The female reproductive system is the organ that is designed to perform several functions. The female eggs called ova or oocytes are produced by the female productive system. The main function is to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Fertilization of an egg with sperm occurs in the fallopian tubes. This fertilization is known as conception.
Later this fertilized egg is implanted into the walls of the uterus which is the initial stage of pregnancy. Unfertilized eggs in the female reproductive system undergo menstruation. The female sex hormones are also produced by this system which helps in regulating the reproductive cycle.
The Human Reproductive System
All animals on this planet propagate their life forms by the Process of Reproduction. To perform reproduction there are various organs in both male and female of every sexually reproducing organism. The male reproductive organs consist of the penis, testicles and other associated parts. For the female reproductive system, various organs involved are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tube, ovulating eggs among others. The Chapter on reproduction taught in the Class 11 Biology book mentions all the parts in detail and the functions performed by each part.
In this article, we will have a brief discussion about the major parts of the female reproductive system and its functions.
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
Broadly, there are 2 parts of the female reproductive anatomy namely ‘external,’ and ‘internal.’ The main function of the external structure is for receiving sperm during intercourse and providing a covering for internal reproductive organs for their protection. Among the external organs, the Labia Majora contains sweat and oil-secreting glands to assist during the intake of sperm. Labia minora located inside the Labia majora surrounds the openings to the vagina and urethra. Bartholin’s glands help in fluid secretion. Clitoris is the most sensitive part of the female reproductive system.
Among the internal reproductive organs, the vagina is the canal that joins that extends into the Cervix from the external parts. The uterus is the pear-shaped space for the development of the baby. Ovaries are the egg and hormone-producing glands present on either side of the uterus. The narrow tubes that serve as the tunnel for the movement of ova from ovaries to uterus are called Fallopian Tubes.
There are also a number of hormones secreted by the female body for carrying forward the process of reproduction. The FSH follicle-stimulating hormone and LH or luteinizing hormone are essential hormones released by the brain during the period of pregnancy. These hormones in turn trigger the release of estrogen hormone which is directly involved in the process of development of a baby.