Female Anatomy

Overview

Before we dive too deeply into other topics, it will be helpful to present a general overview of female anatomy. For the most part, here we will focus on the reproductive system, which is the part of the female body most distinct from the male body. However, there are many other anatomical differences throughout the body, so stay tuned for further discussion. Please revisit this post whenever you need a refresher!

*Note: This post is written in the context of typical anatomy and biological development. This description may differ for individuals with certain genetic conditions.

The Reproductive System

The reproductive system is responsible for a wide variety of bodily functions related to reproduction (or the lack thereof), including fertility, menstruation, sexual function, and hormone production. Males also have a reproduction system, but it differs in both structure and function.

Development

Biological sex is determined by genes. At the time of fertilization (when the egg and the sperm fuse), a zygote is formed, which contains either two X chromosomes or one X and one Y chromosome. XX zygotes will develop into females, and XY zygotes will develop into males. For about 6 weeks after fertilization, there is no anatomical difference between XX and XY zygotes. However, at that point, sexual differentiation begins. By the time the baby is born, they will have developed their entire reproductive system.

External Anatomy

External anatomy refers to the organs you can see on the outside of the body. In females, this includes the pubis, the vulva, and the breasts. The external genitalia in large part serve to protect the internal genitals from injury and infection but are also associated with sexual pleasure.

Pubis

The pubis is the fleshy area on the pelvic bone. This area is typically where pubic hair grows.

Vulva

The vulva refers to the entire complex of the external genitals and includes a number of subcomponents, including:

• Labia majora: the “large lips” on either side of the vaginal opening, which grow pubic hair and protect the other external reproductive organs

• Labia minora: the “small lips” which sit inside the labia majora (but may extend beyond them)

• Clitoris: the small, sensitive protrusion where the labia minora meet; although only the tip of the clitoris is externally visible, the rest of the structure extends into the body

• Clitoral hood: the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris

• Urethral opening: the opening to the urethra, which connects to the bladder and carries pee to the outside of the body

• Vaginal opening: the opening to the vagina (described below)

• Hymen: the piece of tissue that covers part of the vaginal opening at birth, but which may rupture later

External Anatomy

Breasts

Although not connected to the rest of the reproductive system, the breasts serve an important role in reproduction. The external parts of the breast are:

• Breast tissue: the area on the chest composed of fat, muscle, ligament tissue, blood vessels, and glands

• Nipple: the area where the milk drains from the breast

• Areola: the pigmented area surrounding the nipple, which secretes lubrication to prevent the nipple from drying out

The internal parts of the breast are:

• Alveoli: milk-secreting cells

• Lactiferous ducts: channels on the nipple through which milk is secreted

• Mammary glands: the milk-producing glands

Anatomy of Female Breast Tissue

Internal Anatomy

The internal anatomy begins at the vaginal opening and is where most reproductive processes take place. The internal genitalia include the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Vagina

The vagina is the muscular canal between the cervix and the outside of the body. The vagina varies in size and expands during birth and sexual arousal, but is typically around 3 inches long at rest. The vagina is kept moist by mucous membranes. (Sometimes the word vagina is used to refer to the vulva; this is incorrect.)

Cervix

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus and separates the vagina from the rest of the uterus. Sperm can enter and menstrual blood and tissue can exit through a hole in the cervix, but other items, such as tampons are blocked. The cervix opens wider during childbirth to allow the baby through the vagina.

Uterus

The uterus is a muscular sac that holds a fetus during pregnancy. During the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining thickens to prepare a fetus-friendly environment in case an egg is fertilized during ovulation. The part of the uterus above the cervix is called the corpus.

Ovaries

The ovaries are oval-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. When an egg is released from an ovary, it travels down the fallopian tube, which is where fertilization typically occurs. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining.

Internal Anatomy

Summary

In each individual, these reproductive organs will look a little different. However, the general anatomy and functions remain consistent from person-to-person and help explain a number of behaviors and traits specific to females. Understanding this anatomy will help you understand many of the more complex topics related to female health and fitness.