Female Reproductive System: What you need to know.
The female reproductive system is formed during early fetal development. Assigned females at birth contain XX sex chromosomes (assigned males at birth contain XY chromosomes), which causes the formation of bilateral ovaries instead of testes. The ovaries are known as the female gonad because they contain the female gametes (sex cells): oocytes (eggs). The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs.
The secondary female reproductive organs develop via hormone production and consist of the bilateral (right and left) fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina. The external female reproductive organs constitute the vulva, which contain structures such as the lower portion of the vagina and vaginal opening, labia minora and majora, and clitoris.
Ovaries: The ovaries are bilateral organs where egg production, maturation, and ovulation occur.
Fallopian Tubes: The fallopian tubes are bilateral tubes which attach to the uterus and expand to the area near the ovaries. Their fingerlike projections (fimbriae) help pick up eggs during ovulation and move them into the tubes. Mature eggs travel down these tubes toward the uterus. This is where fertilization can occur.
Uterus: The uterus (womb) is a hollow structure that attaches to the fallopian tubes and cervix. It consists of three layers, but the most important layer is the endometrium (inner layer), which is where embryo implantation and fetal development occur. The uterus is designed to stretch during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus.
Cervix: The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the upper portion of the vagina. The cervix is a canal-like structure that acts as a barrier, allowing sperm to enter the female reproductive tract only at certain times and keeping bacteria out of the uterus. It also acts as a passage for menstrual blood, keeps a pregnancy contained in the uterus, and dilates during childbirth.
Vagina: The vagina connects the cervix to the outside of the body. It is a canal-like structure with the ability to stretch and shrink to accommodate tampons, a penis during intercourse, and childbirth.
