The Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is located in the pelvic region. It supports ovulation, fertilisation, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation through a coordinated set of organs and glands.

The human female reproducting organs A- front sectional view (diagrammatic); B- Sectional side view, parts are differently coloured for better distinction. C- Sectional side view (diagrammatic)

Ovaries are the primary sex organs of the female reproductive system, responsible for producing eggs and secreting hormones.

Each fallopian tube extends from the periphery of the ovary to the uterus, transporting the ovum and hosting fertilisation.

The uterus (womb) is a single, hollow, muscular, inverted pear-shaped organ located in the pelvic cavity, supported by ligaments. It houses and nourishes the developing embryo.

Three Layers of the Uterine Wall

The external genitalia collectively form the vulva, protecting the internal organs and providing sensory functions.

Mammary glands are a characteristic feature of all female mammals. They produce milk to nourish the offspring after birth.

• Paired structures (breasts) containing glandular tissue and variable amounts of fat
• Each breast has15–20 mammary lobes
• Lobes contain clusters of milk-secreting cells called alveoli
• Alveoli store milk in their lumens (cavities)
• Alveoli open into the mammary tubules
• Tubules of each lobe join to form the mammary duct
• Several ducts join to form a wider mammary ampulla
• Ampulla connects to the lactiferous duct, which opens at the nipple

A diagrammatic sectional view of Mammary gland

Milk Pathway - Alveoli to Nipple

• Includes - Ovaries, Fallopian tubes, Uterus, Cervix, Vagina, External genitalia, Bartholin's glands, Mammary glands - all in the pelvic region.
• Ovaries - outer cortex (follicles) + inner medulla; produce ova and ovarian hormones; release one ovum monthly after puberty.
• Fallopian tube - 3 parts: Infundibulum (fimbriae collect ovum) → Ampulla (site of fertilisation) → Isthmus (connects to uterus); cilia push egg towards uterus.
• Uterus - 3 layers: Perimetrium (outer), Myometrium (muscular), Endometrium (inner, menstrual changes); opens into vagina via cervix (birth canal).
• Zygote implants in the endometrium; the placenta connects the embryo to the mother for nutrient and waste exchange till birth.
• External genitalia - Mons pubis, Labia majora, Labia minora, Hymen, Clitoris. Bartholin's glands provide lubrication.
• Mammary glands - produce milk for newborns. Puberty begins at 10–14 years in females.