The Structure And Function Of Each Part Of The Female Reproductive System

The Structure And Function Of Each Part Of The Female Reproductive System

Polite notice: This page contains diagrams of the reproductive organs of males and females (private parts). It is for educational purposes on cancers that arise in those areas. Please ensure that when visiting the page, there is a sense of manners. We understand that in some cultures, there would be discomfort, but it is important to be aware of information about cancer.

The female reproductive system is divided into INTERNAL GENITALIA and EXTERNAL GENITALIA.

Genitalia – This is in reference to the reproductive organs.

Internal – Deep Inside

External – Outside or Outer structures

External Genitalia

Supporting Images For External Genitalia

Internal Genitalia

Cervix

Vagina

Womb

Ovaries

What Hormones Are Secreted By The Ovaries?

The Fallopian Tubes

The Female Reproductive Tract Glands

Supporting Images And Video Resources For Internal Genitalia

3D Anatomy – Female Reproductive System

Anatomy Zone: The Anatomy Of The Female Reproductive System

The different characteristics of the cervical mucus in the phases of the menstrual cycle

Glycoprotein presence in the cell membrane. The sugar part is found externally, whereas the protein is embedded within the cell membrane and partially inside the cell.

A closer look at the glycoprotein structure.

The transition in the womb, cervix and vagina during labour

The effect of oestrogen, oxytocin and prostaglandins (fatty acids/eicasonoids) on labour.

A schematic diagram that presents the several layers presented in the vaginal lining. The lumen is the centre or passage of the vagina. The mucosa layer consists of glandular cells that secrete a viscous fluid called mucus that lubricates and softens the vaginal lining. There is also a layer of nonkeratinised (no keratin), multilayered (stratified) squamous cells (flat cells) along the epithelium (lining of the vagina and other organs). An imbalance in good and bad bacteria leads to a degradation of mucin proteins that make the mucus on the membrane, as the pathogens stick to the lining and break down through the layers. There is also a release of enzymes like sialidase and orlidase and chemicals like cytolysin that further increases the destruction of the membrane. This leads to growth of bad bacteria and formation of biofilm. A biofilm is an organised layer of microorganisms, e.g., bacteria, yeast, or fungi, on the surface. This causes inflammation, swelling, and redness in the area, dryness, and postmenopausal bleeding.

odor = smell. Discharge = release. KOH = potassium hydroxide. Malodorous = bad smell. Amine = type of chemical group (NH2).

There is a difference between bacterial vaginitis and vaginosis. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. However, vaginosis is the overgrowth of bacteria. One of the main organisms that causes bacterial vaginosis is Gardnerella vaginalis, a type of anaerobic bacterium that does not need oxygen. It can occur in women who are pregnant, experiencing late miscarriage, and premature labour. This type of organism is formed from a transition from good bacteria, Lactobacillus, to anaerobic bacteria. The bacterial shift has risen after interactions with Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Atopobium vaginae. A fishy smell or the presence of thin, grayish-white discharge.

The Amsel criteria are used for diagnosis and include:

• A positive whiff test – this tests for odour or smell

• Vaginal fluid pH greater than 4.5

• The presence of thin and homogeneous discharge

• Microscopic identification of “clue cells”

Whiff Test

A test can be done known as a Whiff test, where a cotton-tipped swab gets a sample of the discharge from the vagina, specifically the posterior fornix, and is added onto the glass microscopic slide.

A single drop of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added onto the sample. KOH is a strong alkali that increases the pH of the sample, where the non-volatile amine salts in the discharge convert into volatile, gaseos form. Volatile means it evaporates or vapourises easily.

Positive Whiff test – fishy smell when adding the KOH solution because the presence of volatile amines suggests a high amount of anaerobic bacteria.

Negative Whiff test – No change in odour

Clue cells

Clue cells are a type of squamous cell (flat) in the vaginal epithelial cells that the bacteria stick to. This can be indicated under the microscope, where overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria can appear stippled or granulated. This can be observed under a microscope in two main types of examinations. Wet mount examination is where a drop of the sample of vaginal discharge is added onto the microscopic slide. It is then mixed with saline and viewed under the microscope. The Gram stain is a discharge on a slide, fixed and stained. Clue cells can appear under the stain.

The clue test forms part of the Amsel criteria. A positive result suggests bacterial vaginosis because the test is highly specific, but sensitivity varies, which may miss cases as a single test alone.

Trichomonas

This is a type of parasite and protozoan that has a flagellum (protein-like structures) to move and affect the vagina, causing inflammation and vaginal discharge. The presence of trichomonads, poor odour and pH > 4.5.

It can affect moist areas of the body and lead to a condition called thrush, such as the mouth (oral) and vagina. In relation to vaginitis, it can affect the labia (skin folds) and vagina, causing cheese-like discharge and itchiness (pruritus).

Candida albicans (yeast/fungi)

Pseudohyphae have a tube-like filament structure which they begin from a single cell to a longer form. They create increased growth or sequential budding of yeast cells. They have an uneven, chain-like appearance in comparison to hyphae that have parallel walls. The presence of pseudohyphae and a pH outside the normal range (3.8 to 4.2).

Spiral arteries – Basal arteries – Radial arteries – Arcuate arteries -Uterine arteries – Ovarian arteries.
The two main blood supplies are provided by the arteries present in the uterus (womb) and the ovary. In the endometrium, there are coiled-shaped blood vessels called spiral arteries in the endometrial surface that provide the upper surface of the endometrium. The spiral arteries are formed in the following manner: The uterine arteries enter the muscle layer of the womb (myometrium), the middle layer of the womb. These branch out into arcuate arteries, then further into radial arteries, then basal arteries that provide nutrients to the basal layer of the endometrium, which is needed to recover and regenerate after its shedding during the period (menstruation). The spiral arteries are in the endometrium, specifically the subepithelial capillary plexus, where each spiral artery provides 4 to 9 millimetre squared of the endometrial surface.

Through computed tomography (CT scan), the ovarian veins are useful indicator to identify the ovaries to for any suspected pelvic mass especially if the gonadal vein has increased in size.

Through computed tomography (CT scan), the ovarian vein can be indicated through the inferior mesenteric artery, which is surrounded by fat in the retroperitoneum (behind the peritoneum [double layer]) adjacent to the abdominal aorta, and in the pelvis that is medial to the external iliac blood vessels.

An alternative presentation of the mesenteric arteries.

Types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria

The ovary ligaments keeps the ovaries in position.

There are a range of ligaments that keeps the ovary in position. Mesosalpinx is a fold of peritoneum that surrounds the fallopian tubes/uterine tubes/oviduct. It is above the broad ligament that surrounds the uterus. Mesovarium is a double layer of peritoneium that contains blood, lymph vessels and nerves that supply the organ. Mesometrium is a form of broad ligament of the uterus. It contains connective tissue that carries blood vessels to the uterus and attaches to the pelvic/abdominal/belly wall.

Additional ligaments that surround the urinary and reproductive area (urogenital area). Round ligaments are fibromuscular bands attached to the uterus (womb). Each round ligament passes forward and laterally between the layers of the broad ligament to enter the deep inguinal ring. Cardinal ligaments are made of connective tissue and smooth muscle fibres. Their role is to provide support for the womb during contractions. Uterosacral ligaments are a posterior part of the peritoneum. It initiates from the sacrum of the spine on either side of the rectum. Ureters are the tube-like structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

Pelvis, Fascias, Muscles, Blood Supply And Nerves

Pelvis and the Fascia

Nerves and Pudendal Blood Vessels

Blood vessels and nerves Download

To learn more, visit:

Nerve Supply of female genital tract By Dr. Shivani Siddhpura

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/nerve-supply-of-female-genital-tract-edited-pptx/272141564

References

Anatomy.co.uk (2025) Fimbriae. Available at: https://anatomy.co.uk/fimbriae. Accessed (2^nd September 2026)

Basic Medical Key (2016) 5. Gynecologic and Obstetric Surgery. Available at: https://basicmedicalkey.com/5-gynecologic-and-obstetric-surgery/ (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Biology Insights (2025) What Is a Whiff Test and How Is It Performed?. Available at: https://biologyinsights.com/what-is-a-whiff-test-and-how-is-it-performed/ (Accessed: 29^th August 2026)

Cassidy, J., Bissett, D., Spene, R. and Payne, M. (2010) Oxford Handbook of Oncology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

CDC (2024) Gynecologic Cancers Basics. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/index.html (Accessed: 10^th August 2026)

Chumduri, C. and Turco, M.Y. (2021). Organoids of the female reproductive tract. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 99(4), pp.531–553. doi:10.1007/s00109-020-02028-0.

Ditki (n.d.) Vulva and Superficial Perineal Pouch. Available at: https://ditki.com/course/gross-anatomy/glossary/gross-anatomic-microscopic-structure/superficial-perineal-pouch-pudendum-female (Accessed: 17th August 2026)

Elsevier (2026a) Parietal Pelvic Fascia. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/parietal-pelvic-fascia/20727 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (2026b) Obturator Fascia (Left). Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/obturator-fascia-left/17054 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (2026c) Piriformis Fascia (Left). Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/piriformis-fascia-left/20712 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (2026d) Tendinous Arch of Levator Ani. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/tendinous-arch-of-levator-ani/20558 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (2026e) Presacral Fascia. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/presacral-fascia/19086 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (2026f) Rectosacral Fascia. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/rectosacral-fascia/23799 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (2026g) Diaphragmatic Fascia. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/connective-tissue/fasciae/diaphragmatic-fascia/20666 (Accessed: 1^st September 2026)

Elsevier (n.d.) Vaginal Nerves (Right). Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/nervous-system/peripheral-nervous-system/vaginal-nerves-right/22047#section-contributing-nerves-1 (Accessed: 8^th September 2026)

Hacking, C. (2022) Gonadal Vein Available at: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/gonadal-vein (Accessed: 7^th August 2026)

Jones, O. (n.d.) Bartholin’s Cyst and Abscess. Available at: https://teachmeobgyn.com/gynaecology/vaginal-vulval/bartholins-cyst-abscess/ (Accessed: 17th August 2026)

Karki, K. (2023) Clue Cells and Bacterial Vaginosis. Available at: https://microbenotes.com/clue-cells/ (Accessed: 29^th August 2026)

Mónica Brauer, M. and Smith, P.G. (2015). Estrogen and female reproductive tract innervation: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of autonomic neuroplasticity. Autonomic Neuroscience, 187, pp.1–17. doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2014.11.009.

Morrison, J., Baldwin, P., Hanna, L., Andreou, A., Buckley, L., Durrant, L., Edey, K., Faruqi, A., Fotopoulou, C., Ganesan, R., Hillaby, K. and Taylor, A. (2024). British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) vulval cancer guidelines: An update on recommendations for practice 2023. PubMed, 292, pp.210–238. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.11.013.

Namwanje, M. and Brown, C.W. (2016). Activins and inhibins: Roles in development, physiology, and disease. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 8(7), p.a021881. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a021881.

National Cancer Insitute (2024) What is Vulvar Cancer? Available at; https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/what-is-vulvar-cancer (Accessed: 7th August 2026)

National Cancer Institute (2024) Vulvar Cancer Causes and risk factors. Available at; https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/causes-risk-factors (Accessed: 7th August 2026)

National Cancer Institute (n.d) endocervical canal. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/endocervical-canal (Accessed: 29^th August 2026)

Rosner, J., Samardzic, T. and Sarao, M. (2024) Physiology, Female reproduction. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537132/ (Accessed: 14^th August 2026)

Science Insights (2025) Hyphae vs. Pseudohyphae: Key Differences in Medical Contexts. Available at: https://scienceinsights.org/hyphae-vs-pseudohyphae-key-differences-in-medical-contexts/ (Accessed: 29^th August 2026)

Seladi-Schulman, J. (2026) Everything to Know About Female Reproductive Organs. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/female-reproductive-organs (Accessed: 7^th August 2026)

The Eve Appeal (2026) Gynaecological cancers. Available at: https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/gynaecological-cancers/ (Accessed: 7^th August 2026)

The Eve Appeal (2026) Vaginal Cancer. Available at: https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/gynaecological-cancers/vaginal-cancer/ (AccessedL 7^th August 2026)

The Eve Appeal (2026) Vulval cancer Available at; https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/gynaecological-cancers/vulval-cancer/  (Accessed: 7th August 2026)

The Eve Appeal (n.d.) Womb Cancer Available at: https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/gynaecological-cancers/womb-cancer/ (Accessed: 7^th August 2026)

Thompson, L. (n.d.) The Vulva. Available at; https://teachmeanatomy.info/pelvis/female-reproductive-tract/the-vulva/ (AccessedL 7th August 2026)

Supporting Images And Videos Of Pelvis, Fascia, Muscles, Blood Supply And Nerves

The obturator fascia attaches to the back part of the pubis, the arcuate line of the ilium, and is continuous with the piriformis fascia. The surrounding structures near the obturator internus muscle include various muscles like the levator ani muscles with the arch [iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, puborectalis], coccygeus muscle, and anococcygeal ligament near the ischial spine. All three subtypes of the levator ani muscles vary in thickness and strength as they blend with the muscle fibers of the vagina and rectum.
The pubovaginal fibers are directly below the bladder. This helps to release the urine/pee/wee from the body, and this process is known as micturition.
The pubococcygeal fibers help to control the movement of the coccyx by pulling it forward to help close the pelvic outlet. The pelvic outlet is further closed by the contraction of the pubococcygeal fibers, where it pulls the rectum, vagina, and bladder neck up towards the symphysis pubis. Other roles of the pubococcygeal fibers is the flexure at the rectum-anus junction (anorectal).
The removal of faeces/poo and straightening of the anorectal junction is achieved when the pubococcygeal fibers relax.
During childbirth/parturition, the levator ani muscles together help the foetal head to the lower part of the passageway (cervix/vagina).

A closer image that illustrates the muscles in the obturator fascia that extend to the piriformis muscle.

Transverse image presenting the fascias that surround the peritoneal cavity and abdomen. Superficial fascia consists of Camper’s (fatty layer) and Scarpa’s (Membranous layer) below the skin. Aponeuroses are thin and strong fibrous sheets of tissue that replace tendons in muscles that are flat and sheet-like. They have a wide area of attachment to bones. Some of the muscles are present in the left flank and inguinal region of the abdomen. The transversus abdominis muscle is surrounded by the transversus fascia. Oblique muscles are covered by parietal fascia. Extraperitoneal fascia covers the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin layer of serous membrane that consists of two layers: parietal and visceral. The parietal peritoneum is located on the abdominal wall, whereas the visceral peritoneum is what covers the abdominal organs, for instance, the stomach, liver, intestines, gall bladder. It also covers the urogenital areas (bladder and reproductive organs), which are covered by the pelvic fascia.

The anterior image of the oblique muscles. The external oblique muscle is presence in the right, and the internal oblique muscle is on the left.

Lateral view of the oblique muscles. There are two types: external and internal. The external oblique covers some of the ribs, the anterior half of the iliac crest, the inguinal ligament, the pubic tubercle, and the aponeurosis of the rectus sheath. It is present on the side and front of the abdomen. The internal oblique is under the external oblique in a different direction. The transvers abdominance are under the obliques and consists of abdominal muscles that help with movement and protection.

Transverse image of the oblique and transversus abdominus. The intercostal nerve is between the internal oblique muscle and transversus abdominus muscle. The transversalis fascia covers the transversus abdominus muscle. There are three transversalis fascia layers that is leaving the neurovascular bundles intact. The rectus abdominus muscle is covered with the rectus fibrous sheath. The rectus abdominus is a long, flat muscle that extends bilaterally along the front of the abdomen (belly).

The front and back view of the perineal membran and body

The importance of the muscles of the perineal cavity with the clitoris \\\\\\\\

The male and female muscles in the perineal cavity

The sagittal image of the endopelvis of a female person and an anterior image of the endoabdominal pelvis area of a male person.

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The Structure And Function Of Each Part Of The Female Reproductive System