Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system includes the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. These organs enable women to have sexual intercourse, produce egg (ova), nourish and protect the developing fertilized egg, and give birth to a baby. In short, the female reproductive organs provide the necessary environment and nutrients for normal development, birth, nursing, health, and survival of the baby. Unlike the male reproductive organs, the female reproductive system is located mostly inside the body within the pelvis. The external part of the female organ, called the vulva, is located between the thighs. The vulva is hairy in adults and covers the opening to the vagina and other reproductive organs and tissues located inside the female body. The vagina is a hollow muscular tube about 3 to 5 inches (8 to 12 centimeters) long in grown women, which extends from the vaginal opening to the uterus. The opening to the vagina is surrounded by two pairs of skin flaps called the labia. Located at the front of the vulva where the folds of the labia join, is the small sensitive clitoris. The vagina can expand and contract because of its muscular walls. The vagina is designed by God to distend and envelop the male penis during sexual intercourse. It also serves as a receptacle for sperm; serves as the birth canal during childbirth; and provide the route for menstrual blood to leave the body from the uterus. Mucous membranes lining the muscular walls of the vagina keep this wonderful female organ moist and protect it from abrasion and injury during sexual intercourse and childbirth. Inside the vagina, located between the labia, is the opening to the urethra which carries urine out of the body. The pleasures derived by both males and females during sexual intercourse, as well as the miracle of childbirth depend mostly on the normal structure and function of the vagina.