The system in the female body that controls egg production, fertilization, implantation and development of the embryo is called female reproductive system. Different parts of human reproductive system are-
1. Ovaries: Ovaries are the main organ of female reproductive system. There are two walnut-shaped ovaries on either side of the uterus behind the pelvis. 2.5-5 cm long, 1.5-3 cm wide and 2-3.5 cm thick. It is attached to the uterine wall by the Brood ligament. Mesovarium is covered by membrane. Ovary of mature female consists of interstitial cells, tunica albuginea, primordial follicle, stroma, Graafian cells, corpus luteum etc.
Function: Ovary produces ovum. Estrogen, progesterone and relaxin hormones are secreted from its wall.
2. Fellopian tube: There are two muscular fallopian tubes on both sides of the uterus. One end of it opens into the peritoneal cavity and the other end into the uterine cavity. The peritoneal end forms the funnel-shaped Infundibulum and the uterine end forms the Isthmus. Projections called fimbriae emerge from the edge of the infundibulum to form a fringe-like structure. The length of fallopian tube is 12 cm.
3. Fellopian tube: The muscular inverted pear-shaped hollow organ behind the bladder and in front of the rectum is called the uterus. The lower narrow part of the uterus is called the cervix, the middle part is called the corpus and the upper part is called the fundus. The uterine wall is made up of 3 layers. The outer layer is called the perimetrium, the middle layer is the myometrium and the inner layer is the endometrium. Uterus length 8 cm, width 5 cm, thickness 3 cm and weight 60 g. At gestation the length is 20 times and the weight is 1 kg.
Function: The zygote is implanted in the uterus and the embryo develops. Amara is formed from the uterine wall.
4. Vagina: A fleshy shaft located below the bladder is the vagina. Its length is 8-10 cm. One end of the vagina opens to the uterus and the other to the outside. The vaginal wall has numerous folds. The folds are called rugue. Two fleshy rugae cover the vagina. These are called labia majora and labia minora. Above the labia majora lies the sensitive clitoris. Virgin girls have a hymen in their vagina.
work
(i) Accepts penis of any size during copulation.
(ii) Secretes mucous substances which make intercourse pleasant.
(iii) Contains semen.
(R) Facilitates labor by dilating the child.
5. External genetalia
(i) Bartholin’s or vestibular glands: There is one Bartholin’s or vestibular gland on both sides of the vagina. It secretes a slippery substance during intercourse.
(ii) Mons veneris or mons piubis: The labia majora is formed by accumulation of fat on top. It is called mons veneris or mons pubis.