The female reproductive tract is a complex series of organs and structures that work together to facilitate fertility and reproduction in women. It includes the organs inner to the vagina and those that open onto or pass through the vagina. The female reproductive tract can be divided into four main parts: the vulva, the vagina, the uterus, and the fallopian tubes.
Vulva
The vulva is the collective name for the external female reproductive organs, which include the mons pubis, the labia majora and minora, the clitoris, and the hymen.
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Mons pubis.* The mons pubis is a fat pad located at the front of the vulva, covering the pubic bone. It becomes covered inpubic hair during puberty.
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Labia majora and minora.* These are the large and small lips that make up most of the vulva. They enclose the vulva and protecting the vulva from infection, and they also serve as the channels through which menstrual blood and babies exit the vulva.
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Clitoris.* The clitoris is a small, sensitive protrusion located at the center of the vulva, similar to the glans of the penis in men. It is covered by a fold of skin called the prepuce.
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Hymen.* The hymen is a thin membrane that may cover part of the entrance to the vagina. In some cultures, it is considered a virginal indicator because it is only a partial barrier and menstrual blood and secretions can exit regardless of sexual activity.
Vagina
The vagina is a muscular canal that extends from the vulva to the outside of the body. It serves several functions, including providing access to the uterus during分娩 and menstrual blood discharge.
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External opening.* The vagina has a small opening that leads to the vagina, allowing menstrual blood and babies to exit the body.
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Muscle tone.* The walls of the vagina are lined with smooth muscle that allows the vagina to expand to accommodate intercourse and childbirth.
Uterus
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that houses the受精卵 and is the site of development in pregnancy.
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Body.* The main part of the uterus, where the受精卵 is implanted and the placenta forms.
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Fundus.* Portion of the uterus located superior to the opening of the fallopian tubes.
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Cornua.* The upper, narrow end of the uterus, opposite the isthmus.
Fallopian tubes
The fallopian tubes are narrow tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus and serve as a passage for the ovum from the ovary to theuterus.
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Lumina.* The inside of the tubes.
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Fimbriae.* Finger-like projections at the end of the tubes that capture the ovum and transport it into the tubes.
Both ova and sperm must travel through the female reproductive tract to meet and fertilize each other. The fallopian tubes are also where fertilization typically occurs, allowing the sperm to travel through the tubes and meet the卵oderm. Fertilization in the fallopian tube leads to the formation of a zygote, which then travels to the uterus to continue development.
