The Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, a pair of oviduct (Fallopian tube), uterus, cervix, vagina and external genitalia located in pelvic region. These parts along with a pair of mammary glands structurally and functionally work together to support the processes of ovulation, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth and child care. Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female gametes (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones). The ovaries are located one on each side of then lower abdomen. Each ovary is about 2-4 cm in length and connected to the pelvic wall and uterus by ligaments. Each ovary is covered by a thin epithelium which encloses the ovarian stroma. The stroma is divided into two zones i.e. a peripheral cortex and an inner medulla.

The oviduct (fallopian tubes), uterus and vagina constitute the female accessory ducts. Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends from the periphery of the ovary to the uterus. The part of fallopian tube closer to the ovary is funnel shape called infundibulum. The edges of infundibulum possess finger like projections called fimbriae, which help in collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct towards uterus called isthmus, has a narrow lumen and it joins to the uterus. There is only one uterus in a female and it is called womb. The shape of the uterus is like an inverted pear. The uterus opens into vagina through cervix. The cavity of cervix is called cervical canal. The cervical canal and vaginal canal constitute the birth canal. The wall of the uterus has three layers of tissues. The external thin membranous perimetrium, middle thick layer of smooth muscle, myometrium and inner glandular layer called endometrium that lines the uterine cavity. The endometrium undergoes changes during menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong contraction during the delivery of the baby. The female external genitalia includes mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, hymen and clitoris. The hymen is a membrane which partially covers the opening of the vagina. The clitoris is a tiny finger-like structure which lies at the upper junction of the two labia minora above the urethral opening. 

The hymen is often torn during the first coitus (sexual intercourse). However, it can also be broken by a sudden fall or jolt, insertion of vaginal tampon, active participation in some sports like horseback riding, cycling etc. In some women the hymen persists even after coitus. In fact, the presence or absence of hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity or sexual experience.

A pair of functional mammary glands is characteristic of all female mammals. The mammary glands (Breasts) are structures that contain glandular tissue and variable amount of fat. The glandular tissue of each breast is divided into 15-20 mammary lobes containing clusters of cells called alveoli. The cells of alveoli secrete milk, which is stored in the cavities (lumens) of alveoli. The alveoli opens into mammary tubules. The mammary tubules of each lobe join to form a mammary duct. Several mammary ducts join to form a wider mammary ampulla which is connected to lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out.

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