THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Human reproductive system, organ system by which humans reproduce and bear live
offspring. On condition that all organs are existent, normally built, and working correctly, the
vital features of human reproduction are
(1) liberation of an ovum, or egg, at a definite time in the reproductive cycle,
(2) internal fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa, or sperm cells,
(3) transport of the fertilized ovum to the uterus, or womb,
(4) implantation of the blastocyst, the early embryo developed from the fertilized ovum, in
the wall of the uterus,
(5) formation of a placenta and maintenance of the unborn child during the entire period
of gestation,
(6) birth of the child and expulsion of the placenta, and
(7) suckling and care of the child, with an eventual return of the maternal organs to virtually
their original state.
THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The female gonads, or sexual glands, are the ovaries; they are the source of ova (eggs) and of
the female sex hormones estrogens and progestogens. The fallopian, or uterine, tubes conduct
ova to the uterus, which lies within the lesser or true pelvis. The uterus connects through the
cervical canal with the vagina. The vagina opens into the vestibule about which lie the
external genitalia, collectively known as the vulva.
External Reproductive Organs: vulva, mammary glands
Internal Reproductive Organs; ovaries , oviducts , uterus, vagina
, External reproductive organs
Vulva
The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. It protects a woman’s sexual organs,
urinary opening, vestibule and vagina and is the center of much of a woman’s sexual
response. The outer and inner ‘lips’ of the vulva are called the labia majora and labia minora
group of structures at external opening of vagina.
Labia: The labia (lips) are folds of skin around the vaginal opening. The labia majora (outer
lips) are usually fleshy and covered with pubic hair. The labia minora (inner lips) are inside
the outer lips. They begin at the clitoris and end under the opening to the vagina.
Clitoris- The tip of the clitoris (glans) is located at the top of the vulva, where the inner lips
meet. It can be about as small a pea or as big as a thumb. The tip of the clitoris is covered by
the clitoral hood. This is just the start of the clitoris though. It spreads inside the body, back
and down on both sides of the vagina. This part, called the shaft and crura (roots and legs), is
about 5 inches long. The clitoris is made of spongy tissue. It has thousands of nerve endings
— more than any other part of the human body.
Opening of the urethra- The urethral opening is the tiny opening used to urinate of, located
just below the clitoris.
Opening of the vagina-The vaginal opening is right below the urethral opening. It's where
menstrual blood leaves the body, and babies are born through the vaginal opening.
Anus-The anus is the opening to the rectum. The anus has lots of sensitive nerve endings.
Mons pubis- The mons is the fleshy mound above the vulva. After puberty, it’s covered with
pubic hair. It cushions the pubic bone.
Internal reproductive organs
Vagina- The vagina is a tube that connects the vulva with the cervix and uterus. It’s where
babies and menstrual blood leave the body through.
Cervix- The cervix divides the vagina and uterus, located right between the two. It looks like
a donut with a tiny hole in the middle. This opening connects the uterus and the vagina. The
cervix stretches open (dilates) during childbirth
