Female Genital Anatomy

In the female genital anatomy, internal and external organs can be distinguished. The internal female genital organs consist of the ovary, the Fallopian tube, the uterus, the vagina, and the epoophoron. On the other hand, the external genital organs of women are the anatomical parts which lie exteriorly and can easily be observed, such as the vulva, clitoris, and the orifice of female urethra.

Internal Organs

Ovary– A paired almond-shaped organ lying on each side of the uterus. Not only did it produce the ova (egg cell) but it also releases the two feminine hormones: estrogen and progestorone. It is connected to the Fallopian tube through which the egg cell travels to the uterus.

Fallopian tube– A paired duct which stretches laterally from the uterus, with its lateral end curving downwards to partially surround the ovary. It is carries the female mature cell into the uterus to be fertilized.

Uterus– It is a hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ in which the ova get fertilized by the sperm cell, with the subsequent development of the embryo and fetus for nine months.

Vagina– A muscular genital canal, lined with mucous membrane, for the sexual intercourse between a female and the male and the birth of the fetus. Anatomically, it is the continuation of the uterus cervix. It is approximately 8 cm in length.

Epoophoron– A cluster of rudimentary tubules and ducts in the layers of the broad ligament of the uterus, near the mesosalpinx (below the Fallopian tube).

External Organs

Vulva– It  consists of the mons pubis, and the labia majora and minora, which are the outer and inner folds lying on each side of the orifice of the vagina.

Clitoris– A small, round erectile protrusion which ends up in the glans. It is highly sensitive and a source of pleasure when it is gently touched. It is the equivalent to the penis in male, originating from a phallic outgrowth, which is called the genital tubercle.

Female Urethra Orifice– It lies right above the orifice of the vagina.

Blood Supply

The internal genital organs (ovary, Fallopian tube, uterus, epoophoron, and ligaments) receive oxygenated blood from the ovarian artery (which arises straight from the abdominal aorta), from the uterine artery (which originates from the internal iliac), and from the vaginal artery (also from the internal iliac). Meanwhile, the external genital organs are supplied by branches of the internal pudendal artery, which springs from the internal iliac.

Below, a picture showing the female internal organs

Below, the female external genital organs