Anatomy and Physiology:

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus,
vagina, vulva, mammary glands and breasts. These organs are involved in the
production and transportation of gametes and the production of sex hormones. The
female reproductive system also facilitates the fertilization of ova by sperm and
supports the development of offspring during pregnancy and infancy.

Breasts
The breasts are a pair of milk-producing organs of the female reproductive
system located on the left and right sides of the anterior thoracic (chest) region. Each
breast projects outward from the anterior of the chest as a mass of skin-covered soft
tissue. At the tip of the breast is a small cylindrical projection of erectile tissue called
the nipple. The nipple is bordered by a ring of thickened, bumpy skin called the
areola. Both the nipple and areola are highly pigmented compared to the surrounding
skin of the breast, resulting in a darkened appearance.

Vagina
The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube connecting the cervix of the uterus to the
vulva and exterior of the body. The vagina is located in the pelvic body cavity posterior
to the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum. Measuring around 3 inches in length
and less than an inch in diameter, the vagina stretches to become several inches longer
and many inches wider during sexual intercourse and childbirth. The inner surface of
the vagina is folded to provide greater elasticity and to increase friction during sexual
intercourse.

Uterus
The uterus, also commonly known as the womb, is a hollow muscular organ of
the female reproductive system that is responsible for the development of the embryo
and fetus during pregnancy. An incredibly distensible organ, the uterus can expand
during pregnancy from around the size of a closed fist to become large enough to hold a
full term baby. It is also an incredibly strong organ, able to contract forcefully to propel a
full term baby out of the body during childbirth.

Ovaries
The ovaries, a pair of tiny glands in the female pelvic cavity, are the most
important organs of the female reproductive system. Their importance is derived from
their role in producing both the female sex hormones that control reproduction and the
female gametes that are fertilized to form embryos.
Each ovary is a small glandular organ about the shape and size of an almond. The
ovaries are located on opposite sides of the uterus in the pelvic cavity and are attached
to the uterus by the ovarian ligament.

Fundus of the uterus

A fundus of the uterus is the large upper end of the uterus. A fundus is generally the
bottom of or part opposite the aperture of the internal surface of a hollow organ

Fimbriae
The fimbriae are irregular branched extensions of the margin of the infundibulum.
Although the infundibulum generally does not touch the ovary, one of the larger
extensions (the ovarian fimbria) is connected directly to it.

Fallopian Tube
The Fallopian tubes, also known as the uterine tubes, are a pair of 4-inch (10 cm) long
narrow tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus. Ova (egg cells) are carried to the
uterus through the fallopian tubes following ovulation. The ova may also be fertilized
while in the Fallopian tubes if sperm is present following sexual intercourse.
The Fallopian tubes are located in the pelvic cavity extending laterally from the corners
of the superior edge of the uterus and passing superior to the ovaries.

Cervix
The cervix of the uterus is the tapered inferior region of the uterus. Its name, cervix,
comes from the Latin word meaning neck due to its role as the narrow connection
between the larger body of the uterus above the vagina below. The cervix plays vital
roles in the control of movement into and out of the uterus, protection of the fetus
during pregnancy, and the delivery of the fetus during childbirth.
The cervix makes up the lower one-third of the uterus and its tissues are continuous
with the tissues that make up the rest of the uterus.

Corpus of the Uterus

The body, or corpus, of the uterus is one of two major regions of the uterus, with the
other major region being the cervix. Compared to the cervix, the body of the uterus is
much larger and plays an important role in the development of the fetus and delivery of
the fetus during childbirth. It also contains a large hollow region, known as the uterine
cavity, which expands tremendously during pregnancy to provide space for the growing
fetus.
The uterus, or womb, is a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of the
female body posterior to the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum.