The female reproductive system or genitalia has two main parts, namely: the uterus and the ovaries. The uterus houses the fetus during its development stage. It also produces secretions in the vagina and the uterus as well. It is also where the sperm cells during copulation pass in order to reach the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg cell. The ovaries, upon the other hand, produce the egg cells. The aforementioned parts are internal in the female reproductive system. As regards the external parts, these are the vagina with the vulva in the external region with the labia minora and majora, the clitoris and the urethra. The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus, while the fallopian tubes attach the uterus to the ovaries. During periods or intervals, the ovaries release an ovum through the fallopian tube. If during such release, the sperm meets the ovum, fertilization occurs. Fertilization occurs when the sperm impregnates the ovum and unites with it in the process. In fertilization, the sperm and egg meet, most commonly, in the oviducts or the fallopian tube. This process may also occur within the uterus. Then the fertilized egg or zygote is implanted in the walls of the uterus to commence further changes or processes such as embryogenesis and morphogenesis. After a period of about nine months, and when the embryo is well developed in order to survive apart from the womb, the cervix dilates and contractions occur in the uterus, which pushes the fetus through the vagina. This is commonly known as childbirth. However, if fertilization does not occur, the ova, is released approximately every month, a process commonly known as menstruation, or a process of oogenesis wherein the mature ovum is passed through the fallopian tube in anticipation of fertilization.
Internal Reproductive Organs
The internal reproductive organs of human female are composed of the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the cervix, and the vagina.
Vagina
In human female, the vagina is composed of a fibro muscular tube-like component that leads from the uterus to the external part of the body. This is true to all female mammals, in some reptiles, and to the cloaca in female birds. In female insects and other invertebrates, vagina is the terminal part of their fallopian tubes. In ejaculation or the climax of coitus or commonly known as sexual intercourse, the semen from the male is deposited in the vagina of the female. Pubic hairs which grow around the outer part of the vagina serve as protection against infection during puberty.
Cervix
This is the lower and narrow part of the uterus. Sometimes the cervix is called the neck of the uterus. It connects the end portion of the vagina inside to the uterus. Its shape is like a cone and cylindrical protruding through the upper anterior portion of the vaginal wall. Almost half of its entire length may be visible but the rest is lying above the vagina and are hidden from view. Outside of the vagina, there is a thick layer of skin where the baby comes out during delivery.
Uterus
Uterus, commonly known as the womb, is the major organ for reproduction of female humans. This organ protects the developing embryo, provides nutrition to it, and supports waste removal of the embryo (during the first until the eighth week) and fetus (eighth until delivery). During birth the uterus contracts. These contractions are responsible in pushing the fetus outward during delivery. There are three suspensory ligaments within the uterus which stabilizes its position and restricts its movements. The uterosacral ligaments restricts the anterior and inferior body movements. The posterior movement is restricted by the round ligaments, while the inferior movements are restricted too by the cardinal ligaments. The shape of the uterus is pear-shaped. It is a muscular organ which houses the fertilized ovum and develops the same until childbirth. When fertilization does not occur, the egg which is not embedded on the uterine wall is flushed from the uterus, a process called menstruation. If the egg is fertilized, it is implanted into the endometrium or the walls of the uterus. The nourishment of the embryo is passed through the blood vessels connected to it. From a fertilized ovum, it becomes an embryo, then develops into a fetus and is carried in the womb, a process called gestation, until child birth or delivery.
Fallopian tube
The pair of tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus in female mammals is called the fallopian tubes. When the egg cell or ovum matures, the follicle and the walls of the ovaries shall break down. This rupture shall cause the ovum to be released into the fallopian tube then traveling to the uterus which is made possible by the cilia or hair-like structures inside the uterus. Its trip can take hours or days. When it meets a sperm and is fertilized, it implants itself in the endometrium upon reaching the uterus. This is the beginning of pregnancy.
Ovary
These are the pair of organs which are located proximal to the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. The ovaries produce the egg cells or ova and secrete hormones. Ovulation is the process where an egg cell is released and made available for fertilization. The ovulation period is periodic in nature and affects the length of the menstrual cycle. With the ovulation, the ovum is transported via the oviduct or commonly known as the fallopian tube to the uterus. Usually, the ovum is fertilized in the oviduct. Then the fertilized egg is moved to the uterus by the action of the hair-like structures called cilia which are abundant in the fallopian tubes.