Female Reproductive Anatomy, Inside & Out
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Sep 2, 2025
External Genitalia (Outside Parts of the Female Reproductive System)
The external genitalia, also called the vulva, include all the visible parts of the female reproductive system. These include the labia majora and labia minora (the outer and inner folds of skin), the clitoris (a small, highly sensitive organ important for sexual pleasure), and the mons pubis (a soft, fatty area above the pubic bone that gets covered with hair after puberty).
The vestibule is the space between the labia minora where you’ll find the openings to the vagina and the urethra(where urine comes out, called the urethral meatus). The Bartholin glands and Skene glands are small glands near these openings that help with natural lubrication. Lastly, the perineum is the skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and the anus.
All of these structures are located outside the true pelvis and have roles in protecting the internal organs, creating sexual sensation, and providing lubrication (Hoare & Khan, 2020; Iancu, 2017).
Internal Genitalia (Inside Parts of the Female Reproductive System)
The internal genitalia are inside the pelvis and include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
The ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs that produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone. They also release eggs (ova) that can be fertilized (Septadina, 2023; Hoare & Khan, 2020; Zubizarreta & Xiao, 2020).
Fallopian tubes are narrow pathways connecting the ovaries to the uterus. After an ovary releases an egg, it travels through a fallopian tube. Fertilization by sperm usually happens here (Septadina, 2023; Hoare & Khan, 2020; Zubizarreta & Xiao, 2020).
The uterus is a strong, pear-shaped muscle where a fertilized egg can implant and grow into a baby. If there is no fertilization, the uterus sheds its lining during menstruation (Guyer et al., 2020; Septadina, 2023; Hoare & Khan, 2020; Zubizarreta & Xiao, 2020).
At the bottom of the uterus is the cervix, a narrow, lower section that acts as a gateway between the uterus and the vagina (Septadina, 2023; Hoare & Khan, 2020; Zubizarreta & Xiao, 2020).
The vagina is a flexible, muscular canal that leads from the cervix to the outside of the body. It allows for menstrual flow, receives the penis during sex, and forms the birth canal during childbirth (Hoare & Khan, 2020; Septadina, 2023; Zubizarreta & Xiao, 2020; Iancu, 2017).
How It All Works Together
Together, these reproductive organs perform several key roles. They produce eggs, support fertilization, and prepare for pregnancy. If pregnancy happens, they help support and deliver the baby. If not, the cycle repeats with menstruation. This whole process is controlled by hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins (Septadina, 2023; Ramírez-González et al., 2016; Zubizarreta & Xiao, 2020).
What Keeps Everything in Place
Special muscles and ligaments (strong bands of tissue) help hold the reproductive organs in the right spot. These include muscles like the levator ani and coccygeus, which are part of the pelvic floor. They support the organs and help them work properly. (Iancu, 2017; Hoare & Khan, 2020).
