Internal Anatomy:

1) Vagina: also known as the birth canal. It is a muscular, flexible tube extending from the uterus to outside the body. It is where the penis is inserted during sexual intercourse. It is also the passageway for the baby during birth.

2)Hymen: a very thin mucous membrane which sometimes closes part of the vaginal opening in young girls. It usually resembles a donut in shape and is porous. It is not always present and can be ruptured during physical activity.

3) Cervix: the opening to the uterus.4) Uterus: also known as the womb. It is a hollow

muscular organ which is shaped like a pear.5)Fallopian tubes: the passageway for the egg after

it is released. Each is about 4 inches long and as wide as a needle. This is where fertilization occurs if sperm are present.

6) Ovaries: two glands about the size of an almond located on each side of the uterus and next to the fallopian tubes. The ovaries contain thousands of eggs but none are mature until puberty.

7) Ovum: the female egg. These are produced and stored in the ovaries. One egg is released each month during ovulation (middle of the cycle). If sperm are present, conception is the result and pregnancy occurs.

* In rare instances, more than 1 egg is released producing multiples (twins, triplets etc.)

Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

The Hypothalmus in the brain controls the production of hormones including the sex hormones.

The Pituitary gland is attached to and controlled by the hypothalmus. It produces FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).

These two hormones are released into the bloodstream where they reach the ovaries. They stimulate the growth and maturation of the egg or ova.

The Ovaries store the eggs and produce estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen controls the development of secondary sex characteristics and plays a major role in menstruation and pregnancy.

Progesterone causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for the fertilized egg.

With the production of estrogen and progesterone, the ovum or egg is released into the fallopian tube.

If fertilization takes place (in the fallopian tube), the fertilized egg moves into the uterus where it will imbed itself in the blood rich lining and develop into a fetus.