The female reproductive system is not only a crucial part of the health of women but also the procreation of our species. It is responsible for producing half of the genetic material necessary for future generations and also plays a key role in maintaining and protecting a pregnancy. The system is comprised of internal and external organs, hormones and a cyclic process known as the menstrual cycle.
Internal Anatomy
The internal organs of the reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina. The vagina is a passageway which starts at its opening to the outside of the body and progresses into the body. It connects to the uterus by an organ known as the cervix, which is a small, round, tubular shaped structure, with a narrow passageway between the vagina and uterus. The uterus is a pear shaped organ located in the lower pelvis. On either side of the uterus, two fallopian tubes branch out and connect to the ovaries by a series of ligaments.
Function of the Internal Organs
Each month, a series of hormones stimulate the ovaries to grow and release a mature egg, which is then transmitted through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. If sperm cells are present in the reproductive tract during this time, fertilization may take place, usually in the fallopian tube, and the developing embryo will progress down toward the uterus where it will implant in the uterine wall.
If pregnancy does not occur, the lining will be shed and begin to regenerate during the next cycle. In the case of a pregnancy, the uterus is responsible for maintaining and protecting the developing fetus. Once the baby has reached term and is mature, the uterus begins contracting rhythmically to deliver the baby through the vagina. The vagina also receives the penis during sexual intercourse.
External Anatomy
The collective term for all of the external reproductive organs is the vulva, which consists of the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the urethral and vaginal openings. Also included are two types of glands, called Skene's glands and Bartholin glands, which secrete a lubricant to help facilitate sexual intercourse.
The labia majora are two large skin folds covered with hair, arising from the pubic mound and extending back towards the perineum, a thin piece of skin between the vagina and anus. Inside the labia majora, are the labia minora, which are skin folds that are significantly thinner and more delicate. They originate at the clitoris (a small, pea-shaped organ rich in nerves with the sole function of sexual pleasure) and surround both the urethral and vaginal openings.
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the complex coordination of a number of events that normally occurs on a monthly basis. At the beginning of each cycle (day one is the first day of a woman's period), special hormones are produced that cause one egg to begin growing in the ovary. The egg will continue to grow for approximately 12 to 16 days.
Once mature, it will be released in a process known as ovulation, when it will then travel through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. Hormones, namely progesterone and estrogen, will be released to support a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy has occurred, it will implant in the uterine wall, which has also developed and matured over that time. If pregnancy has not occurred, the egg will be shed with the rest of the uterine lining as menses, or her period, triggering the start of the next cycle.
Hormones
Hormones play a key role in all things female. From causing the secondary sex characteristics to develop, to regulation of the menstrual cycle to pregnancy, hormones like progesterone and estrogen are responsible. Estrogen is the primary female hormone. The level rises during each menstrual cycle, causing an egg to mature and the uterine lining to proliferate. Once ovulation occurs, the estrogen level drops if pregnancy does not occur. If pregnancy does occur, both estrogen and progesterone will help maintain the environment necessary for it to survive. The progesterone level also rises after ovulation and drops if pregnancy does not occur. It is this drop in progesterone that triggers the start of the next menstrual cycle.
Tags: does occur, menstrual cycle, pregnancy does, pregnancy does occur, fallopian tubes, labia majora
