Female sexual anatomy
Do you know where to find all the female sexual organs?
The female reproductive system is made up of the organs that allow a woman to:
- have and enjoy sexual intercourse
- produce eggs (ova)
- be pregnant
- give birth
Breasts are considered part of the female reproductive system.
Pictures and details
Internal female sexual organs
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Ovaries
- Located on each side of the uterus
- About the size and shape of almonds
- At birth a girl’s ovaries contain 2 – 4 million immature eggs (called ova)
- The ovaries release one egg during each menstrual cycle this is called ovulation
- Ovulation occurs about once a month, starting at puberty and ending at menopause
Fallopian Tubes
- Two tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus (one on each side)
- About 10cm (4 inches) in length and narrower than a piece of spaghetti
- Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes when a sperm meets an egg
Uterus
- hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist where a fertilized egg develops until birth
- located low in the abdomen, behind the bladder and in front of the bowel
- enlarges during pregnancy, to accommodate a growing fetus
- also called the womb
Cervix
- Lower part of, or opening to, the uterus
- Acts to keep things out of the uterus while allowing sperm to get in
- Cervical mucous is found here and is thinner around the time of ovulation to allow sperm to get in
- When a woman gives birth, the cervix opens to allow the baby to move into the vagina
Vagina
- A muscular tube connecting the cervix to the outside of the body
- The penis enters the vagina during sexual intercourse
- Passes the menstrual flow during a woman’s period
- When relaxed, the vagina is about 8 – 10cm (3 – 4 inches) long and the walls fold in and touch each other
- During the arousal process the vagina gets larger and lubricates (gets wetter)
- The hymen is a thin piece of skin which may partially cover the vagina
External female sexual anatomy
Breasts
- Start to develop during puberty; breast development can continue into a woman’s 20’s
- Nipple contains erectile tissue which often becomes erect during sexual arousal
- Surrounding the nipple is the areola which varies in size and colour between women
- Breast size and shape varies from one woman to the next and is determined by her age, her genes, her weight, etc.
Vulva
- Includes all the outer genitals
- You can see the vulva by holding a mirror between your legs
Mons pubis
- The only part that is visible from the front of the body
- The pad of skin that covers the pubic bone
- Area is covered by pubic hair
Labia majora
- Literally meaning “larger lips”
- Form the outer part of the vulva
- Are sensitive to touch and help in lubrication
Clitoris
- Most sensitive part of the vulva
- Same components as the penis
- Only function is to provide sexual pleasure
- About 2 – 4cm (3/4 – 1 1/2 inches) long although the visible part is only about 1cm long
- During sexual arousal, the tissue becomes filled with blood and becomes erect
Labia minora
- Thinner and more delicate than the labia majora
- The labia minora and majora differ in size and shape in different women
- Also helps to lubricate and is sensitive to touch