Everyone knows a woman has a uterus that carries the fetus until it is time for the birth. Many are even aware of how the fetus is formed and how it reaches the womb. Do you know about the various parts of the female reproductive system and their different functions? If not, here is a comprehensive guide to the anatomy and functions of the female reproductive system.
The female reproductive system consists of various internal and external organs. It also creates hormones that are responsible for the functioning of these organs. The reproductive system is responsible for a female’s menstruation, fertility, conception, pregnancy and childbirth.
The female reproductive system can be divided into internal and external parts. Each of these parts plays an important role in the overall reproduction.
The internal parts of the reproductive system are responsible for everything related to a female’s fertility – the development and release of eggs for fertilisation, the fertilised egg implanting and developing into a baby, and housing the baby until birth. The various internal parts are:
1. Vagina
The vagina is a canal that joins the uterus to the outside part of the body. It is lined with mucous membranes that help keep it moist. The vagina can expand during childbirth to accommodate and help the baby pass through the birthing canal and then shrink back to fit just a tampon or a menstrual cup.
2. Cervix
The cervix is the end part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is narrow and extends to the vaginal canal from the base of the uterus. It produces the mucus that keeps changing throughout a female’s menstrual cycle. The cervix has two openings – the internal opening leads to the uterus and the external opening leads to the vagina.
During pregnancy, the cervix acts as a barrier and keeps the baby safe from infections. It starts softening towards the end of the pregnancy and slowly opens up when it's time for birth. The cervix dilates to let the baby through during a vaginal delivery.
3. Uterus
The uterus is an important organ in the shape of a pear. It is divided into two parts – the cervix is the smaller part, and the corpus is the bigger part. The uterus is where the fetus develops during pregnancy. The uterus expands during pregnancy and shrinks back after birth. The size of the uterus also keeps changing throughout the menstrual cycle.
When an egg is fertilised by a sperm, the uterus prepares for the implantation of the egg. The placenta forms inside the uterus and keeps the fetus safe until the time of delivery. When it's time for delivery, the uterus will start contractions, dilate the cervix, and push the baby out through the vaginal opening. The placenta is also expelled soon after the baby’s birth.
4. Fallopian Tubes
These are narrow tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. The mature egg descends from the ovaries and goes to the uterus through these tubes. The sperm also travels up from the vaginal opening to meet and fertilise the egg in this tube. After fertilisation, the egg will move down the fallopian tube and enter the uterus to attach itself to the uterine wall.
A block in these fallopian tubes can cause fertility issues as it will prevent the egg from descending or meeting the sperm. These tubes are tied or blocked through a surgical procedure to sterilise a female and prevent future pregnancies.
5. Ovaries
This is where the eggs are. A female is born with a fixed number of eggs, and nothing can increase this count. The ovaries are small oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus. After menarche (a female’s first period), the ovaries release one mature egg every month for fertilisation. When this egg does not meet a sperm, it is reabsorbed into the body, and the uterine lining is shed during the menstrual period.
The ovaries also produce the two sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone. These are responsible for menstruation, fertility and pregnancy. During fertility treatments, these ovaries are stimulated with extra hormones to release more mature eggs to increase the chances of pregnancy.
The external parts or organs protect the internal parts of the reproductive system. The external genitals collectively are known as the vulva. The various parts of the vulva are:
1. Labia Majora
These are the large lips of the female’s vulva. This part contains sweat and oil-secreting glands and also develops hair after puberty. It encloses and protects all other external parts of the reproductive system.
2. Labia Minora
These are the small lips, and just inside the big lips is the labia majora. It surrounds the vaginal opening and urethra. It comes in various sizes, shapes and colours. The skin on this part is very sensitive and can be easily irritated by fabric, chemicals, etc.
3. Clitoris
This is the most sensitive part of the female genitalia. It is a small protrusion where the labia minora of both sides meet. This clitoris is covered by a skin fold known as the prepuce. The clitoris comprises a network of nerves and tissues and is a primary source of sexual pleasure for many women.
4. Vaginal Opening
The vaginal opening is where the baby and the menstrual blood come from. During menstruation, tampons and cups are inserted into this opening to catch the menstrual blood. During sexual intercourse, the penis enters the vagina through this opening and the ejaculated sperm enters the female’s reproductive system through this opening.
5. Urethra Opening
Contrary to many people’s belief and understanding, a female does not urinate from the same place as she bleeds from during her period. The urethra opening is where she urinates from and is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.
6. Hymen
This is a small piece of tissue that covers or surrounds a part of the vaginal opening. It is present right from the time of birth and can tear easily during sexual penetration or any physically strenuous activity. Some females are even born without this tissue.
The two main sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are responsible for many other vital functions in the body.
● Development of female sexual characteristics like breasts, hips and pubic hair
● Functioning of the sex organs
● Preparing the uterus for pregnancy
● Regulating ovulation (release of mature egg) and thickening of the endometrial lining
● Influences cardiovascular health
● Maintains bone density and strength
● Influences moods, energy levels, hair and skin health
● Preparing for and maintaining the uterus throughout the pregnancy
● Stimulate the endometrium to become thick enough for implantation and secrete nutrients for embryo nourishment
● Work in sync with estrogen to maintain a regular menstrual cycle
● Support thyroid function and bone formation
● Improve sleep quality and reduce sleep-related issues
● Support breast milk production and facilitate breastfeeding post-pregnancy.
All the above-mentioned parts of the female reproductive system, and the hormones, work together to make pregnancy possible. Even if one of these parts does not work as it should, it can lead to fertility issues, miscarriages, and other complications in reproduction. When a couple has difficulty in conceiving, each of the internal parts of the female reproductive system and the hormones are checked for irregularities. Once the area of concern is identified, doctors or fertility specialists will try to work through it using medications and various fertility treatments.
The female reproductive system is not just responsible for developing and birthing a baby. It has many other important functions in the overall functioning of the body. If you are experiencing any issue, big or small, with any of your reproductive system’s parts, consult a gynaecologist and get professional help in time.
The ovaries are responsible for the eggs. They release one mature egg every menstrual cycle, which, when fertilised by a sperm, can develop into an embryo and implant in the uterus for further development. The ovaries are also responsible for secreting the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which play vital roles in the overall functioning of the body.
After reaching menarche, a female is expected to have a menstrual cycle averaging about 25 – 28 days. The menstrual cycle goes through four phases where the egg is developed, released, fertilised, or reabsorbed into the body. If there is no fertilisation, a menstrual period occurs, and the endometrial lining is shed. If the egg is fertilised, it can result in a pregnancy, and no menstruation occurs until the baby is born.
During the menstrual cycle, the endometrial lining inside the uterus thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If a fertilised egg implants, it can develop into a fetus. If not, the lining is shed during menstruation. While the uterus may experience minor changes in tone or slight fullness due to hormonal shifts and the build-up of the lining, its overall size remains relatively stable—especially compared to the dramatic expansion seen in pregnancy.
