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Reproduction refers to the process of producing offspring of the same kinds of species. This process ensures the continuity of species generation after generation. Furthermore, reproduction is divided into asexual and sexual reproduction.
In asexual reproduction presence of one parent. Whereas sexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which there is an involvement of both the parents and the offspring possesses the characteristics of both the parents. Most of the events of reproduction generally take place in the female body.
Female Reproductive Organs
The female reproductive organs are present near the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. The organs include:
Ovary: the female reproductive system includes one pair of ovaries. They are mainly responsible for the production and storage of ovum or eggs. Ovum or eggs are the female sex gametes. Ovaries are attached to the uterus via a ligament known as ovarian ligament. The ovary is covered by a layer of cubical epithelium known as the germinal epithelium. It helps in the formation of oogonia in the fetus. Below the germinal epithelium lies a layer of connective tissue known as tunica albuginea. Under tunica albuginea lies the ovarian stroma, which consists of a dense outer layer known as the cortex and a less dense inner portion known as medulla. Medulla is central part of the ovary, richly supplied with blood vessels, elastic fibers, smooth muscles, and a few nerves.
Oviduct: these are 10 to 12cm log muscular tubes, extending from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus. The part of the oviduct that lies lying next to the ovary is known as the infundibulum. The ends of the infundibulum possess several finger-like projections known as fimbriae, which is responsible for the collection of ovum after ovulation. The fertilization takes place on the ampulla isthmus junction of the oviduct. The egg moves towards the uterus along the oviduct via peristaltic and ciliary action.
Uterus: it is also known as “the womb”. The shape of the uterus is pear-like, it is a muscular bag like an organ with a muscular lining that holds the baby after fertilization. The wall of uterus comprises 3 layers of tissue:
Perimetrium: is the external thin membranous layer.
Myometrium: it is a middle thick layer of smooth muscle. It exhibits strong contraction during pregnancy.
Endometrium: is an inner glandular layer, that lines the uterine cavity. This undergoes several cyclical changes during the menstrual cycle.
The uterus is known as the site of embryo development, as it protects the fertilized ovum and holds it till the baby is grown enough for birth.
Cervix: it is a cylindrical ring-shaped muscular tissue, mainly composed of fibromuscular tissue. It is situated at the lowermost portion of the uterus. It generally helps in connecting the uterus with the vagina. The cavity of the cervix is known as a cervical cavity. This cavity along with the vagina forms the birth canal.
Vagina: it refers to the primary sexual organ it acts as both an excretory and reproductive organ. It is a tube median of 10cm long. The vagina extends from cervix to the outside of the body. It is designed for receiving the male’s penis during copulation, allowing menstrual flow, it also serves as a birth canal during parturition. The opening of the vagina is known as a vaginal orifice it is often partially covered by a membrane known as the hymen.
Female external genitalia
Mons pubis is like a cushion of fatty tissue covered by skin and pubic hairs.
Labia majora: are fleshy folds of tissue, which extend down the mons pubis and surround the vaginal opening.
Labia minora are a pair of folds of tissue, under the labia majora.
Clitoris: is a tiny finger-like structure lying at the upper junction of two labia minora above the urethral opening.
Female Accessory Glands
Females have 3 types of accessory glands:
Paraurethral/Skene Gland: there are numerous small glands lying on both sides of the urethral opening. Male prostate glands are homologous to paraurethral
Glands and also secretes mucus.
Bartholin’s Glands: these are paired glands present one on each side of the vaginal opening. Homologous structures of these glands to that of males are Cowper’s glands and also secrete fluid for lubrication. These secretions are released during sexual arousal in preparation for copulation.
Mammary Glands: these are also paired structures containing glandular tissue with fat. The presence of 15-20 mammary lobes in the glandular tissue of each breast, contains clusters of cells known as alveoli. The alveolar cells are responsible for the secretion of milk, that is stored in cavities of them. Alveoli further open into mammary tubules. Each such tubules joins to form mammary ducts. Several mammary ducts join further to form a wider mammary ampulla which remains connected to the lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out.
Conclusion
Female sexual characters are different from male sexual characters. The functions – production sex cell, reception of sperms from males. This article clearly explains the female reproductive system, along with various female reproductive organs and accessory glands.
