EXTERNAL PARTS OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

1. Mons Pubis – A fatty area that cushions and protects the pubic bone, especially during physical
activity.

2. Labia Majora – The outer folds of skin that protect the vaginal and urethral openings from
infection and injury.

3. Labia Minora – The inner folds that provide additional protection and contain nerve endings for
sensation.

4. Clitoris – A highly sensitive organ responsible for sexual pleasure due to its numerous nerve
endings.

5. Urethral Opening – The exit point for urine from the bladder.

6. Vaginal Opening – Allows for menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

7. Hymen – The hymen is a thin, elastic membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening in
some individuals. It naturally varies in shape, size, and thickness from person to person.

8. Perineum – The area between the vagina and anus that provides support to pelvic organs and
stretches during childbirth.

INTERNAL PARTS OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

1. Vagina – A flexible, muscular canal about 3–4 inches long that connects the external vulva to the
cervix. It serves as the passage for:

o Menstrual flow from the uterus.

o Sexual intercourse, as it accommodates the penis during penetration.

o Childbirth, as it expands to allow the baby to pass through.

2. Cervix – The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It has several
important roles:

o Produces mucus that changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle to either block
or allow sperm to enter.

o Dilates during childbirth to allow the baby to pass.

o Acts as a protective barrier to prevent infections from reaching the uterus.

o Nurturing a developing fetus by providing a blood supply and nutrients.

o Shedding its lining (endometrium) during menstruation if no fertilized egg is implanted.

o Expanding significantly during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby.

4. Fallopian Tubes – A pair of thin, tube-like structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Their
functions include:

o Transporting the egg (ovum) from the ovary to the uterus.

o Serving as the site of fertilization, where sperm and egg meet.

5. Ovaries – Two small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus. They have two key
functions:

o Producing and releasing eggs (ovulation), typically one per menstrual cycle.

o Secreting hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual
cycle, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health.

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares a woman's body for pregnancy. It typically lasts
28 days (but can range from 21 to 35 days) and is controlled by hormones. The cycle occurs in four
phases:

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5) – Period Starts

 If no fertilization occurs, the uterus sheds its lining (endometrium), causing bleeding
(menstruation).

 The menstrual flow consists of blood, mucus, and tissue.

 The hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are low.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1–13) – Egg Development

 The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to
mature several follicles.

 One follicle grows into a dominant egg (ovum), while the others break down.

 The growing follicle releases estrogen, which thickens the uterus lining to prepare for possible
pregnancy.
3. Ovulation Phase (Day 14) – Egg Release

 A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the
fallopian tube.

 This is the fertile window, where pregnancy is most likely if sperm is present.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28) – Preparing for Pregnancy

 The ruptured follicle (now called the corpus luteum) produces progesterone, which maintains
the thick uterus lining.

 If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop, and the uterus prepares to shed its
lining, leading back to menstruation.

 If fertilization does occur, the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and the body produces hCG
(pregnancy hormone) to maintain the pregnancy.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is made by cells in
the placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

Functions of hCG:
1. Supports Pregnancy – Maintains the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to sustain
the uterine lining.

2. Prevents Menstruation – Stops the menstrual cycle to protect the developing embryo.

3. Triggers Pregnancy Symptoms – High hCG levels can cause nausea and vomiting (morning
sickness).

4. Used in Pregnancy Tests – Home pregnancy tests detect hCG in urine to confirm pregnancy.

MALE EXTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN

1. Glans Penis – The sensitive tip of the penis, containing many nerve endings for pleasure.

2. Foreskin – A fold of skin covering the glans (removed in circumcision). Provides protection and
lubrication for the glans.
3. Scrotum – A sac that holds and protects the testicles, helping regulate temperature for sperm
production. Regulates the temperature of the testes by contracting (when cold) and relaxing
(when warm) to ensure optimal sperm production.
 4. Testes (Testicles) – Oval-shaped glands inside the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone.
Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development and production.

INTERNAL MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYTEM

1. Testes (Testicles) – Produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.

2. Epididymis – A coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored until ejaculation.

3. Vas Deferens – A tube that transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

4. Seminal Vesicles – Glands that produce a sugar-rich fluid to nourish sperm and provide energy.

5. Prostate Gland – Produces a fluid that protects and activates sperm, making up part of semen.

6. Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands – Release a lubricating fluid that neutralizes acidity in the
urethra before ejaculation.

7. Urethra – A tube that carries both urine and semen out of the body through the penis, though
never at the same time.