the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands),
which correspond to the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands in the male.
The greater vestibular glands secrete a small amount of lubricating fluid.
However, most of the vaginal lubrication needed for coitus is not
provided by these glands but by the wall of the vagina itself.

EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS OF A YOUNG GIRL

The clearly visible hymen stretches partly across the vaginal opening, 1.
minor lips 2. opening of urethra 3. vaginal opening 4. hymen

EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS OF A WOMAN

The hymen having been torn, is absent. 1. minor lips 2. opening of
urethra 3. vaginal opening
Menstruation

Menstruation - having periods - is part of the female reproductive cycle

that starts when girls become sexually mature at the time of puberty.

During a menstrual period, a woman bleeds from her uterus (womb) via
the vagina. This lasts anything from three to seven days. Each period
commences approximately every 28 days if the woman does not become
pregnant during a given cycle.

External genital changes in Embryo development

42 days (6 weeks) after fertilization, around week 8 of pregnancy 

6 week old embryo   (Embryo size = 0.5 inch, 12 mm)  

At the sixth week the site of the

genitals is a small bud, called the
genital tuber.
1. Buds of the arm
2. Arc branchial Until the ninth week of embryo
3. Placenta membrane
development, the embryonic
4. Eye  
5. Genital tuber reproductive apparatus is the same
6. Site of the heart one for the two sexes.
7. Bud of the leg
8. Tail By the end of 20th week, the
9. Umbilical cord external genitalia changes for boys
and girls are almost done.

On ultrasound, if your baby is cooperating and is positioned in a favorable way, his or her sex can be
identified as early as the 16th to 18th week of your pregnancy.V
9 week old embryo  -  11 weeks Pregnant
  

( Embryo size = 1.75 inch, 45 mm )

1. Anus
2. Labio scrotal folds
3. Legs
4. Genital tuber
7. Urethral groove
8. Urogenital folds

At the ninth week, there are not yet

any notable differences.

The boy is on the left and the girl on

the right. You find the same structures
on both fetus.

Boy   Girl

Female changes
In the absence of the SRY gene, of the Y chromosome, a female embryo will develop.

The development of the female external genitalia is promoted by the presence of estrogen and
other hormones within the maternal system. The phallus described earlier continues to grow to
become the clitoris. Meanwhile, the urogenital folds are developing into the labia minora. Their
development is similar to that in the male. They grow up along side the phallus except that in the
 female, they fuse only at the most posterior aspect to form the frenulum.  

The labio scrotal folds continue to grow as well, fusing at their most posterior and anterior
portions to form labial commissures. The portions of the labio scrotal folds which do not fuse form
the labia majora.

13 week old fetus 17 week old fetus

(fetus size =   (fetus size =
3.5 inch, 90 mm) 5.9 inch, 150 mm)
 1. Anus
2. Buttocks
3. Clitoris
4. Labia majora [Large lips]
7. Labia minora [Small lips]
6. Legs

Girl   Girl

20 week old fetus   (Fetus size = 7.25 inch, 185 mm)

With girls, the genitals are formed starting from the same
embryonic bodies as those which form the male reproductive
apparatus.

  The urogenital and labio scrotal folds are not joined as with
boys. They will respectively form the Labia minora (7) [small lips]
and Labia majora (4) [large lips] of the vulva. The genital tuber will
form the clitoris (3).

Girl Ovaries are not identifiable until the tenth week.

  

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 By the 20th week of pregnancy the external genitalia
changes are done. On ultrasound, if your baby is
cooperating and is positioned in a favorable way, his or her
sex can be identified as early as the 16th to 18th week of
your pregnancy.

The male fetus may show a round

bulbous area within the genital area
which is the scrotum and penis. This
sometimes can be seen on screen as an
appearance similar to the profile of a
  small snail.

Of course, if your baby is 'hiding his stuff' (positioned in

such a way as to prevent identification), it will make no
difference how far along in your pregnancy you are -- you
won't find out your baby's sex.

The correct visualization of any fetal part depends on many

factors such as fetal position, amount of amniotic fluid and
thickness of the abdominal wall.

3D scans can make it easier to see the gender of baby.

↑ top ↑

Most of the time the sonographer should be able to tell the

sex of the baby by about 20 weeks. The correct visualization of
any fetal part depends on many factors such as fetal position,
amount of amniotic fluid and thickness of the abdominal wall.
    
  The absence of the penis must not be taken
as sufficient evidence of the fetus being a girl.
Using ultrasound the 3 lines sign which
denotes the labia in the fetus is an indication
of the female gender.
Ultrasound scans done in later pregnancy or 3D scans can
make it easier to see the gender of a baby. The sonographer
may not always get a good view of the private parts of the
fetus for many reasons and therefore may not be able to give
you an accurate answer.

Some sonographers are not allowed to tell you the gender, but
may show the genital area on the screen and let you decide
which sex your baby is.