The structure of a woman's reproductive organs

As the name suggests, reproductive organs are organs used for reproduction. Both men and women have reproductive organs. Of course, male and female reproductive organs cannot be generalized. For women, their reproductive system is composed of many organs, such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina. Below, we will introduce these reproductive organs in detail!

1. Ovaries

It is the main sexual organ of women, located on both sides of the uterus, inside and below the fallopian tubes. It is flat and oval in shape, about the size of an apricot kernel, with one on each side. The ovary is composed of two parts: the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is located at the periphery of the ovary and occupies most of the ovary. It contains tens of thousands of follicles, which contain immature eggs. The follicle cells secrete sex hormones. The medulla is located in the center of the ovary and is composed of loose connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves. Each ovary contains 300,000 to 400,000 follicles at different stages of development in the cortex of a female infant. After entering puberty, they develop and mature one after another. Generally, one follicle matures and is discharged during each menstrual cycle (about 28 days), and this continues until menopause. A woman ovulates about 400 to 500 times during her entire reproductive period.

2. Fallopian tube

On both sides of the uterine horn, there is a long and curved tube on each side. One end is connected to the uterus, and the other end is free and connected to the abdominal cavity. The opening is near the ovary. The fallopian tube can be divided into four parts from the inside to the outside: the uterine part, the isthmus, the ampulla and the fimbria. The uterus and isthmus are narrow, the ampulla is wide, and the umbrella is funnel-shaped, which is convenient for absorbing eggs. The eggs released from the ovaries enter the abdominal cavity, are captured by the fallopian tubes, and are pushed toward the uterus. Sperm and egg usually meet and combine in the ampulla of the fallopian tube to complete fertilization. After that, the fertilized egg divides in the fallopian tube while being pushed toward the uterus.

3. Uterus

Located in the center of the pelvic cavity, it is shaped like an inverted pear and is about the size of an egg. The uterus is divided into cervix, uterine body, uterine fundus and uterine cavity. The cervix is ​​tubular, with the external opening leading to the vagina and the internal opening leading to the uterine cavity. The cavity inside the uterus is called the uterine cavity. After conception, the embryo develops and grows here. The fallopian tubes are connected on both sides of the uterine cavity. The fundus of the uterus is round and convex, located above the uterine body. The front of the uterus is close to the bladder, and the back is adjacent to the rectum. It is fixed to the pelvic cavity by the broad ligament and round ligament of the uterus.

4. Vagina

Located between the internal and external genitalia, it is composed of mucous membrane, muscle layer and fibrous tissue and is elastic. The upper end supports the uterus and the lower end opens to the vulva. The front wall of the vagina is close to the bladder and urethra, and the back wall is adjacent to the rectum. It is the organ for sexual intercourse and also the channel for discharge of menstruation and delivery of fetuses.