Female reproductive system

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Fallopian tube

The fallopian tubes are two thin tubes that start from the uterus to the ovary on each side of the vagina. They transport the oocytes that are produced during the menstrual cycle to the uterine cavity, and also serve as a pathway for the sperm that can fertilize the oocyte. In addition they also provide the necessary liquids for the fertilization and nutrition of the zygote. They are named after Gabriele Fallopio, an Italian anatomist who discovered them in the 16th century.

Function of the fallopian tubes

The basic function of the fallopian tubes is to be the communication route between the 

ovaries and the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries shed a mature ovarian 

follicle that releases an oocyte. The oocyte moves through the fallopian tubes for about 

24 hours. If after that time has not been fertilized by a sperm, it disintegrates and is 

expelled with menstruation. If fertilized, the fertilization process begins, where the zygote 

forms.

What is the cervix or cervix?

It is the inferior fibromuscular portion of the uterus, it has a cylindrical or conical shape and 

communicates the uterus with the vagina. The size and shape of the cervix vary depending 

on age, timing of the hormonal cycle and the number of births. It is divided into two parts, 

the part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix and the portion 

closest to the vagina ectocervix or exocervix. The two main types of cells that cover the cervix

are squamous cells (in the ectocervix) and glandular cells (in the endocervix). Most tumors 

appear in the junction of the ectocervix and the endocervix.

The function of the cervix.

The cervix is ​​a circle that separates the uterus from the vagina, and acts as a conduit for 

menstrual blood, sperm and delivery. During pregnancy, its muscular structure helps to hold 

the fetus firmly within the uterus.

Uterus

also called matrix, is the organ of gestation and the largest organ of the female reproductive 

system of most mammals, including humans. It is a muscular, hollow, pear-shaped, 

infraperitoneal organ located in the lower pelvis of the woman who, when adopting the

 position in anteversion, leans on the urinary bladder in front, with the rectum behind. 

It lodges to the blastula, that is implanted in the endometrium, giving beginning to the 

gestation, that in the human species lasts around 280 days.

Function

The main function of the uterus is to receive the zygote for its implantation and nutrition, 

by means of blood vessels especially developed for that purpose. The fertilized egg 

then becomes an embryo that develops into a fetus, and then a baby of the given 

species is born.

Ovary

The ovary is the gonad or female reproductive organ that produces and secretes sex 

hormones and ovules.1 They are even almond-shaped structures, measuring 1x2x3 cm

 in the fertile woman (although it varies during the cycle), and a weight of about 6 to 7 grams, 

grayish white, fixed on both sides of the uterus.

The ovaries have two functions:

1. Secrete female hormones: estrogen and progesterone that help the development of 

female sexual characteristics.

2. Release the egg every month during the reproductive life.

If the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell, it attaches to the endometrium and an embryo forms. 

If this does not happen, the endometrium falls off as part of the menstrual cycle.

During menopause, the production of hormones secreted by the ovaries decreases and the 

menstrual cycle gradually disappears.

Vagina

It is an elastic fibromuscular duct, which is part of the internal genital organs of women, and 

extends from the vulva to the uterus. The vaginal external opening may be partially covered 

by a membrane called hymen. The vagina extends from said opening to the cervix (cervix).

The vagina allows sexual intercourse and childbirth; It also channels the menstrual flow, 

which occurs periodically as part of the menstrual cycle.

The location and structure of the vagina varies between species, and may vary in size 

within the same species. Unlike male mammals, which normally have the urinary meatus 

as the only opening for urination and reproduction, females have the opening of the urethra 

for urination and the vaginal opening for the genital tract. The vaginal opening is greater than

the urinary opening (which is closer to the belly), and in the human ones both are protected

by the lips. In the case of amphibians, birds and monotremes, the cloaca is the only external 

opening for the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary and reproductive tracts.

Functions of the vagina

• Serves as a natural passage and exit to the menstrual flow during the period.

• Through it the cervical mucus that is secreted in the cervix before and after ovulation is 

eliminated.

• It constitutes the so-called birth canal, through which the fetus leaves at the moment of 

delivery and the placenta is eliminated. The great elasticity of the tissues that make it facilitate 

this work.

• The vagina is the cavity in which, through the vulva, the penis penetrates during sexual 

intercourse and in the semen is deposited after ejaculation.

• From there, the sperm ascend through the cervix and the uterus to fertilize the ovum.

• In it, a first selection of sperm is made, since many of them die when they come into contact

 with the acidic medium inside them.

• In it the Bartolino glands are located, which allow the necessary lubrication for penetration 

of the penis. In fact, vaginal dryness, which occurs when there is a decrease in estrogen 

in the body (after manopause, sometimes after delivery and during lactation or due to the 

effect of certain pharmacological treatments), makes sexual intercourse difficult because it 

can generate Strong pain to the woman during intercourse.

• The so-called G-spot is also located inside, whose stimulation generates pleasure during 

intercourse.

• The walls of the vagina contract with orgasm, intensifying the sensation of pleasure.