Island Sexual Health Society

Be informed, not surprised

Frontal diagram of the biological female reproductive/sexual system

Frontal diagram of the biological female reproductive/sexual system

Biological Female sexual anatomy

The female reproductive/sexual system is made up of the organs that allow a person to:

  • have and enjoy sexual intercourse
  • produce eggs (ova)
  • be pregnant
  • give birth

Breasts are considered part of the biological female reproductive system.

Pictures and details

Inside parts:

Outside parts:

Internal female sexual organs

Female body parts: ovariesOvaries

  • Located on each side of the uterus
  • About the size and shape of almonds
  • At birth the ovaries contain 2 – 4 million immature eggs (called ova)
  • The ovaries release one egg during each menstrual cycle this is called ovulation
  • Ovulation occurs about once a month, starting at puberty and ending at menopause

Fallopian tubesFallopian Tubes

  • Two tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus (one on each side)
  • About 10cm (4 inches) in length and narrower than a piece of spaghetti
  • Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes when a sperm meets an egg

Female body parts: uterusUterus

  • Hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist where a fertilized egg develops until birth
  • Located low in the abdomen, behind the bladder and in front of the bowel
  • Enlarges during pregnancy, to accommodate a growing fetus
  • Also called the womb

Female body internal part: cervixCervix

  • Lower part of, or opening to, the uterus
  • Acts to keep things out of the uterus while allowing sperm to get in
  • Cervical mucous is found here and is thinner around the time of ovulation to allow sperm to get in
  • When it’s time for the baby to be born, the cervix opens to allow the baby to move into the vagina

Vagina

  • A muscular tube connecting the cervix to the outside of the body
  • Female inside body part: vaginaThe penis may enter the vagina during sexual intercourse
  • Passes the menstrual flow during a  period or menstruation
  • When relaxed, the vagina is about 8 – 10cm (3 – 4 inches) long and the walls fold in and touch each other
  • During the arousal process the vagina gets larger and lubricates (gets wetter)
  • The hymen is a thin piece of skin which may partially cover the vagina

External female sexual anatomy

Breasts

  • Start to develop during puberty; breast development can continue until a person is in their 20s.
  • Nipple contains erectile tissue which often becomes erect during sexual arousal
  • Surrounding the nipple is the areola which varies in size and colour
  • Breast size and shape varies from one woman to the next and is determined by age,  genes, weight, etc.

Vulva

  • Includes all the outer genitals
  • You can see the vulva by holding a mirror between your legs

Mons pubis

  • The only part that is visible from the front of the body
  • The pad of skin that covers the pubic bone
  • Area is covered by pubic hair

Labia majora

  • Literally meaning “larger lips”
  • Form the outer part of the vulva
  • Are sensitive to touch and help in lubrication

Clitoris

  • Most sensitive part of the vulva
  • Same components as the penis
  • Only function is to provide sexual pleasure
  • About 2 – 4cm (3/4 – 1 1/2 inches) long although the visible part is only about 1cm long
  • During sexual arousal, the tissue becomes filled with blood and becomes erect

Labia minora

  • Thinner and more delicate than the labia majora
  • The labia minora and majora differ in size and shape in different women
  • Also helps to lubricate and is sensitive to touch