Variants of female genital organs. Classification of genital organs

In living nature, everything is individual, and on the entire globe, for example, there are not even two identical leaves. The male genital organs (length and thickness of the penis) are different, but the female genital organs are even more diverse. In addition to the topographic position of the slit (queen, sipovka, palm), the genital organs of women also differ in the size of the vagina (length, width), the position of the clitoris relative to the vagina (high, low), the size of the clitoris (large, small), the size and design of the labia , especially small ones, by the degree of moistening of the vagina with juice during sexual arousal (dry and excessively wet vagina), as well as by the plane in which the woman’s genital tube is compressed.

Classification according to L. Ya. Jacobson:
- VIRGIN - a girl’s sexual organ untouched by men (in Polish “Pervachka”).
- VICTILE - a genital organ with an extensible hymen that persists until childbirth.
- CHILIAN - a girl's sexual organ without a hymen. Found in India, Brazil, Chile. This is explained by the fact that mothers in these countries wash little girls so vigorously that the hymen is completely destroyed in early childhood.
- EVA - a vulva with a large clitoris (6-8 cm or more), women with a large clitoris are less intelligent, but more sensitive.
- MILKA - the vulva with the clitoris located close to the entrance to the vagina (low) and rubbing directly with the man’s penis during sexual intercourse. Women with Milka are easily satisfied; during sexual intercourse they almost do not require affection.
- PAVA - vulva with a high located clitoris. During sexual intercourse, such a vulva is in exceptional need of caresses, since its clitoris does not rub directly against the man’s penis (but rubs against other parts of the man’s body, which greatly reduces feelings).
- ZAMAZULYA - vulva with abundant juice secretion during sexual arousal of a woman. It causes discomfort in the sexual partner and often leads a man to refuse intercourse.
- DRUPE - an underdeveloped flat external organ of a woman with infantile labia. It is found, as a rule, in thin women with a narrow pelvis; almost all Drupes are Sipovki, that is, they have a low location of the genitals. The drupe is one of the most unattractive genitals for men.
- MONKEY - a female sexual organ with an abnormally long clitoris, more than 3 cm. It is named so because in some monkeys the clitoris reaches a length of 7 cm and is often longer than the male penis.
- HOTTENDOT APRON - a woman's genital organ with overdeveloped labia, covering the entrance to the vagina and hanging beyond the labia majora. This organ pathology can develop as a result of excessive female masturbation on the labia.
- PRINCESS - the most beautiful female genital organ with a well-developed clitoris, labia minora in the form of a pink flower bud above the entrance to the vagina. The princess is the most beloved by men, the most attractive and convenient female sexual organ for intercourse in any position. With good hormonal secretion, a woman with a Princess is able to receive and give a man inexpressible pleasure. In addition, the small size of the reproductive tube, which also attracts men. The princess is found only in short (but of average height women inclusive) women with full hips, developed breasts and a wide pelvis.

Half-princess, half-druce, half-ev, etc. organs occupy an intermediate position.

This classification of the appearance of the vulva. Some authors also mention transverse vulvas, vulvas of the “Mongolian type”. But the size of the genital organs of women and men has no less importance on the course of sexual intercourse. Even the most naive people understand that the size of all female vaginas or male genital organs may not be the same.

These sizes are described by the following classification (Jacobson):
- Manila - vagina up to 7 cm long (attracts men)
- Swan 8-9 cm
- Guinea fowl 10 cm
- Durilka 11-12 cm
- Manda 13 cm or more.
- Khmelevka - vagina 2.5 cm wide (gives men hops)
- Enchantress 3 cm (enchants men)
- Sweetening 3.5 cm (sweetening during intercourse)
- Lyubava 4 cm
- Hetera - 5 cm or more (as prostitutes were called in ancient times).

A bacchante is a female organ with easily excitable erogenous zones that always have a desire for caresses. Such an organ is popularly called a “hot vulva” (tskheli muteli in Georgian).
-Forget-me-not is a nulliparous female organ.
-The bride is a one-woman vulva, that is, a female organ that has known the caress of only one man.
-Chamomile is a girl’s genital organ before the onset of her first menstruation and hair growth.
-Madonna is the vulva experiencing sexual intercourse for the first time.
-The drinking bowl is the sexual organ of a depraved woman.

As you can see, the names are quite accurate. Of course, the above terminology did not cover the entire variety of distinctive features of the genital organs, especially female ones, as they are incomparably more complex in their structure.

The internal genital organs also vary greatly among women. Different inclination of the reproductive tube relative to the pelvis, different angles of the vagina with the cervix, different size and location of the uterus, the degree of its mobility - this is not a complete list of the internal diversity of the female genital organs. Since copulation is affected not only by such parameters of the female organs as the width and length of the vagina, but also by its inclination, the degree of hydration and, even to some extent, the acidity of the vagina, then you will understand that there are no two identical vulvas in the world, that two billion women on earth are the same number of genitals, which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

About the distribution of one or another type of female genital organ. Let me make a reservation in advance that the frequency with which this or that type of female vulva occurs varies among different nations. The names of vulvas I have given, depending on the length and width of the vagina, are valid for the peoples of Europe, including Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Russia.

They are found in Europe with the following probability: Eve - one in twenty vulvas, Milka - one in thirty vulvas, Pava - very common, Drupe - quite common, in Europe each of the 6 vulvas is a Drupe, and among some peoples and more often, Khmelevka - one for 70 vulvas, Manilka - one for 90 vulvas, Swan - one for 12 vulvas, Enchantress - one for 15 vulvas. As for the Princess - the most charming female organ, looking at which even women experience aesthetic pleasure, not to mention men, they occur with a probability of one in 50 vulvas.

Sexologists, however, note that in certain nations one or another type of female organ may predominate. So, for example, it is no secret that Greek, French and Italian women have a predominance of narrow and short vaginas (among them there is a high percentage of Khmelevok, Manilok, Lebedushek, Enchantress). Women of African nationalities, as well as black and mulatto women of the American continent, have long vaginas. Among Georgians, Spanish and German women, drupes predominate. It can be added that every nation necessarily has all the types of genital organs described above.

Sexual intercourse is a mechanism of complex interaction between male and female genital organs. The anatomy of intimacy ensures the union of the egg and sperm, resulting in conception. For a better understanding, let's look at what happens during sex.

Anatomical features of organs

Before we begin to consider the anatomy of sexual intercourse, it is necessary to remember how the male and female reproductive systems work. It is also necessary to understand the function of each component of the reproductive system. First, let's look at the female genitals.

• Ovaries.

These are paired glands located in the pelvic cavity. Their function is to secrete female sex hormones. The maturation of the egg also occurs in them.

• Fallopian, or uterine, tubes.

The fallopian tubes are a paired, tubular-shaped structure. With their help, the uterine cavity is connected to the abdominal cavity.

• Uterus.

The hollow organ is a reservoir for gestation. The structure of the organ is divided into the neck, isthmus and body.
Female reproductive system.

• Vagina.

This is a muscular organ that is a tube that connects to the uterus. When excited, the walls are abundantly lubricated with the secretion of the vaginal and Bartholin glands, as well as with plasma penetrating from the blood vessels. The muscular layer of the organ allows the vagina to stretch to the desired size. This anatomical fact is important during sexual intercourse and during childbirth.

• Labia majora and labia minora.

They are located along the edges of the genital slit, thus covering and protecting the vagina. These structures are rich in sensory nerve endings. The labia minora are well supplied with blood, and during sexual arousal they fill with blood and slightly increase in size.

• Bartholin's glands.

These are the exocrine glands, which are located in the thickness of the labia majora. Their excretory ducts are located in the area of ​​​​the junction of the labia minora and majora, and the secretion is necessary to moisturize the vestibule of the vagina.

• Clitoris.

This is a small tubercle located in the area of ​​the anterior commissure of the labia minora; its main function is to ensure orgasm. During arousal, the clitoris increases in size and swelling.

The organs of the reproductive system in men are also divided into external and internal. Let's look at the structure of the male genital organs. Their anatomy is presented below:

• Testicles.

These are paired glands that are located in the scrotum. The function is to produce testosterone and sperm.

• Seminal vesicles.

Tubular formations with many hollow chambers. They contain nutrients for sperm that ensure their functioning.

• Seminiferous tubules.

Designed to supply blood to the testicles and remove semen from them. Here, spermatozoa are formed from primary germ cells.

Male reproductive system.

• The vas deferens are structures designed to release sperm.
• Penis.

This is the main organ during sexual intercourse. It consists of two cavernous bodies and one spongy body. Anatomically, the head and body of the penis are distinguished. It is important to note that the entire surface of the genital organ is saturated with sensitive receptors. Therefore, this is the main erogenous zone for men.

• Prostate.

This is one of the main glands of the male body. The prostate is involved in the regulation of sexual performance and is responsible for the quality of sperm.

What happens during coitus

To perform sexual intercourse, it is necessary that both the man and the woman are in a state of arousal. In a man, this is manifested by the presence of an erect penis, and in a woman, by an increase in vaginal secretion. The development of arousal is promoted not only by physical factors, such as stimulation of erogenous zones. Psychological and sensory factors take part in the formation of preparation for sexual intercourse.

In response to stimulation of certain areas of the brain and spinal cord, men experience dilation of the blood vessels of the penis. As a result, blood flow increases, the filling of the corpora cavernosa increases, and the sexual organ increases in size and hardens. It is this mechanism that causes the formation of an erection, which makes it possible for the penis to penetrate the vagina.

In women, during arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases and the secretion of glands increases. Through the walls of the numerous blood vessels that encircle the vagina, the liquid part of the blood plasma leaks into its lumen. This anatomy provides moisture to the vaginal mucosa, which facilitates sexual intercourse. It is worth noting that the normal size of the vagina is about 8 cm, but due to its elasticity at the time of intercourse, the organ can expand and change shape, adapting to the size of the penis.

To perform sexual intercourse, it is necessary that both the man and the woman are in a state of arousal.

The very process of inserting the penis into the vagina is an even greater stimulator of sexual activity. Then the man begins to perform frictions. These are back-and-forth movements performed by the pelvis, as a result of which mutual sexual stimulation occurs. The anatomy of women is designed in such a way that stimulation of the cervix, vagina and clitoris brings maximum satisfaction. In men, the peak of sexual pleasure is observed with direct irritation of the glans penis.

Sexual intercourse ends with the achievement of orgasm. In men, contractions of the intimate muscles lead to the release of sperm. Seminal fluid is secreted in several portions. The female reproductive system is such that at the moment of orgasm, muscle contractions prevent the flow of seminal fluid and promote its movement to the cervix. Subsequently, the sperm enters the uterine cavity, then from the area of ​​its fundus penetrates the fallopian tubes.

If sexual intercourse occurs during the period of ovulation, then the probability of fertilization of the egg is high. Normally, conception occurs in the fallopian tube, and only then the fertilized egg descends into the uterus, where it is implanted.

The physiology of sexual intercourse is a complex process of interaction between all organs of the reproductive system, as well as a cascade of biochemical processes. To understand the mechanism of sexual intercourse, it is necessary to clearly understand how the reproductive system works in men and women. This will help you better understand your feelings and find the key to achieving maximum pleasure for your partner.

For normal sexual intercourse, sufficient development of the external genitalia is necessary, which allows free insertion of the penis into the vagina. A woman who has reached puberty must have genitals that are properly developed and formed in accordance with her age.

The female genital organs are divided into external and internal.

The external genitalia include the pubis, labia majora, labia minora, vaginal opening (vestibule) and clitoris.

Pubis (mons veneris). The pubis is the area of ​​the lower part of the abdominal wall, located in the form of a triangle between the two groin folds. The lower corner of this triangle gradually turns into the labia majora.

Ovary

The ovary (ovarium) is the female sex gland (female gonad), is a paired organ and has two mutually related functions: generative and hormonal.

The shape and size of the ovary are very variable and depend on age, physiological conditions and individual characteristics. Of course, in shape and size it is compared to a small plum. It is attached by a short duplication of the peritoneum (mesovary) to the posterior sheet of the broad ligament. Vessels and nerves enter the ovary from the mesovarium. The ovary is connected to the uterus by the ligament lig. ovarii proprium.

The ovary is fixed to the lateral surface of the pelvis by the ligament. infundibulo-pel-vicum. During childbearing age, the surface of the ovary is smooth, but in older women it becomes wrinkled.

The ovary consists of vaguely demarcated outer - cortical and inner - medulla layers. The first horseshoe-shaped covers the second, and there is no cortex only on the side of the ovarian gate (hilus ovarii), through which the last of the mesosalpinx is provided with vessels. The medulla of the ovaries contains only a large number of blood vessels. The cortical layer consists of a connective tissue base - stroma and parenchyma - epithelial elements. The ovarian stroma is formed from small oval or spindle-shaped cells located among collagen fibers. From them, during the process of differentiation, theca cells are formed. The stroma also contains blood vessels and nerve endings.

The ovarian parenchyma in women of childbearing age consists of primordial follicles, small and large maturing follicles and a mature follicle ready for ovulation, atretic follicles and corpus luteum of various stages of development.

The ovarian hilum and mesovarium contain cells resembling the Leydig cells of the testis. These cells are detected in 80% of the ovaries and, according to a number of researchers, are the source of androgen release.

The cortex in a child's ovary is very thick. In old women, on the contrary, the medulla occupies most of the section, and the cortical layer is very thin or absent at all. The number of follicles in the ovary varies widely. Thus, the number of primordial follicles in the ovary of a newborn girl averages from 100,000 to 400,000 Pa; the beginning of puberty, their number decreases to 30,000-50,000. At the age of 45 years, the number of primordial follicles decreases on average to 1000. During the life of a woman, she matures 300-600 follicles. All others experience physiological atresia at various stages of development.

It is generally accepted that the first full maturation of follicles occurs at the time of the first menstruation. However, regular maturation of follicles followed by ovulation is established at the age of 16-17 years. During menopause, the ovary significantly decreases in size, and there is a tendency toward small cystic degeneration. 3-4 years later, functional rest of the ovary occurs.

As we have already noted, the gonads (ovaries) perform a dual role in a woman’s body. On the one hand, they carry out a generative function, producing germ cells, and on the other, they form sex hormones. The latter actively influence the growth, metabolism, formation of external features, temperament and performance of a woman.

Pipes

The tube (tubae Fallopii) is the excretory duct for the ovary. They extend from the uterus at its upper corner and are a bent tube about 12 cm long, which ends with a free opening into the abdominal cavity near the ovary. This hole is surrounded by a rim.

One of the fimbriae reaches the ovary, attaches to its upper pole and is called fimbria ovalica. The entire tube is covered by peritoneum, which is the upper edge of the broad ligament. The upper part of the broad ligament, located between the tube, the ovary and the latter's own ligament, is called the mesosalpinx. The mucous membrane of the tube is thin, folded, covered with a single-layer high cylindrical ciliated epithelium. The wall of the tube, in addition to the serous cover, consists of muscle elements, layers of connective tissue and blood vessels. The tube has the ability to contract peristaltically.

Uterus

The uterus (uterus) is a pear-shaped muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and rectum.

• The uterus of an adult woman who has not given birth weighs 30-40 g, and that of a woman who has given birth weighs 60-80 g.
• There are such parts of the uterus as the body (corpus uteri), the cervix (cervix uteri) and the isthmus (isthmus uteri).

The body of the uterus in a mature woman is the largest part of these three. Its anterior surface is less convex than its posterior one. The cervix in a normally developed woman is a cylindrical body that fits into the lumen of the vagina.

An integral part of the cervix is ​​the cervical canal (canaIis cervicalis), which connects the uterine cavity with the vaginal cavity. From the side of the uterine cavity it begins with the internal os, and from the side of the vagina it ends with the external os. The external pharynx of a woman who has not given birth has the shape of a round depression, while in the case of a woman who has given birth, it has the shape of a transverse slit.

The uterine cavity in the frontal section has a triangular shape, the upper corners of which pass into the lumens of the tubes, the lower corner is directed to the area of ​​the internal pharynx. Since the anterior wall of the uterus is directly adjacent to the posterior one, then, in fact, in non-pregnant women there is no uterine cavity, but there is a narrow gap.

The wall consists of a mucous membrane covering the uterine cavity and the cervical canal, a muscular wall and peritoneum covering a large part of the uterus.

The mucous membrane of the uterus has a smooth surface. In the cervical canal, the mucous membrane lies in folds, especially pronounced on the uteruses of little girls. These folds form tree-like figures called arbor vitae. In women who have not given birth, they are very mildly expressed and appear only in the cervical canal.

It contains glands that produce mucus, which clogs the external opening of the cervix. This mucous (kristeller's) plug protects the uterine cavity from infection. During sexual intercourse, the mucus plug can be pushed out by contraction of the muscles of the uterus. This improves the possibility of sperm penetration into the uterus, but is by no means a prerequisite for fertilization, since sperm freely penetrate through it.

The histological structure of the uterine mucosa depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. The main mass of the uterus consists of smooth muscle with layers of connective tissue and elastic fibers. The body of the uterus contains more muscle than elastic tissue, while the cervix and isthmus, on the contrary, consist almost entirely of connective tissue and elastic fibers.

The peritoneum (perimetrium) covers the uterus in front and along its posterior surface. Along the anterior surface it descends to the level of the internal pharynx, and from there it passes to the bladder. On the posterior surface of the peritoneum it reaches the fornix of the uterus. On the sides it forms two leaves, which make up a wide connection. The latter reaches the walls of the pelvis, where it passes into the peritoneum parietale. The uterus is held in its position by connections through which, in addition, blood vessels approach it and nourish it. The upper edge of the wide ligament contains pipes. The broad ligament also contains a number of facial thickenings that form the following connections: lig. ovarii proprium, Hg. suspensorium ovarii, lig. rotundum, lig. cardinale, lig. sacro-uterinum.

In addition to the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus, the pelvic floor is of great importance for the normal position of the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor (diaphragma pelvis) is a complex complex of muscles and fascia arranged in three layers. This system closes the abdominal cavity from below, leaving only a lumen for the passage of the urethra, vagina and rectum.

Vagina

The vagina (vagina) in its structure is a tube flattened from front to back, starting from the vestibule of the vagina and ending at the top with arches (anterior, posterior and lateral), with which it is attached to the cervix. On the one hand, the vagina is an organ of copulation, on the other hand, it is an excretory canal for maintaining the uterus during menstruation and childbirth. The walls of the vagina consist of a mucous membrane covered with stratified squamous epithelium, subepithelial connective tissue, which contains many elastic fibers and an outer muscular layer.

Due to this structure, the vagina can stretch significantly. Its length varies, reaching an average of 7-10 cm. The vaginal mucosa has a folded character. The folds are especially developed along the midline on both the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina. Transverse folds form a ribbed surface, providing friction during sexual intercourse.

The entire set of transverse folds is called folded columns (columna rugarum). Columna gigarum are well developed in young years. Over time, after repeated births, they smooth out significantly, the mucous membrane becomes thinner, and in older women it becomes thin and smooth. The vaginal mucosa has glands. The contents of the vagina consists of a small amount of transudate, which is mixed with desquamated squamous epithelium, mucus from the cervical canal and liquid secretion from the uterine cavity. In a healthy woman, vaginal secretion has a slightly acidic reaction (pH is 3.86-4.45). Due to the fact that the vagina communicates with the surface of the body, it contains bacterial flora of various forms.

Due to the fact that the anterior wall of the vagina is directly adjacent to the posterior one, the lumen of the vagina is a capillary slit, which has an H-shape in cross section and borders the urethra and bladder in front. Behind the vagina lies the rectum.

Clitoris

The clitoris (clitoris) is a female reproductive organ, capable of erection and similar to the male penis. It is located in front of the urethra and consists of legs, body and head. All parts of the clitoris are formed from cavernous tissue. One-third of the corpora cavernosa are fused together and form the free part of the clitoris, and its posterior parts diverge and are attached to the descending branches of the lateral bones.

The free part of the clitoris is covered with movable skin and forms a frenulum.

Due to the large number of nerve elements, the clitoris plays the role of a sensory organ during sexual intercourse. At rest the clitoris is ke. visible because it is covered by a fold of skin. Only with irritation, when the cavernous bodies of the clitoris are filled with blood, does it protrude under the skin fold.

The internal genital organs include the vagina, uterus, tubes and ovaries.

Vaginal vestibule

The vestibule of the vagina (vestibulum) is part of the vulva, limited by the labia minora. It is closed in front by the clitoris, behind by the frenulum, and on top by the hymen. In the anterior part of the vestibule, the urethra (orificium urethrae externum) opens. From the vaginal cavity vestibulum is the solitary hymen (hymen, valvula vaginae).

The hymen is a duplication of the vaginal mucosa; its size, shape and thickness can be very diverse.

As numerous observations show, a common form of the hymen is ring-shaped with the following varieties: semilunar (semilunaris), ring-shaped (annularis), tubular (tubiformis), funnel-shaped (infundibuloformis), labiform (Iabialis) - they are one hole with an equal, smooth edge.

The second sign that forms the basis of the classification is unevenness of the free edge: the vestibule of the vagina can be fringed, jagged, spiral, patchwork.

The third type is characterized by the presence of not one, but several holes or their complete absence. This includes the very rare, so-called non-vocal, or blind, hymen and the more commonly observed bi-, trivicontal or ethmoid hymen, when there are more than three openings.

During the first sexual intercourse, defloration occurs - the hymen is torn. As a result, it has long received this name. The hymen is usually torn in a radial direction, most often on the sides. However, there is also a one-sided gap. It is not always easy to diagnose the integrity of the hymen, since in some cases it does not tear during sexual intercourse. At the same time, it often has cracks in the state of virginity, which are difficult to distinguish from cracks during defloration sub coitu. After childbirth, the hymen is completely destroyed, and its remains in the form of scar papillae are called carunculae hymenales (myrtiformes).

Labia minora

The labia minora (labia minora) are thin, leaf-shaped folds. They are contained in the middle of the genital slit, starting from the skin of the clitoris and stretching along the base! labia majora back, not reaching the end of the slit and ending mainly at the level of the middle and lower thirds of the labia majora. The labia minora are separated by a groove from the labia majora. In women who have not given birth, they are connected at the back in the form of a thin fold.

With normally developed genitals, the small lips are covered by the large ones. In women who have been sexually active for a long time, or during normal masturbation, the labia minora can become significantly hypertrophied and become noticeable along the entire length of the genital slit. Changes in the small lips and their coarsening, asymmetry, when one of them is much larger than the other, often indicate that these changes arose as a result of masturbation. Congenital enlargement of the labia minora is quite rare.

Under the base of the labia minora there are dense venous formations on both sides, reminiscent of the cavernous bodies of the male genital organs.

Labia majora

The labia majora (labia majora, labia pudenda externa) are folds of skin between which the genital slit is located. The large lips have the greatest height and width at the top. At the entrance to the vagina they become lower and narrower, and at the perineum they disappear, connecting with each other by a transverse fold called the frenulum of the lips.

Immediately below the frenulum you can see the so-called navicular fossa (fossa navicularis). At the onset of puberty, the labia majora enlarge, the amount of fat and sebaceous glands in them increases, they become elastic, and cover the genital opening more tightly. The inner surface of the lips is smooth, soft pink, moist from the secretion of mucous glands, the secretion of which is associated with the function of the ovaries. The underlying tissue of the labia majora contains many blood and lymphatic vessels.

When the labia majora are stretched, the external female genital organs resemble a funnel-shaped depression, at the bottom of which there are: at the top - the opening of the sechovilus canal, and below it - the entrance to the vagina.

Female pubis

The pubis has well-defined subcutaneous tissue. The entire pubic area is covered with hair, most often the same color as on the head, but coarser. Of course, for women, the upper border of the hair forms a horizontal line.

Often women have the male type of hairiness, when hair growth extends from the midline of the abdomen, to the navel. This type of hairiness in women is a sign of insufficient development - infantilism. With old age, pubic fat gradually disappears.

In all world cultures, the function of reproduction, procreation, is considered one of the main ones. The male and female reproductive systems have different structures, but perform one task: to form sex cells - gametes, the fusion of which at the moment of fertilization will make it possible to develop the future human body. This article is devoted to the study of the structure and function of the female reproductive system.

General characteristics of a woman’s reproductive organs

The female reproductive system includes the external and internal genital organs, which are also called reproductive organs.

The external ones, called the vulva, are visually sufficiently expressed - these are the pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris and the entrance to the vagina (vagina), closed by an elastic hymen called the hymen. Let's study the external organs of the female reproductive system in more detail.

The structure of the pubis

The lower abdomen at the level of the pubis (pubic bone) forms the pubis. The bone itself, in an anatomically correct position, hangs over the entrance to the vagina and has the appearance of an arch. Externally, the pubis has a roll-like shape, forming an elevation. A layer of fat forms under his skin. On the outside, hair forms on it. It has a clearly defined horizontal border. If a woman’s body produces an excess amount of androgens - male sex hormones, the hairline increases and rises upward at an acute angle to the navel. Pathology of pubic hair is a sign of sexual development.

Labia majora and labia minora

From the pubis to the anus there are two folds of skin - the labia majora, which have outer hair and a layer containing the ducts of the Bartholin gland in their connective tissue. It secretes a fluid that moisturizes the female genital organs. If hygiene is poor, harmful microorganisms penetrate the gland tissue and cause inflammation in the form of painful seals.

Under the labia minora are the labia minora, densely intertwined with blood vessels and nerves. In their upper part there is an organ homologous to the male penis - the clitoris. Its growth is inhibited by the hormones of the female reproductive system - estrogens. The clitoris contains a large number of nerves and blood vessels, which means it is highly sensitive. If a girl or woman has greatly enlarged clitoris, this may be a clear sign of hormonal pathology.

Entrance to the vagina

The vulva, in addition to the pubis, labia majora and minora, and clitoris, includes the entrance to the vagina. At a distance of up to 2 centimeters deep from it there is the hymen. It consists of connective tissue and has several holes through which blood flows during menstruation.

Internal reproductive organs of a woman

These include the vagina (vagina), uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. All of them are located in the pelvic cavity. Their functions are the maturation and entry of fertilized female gamete eggs into the uterine cavity. It is from the zygote that the embryo will develop.

Structure of the vagina

The vagina is an elastic tube consisting of muscle and connective tissue. It is located from the genital slit towards the uterus and has a length of 8 to 10 cm. Located in the pelvis, the vagina enters the cervix. It has anterior and posterior walls, as well as a fornix - the upper section of the vagina. The posterior vault of the vagina is deeper than the anterior one.

The vagina is located at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface of the uterus itself. Thus, the internal female genital organs, which include the vagina, are densely intertwined with arterial and venous vessels, as well as nerve fibers. The vagina is separated by a thin connective tissue wall from the bladder. It is called the vesicovaginal septum. The lower part of the vaginal wall is divided posteriorly from the lower part of the large intestine by the perineal body.

Cervix: structure and functions

The vagina enters into a canal called the cervical canal, and the junction itself is the external os. Its shape is different in women who have given birth and those who have not given birth: if the pharynx is dotted-oval, the uterus did not bear the fetus, and the appearance of the gap is characteristic of those who have given birth. The uterus itself is an unpaired hollow muscular organ, consisting of a body and a cervix and located in the pelvis. Considering the structure of the female reproductive system and its functions, it becomes clear that it is responsible for the formation and development of the embryo, as well as for the process of expulsion of the fetus as a result of labor. Let's return to the structure of its lower section - the neck. It is connected to the upper part of the vagina and has the shape of a cone (in nulliparous women) or a cylinder. The vaginal portion of the cervix is ​​up to three centimeters long and is also anatomically divided into anterior and posterior lips. The cervix and pharynx transform as a woman ages.

Inside the cervix is ​​the cervical canal, which ends in the internal os. It is lined with secretory glands that secrete mucus. If its secretion is disrupted, blockage and cyst formation can occur. Mucus has bactericidal properties and prevents infection of the uterine cavity. 4-6 days before the release of the egg from the ovary, the mucus becomes less concentrated, so sperm can easily penetrate through it into the uterus, and from there into the fallopian tubes.

After ovulation, cervical secretion increases its concentration, and its pH decreases from neutral to acidic. A pregnant woman is covered with a clot of cervical mucus in the cervical area. During the menstrual period, the cervical canal opens slightly so that the rejected endometrial layer can come out. This may be accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen. During labor, the cervical canal can open up to 10 cm in diameter. This promotes the birth of a child.

Among the most common diseases of the cervix is ​​its erosion. It appears as a consequence of damage to the mucous layer caused by infections or injuries (abortion, complicated childbirth). Undetected and untreated erosion can cause inflammatory processes and even cancer.

Fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes, also called oviducts or fallopian tubes, are 2 elastic tubes located in the abdominal cavity and entering the fundus of the uterus. The free edge of the oviduct has fimbriae. Their beating ensures the advancement of the egg released from the ovary into the lumen of the tube itself. The length of each oviduct is from 10 to 12 cm. It is divided into sections: a funnel, which has an expansion and is equipped with fimbriae, an ampulla, an isthmus, and part of the canal entering the uterine wall. For the normal development of pregnancy, a condition such as complete patency of the oviducts is necessary, otherwise the woman will face infertility. The most common pathologies of the fallopian tubes are adhesions, salpingitis and hydrosalpinx.

All of these diseases cause tubal infertility. They are complications of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, causing a narrowing of the lumen of the fallopian tubes. Frequent abortions can provoke the appearance of adhesions that are located across the tube. Hormonal disorders cause a decrease in the mobility of the ciliated epithelium lining the oviducts, which leads to a deterioration in the motor properties of the egg.

The most dangerous complication resulting from tubal pathologies is ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the zygote stops in the oviduct without reaching the uterus. It begins to fragment and grow, stretching the pipe wall, which eventually bursts. This results in severe internal bleeding that is life-threatening.

Ovaries in women

They are a paired gonad and weigh 6-8 grams. The ovaries are the production of sex hormones - estrogens, controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus - this is an intrasecretory function. As exocrine glands, they form sex cells - gametes, called eggs. The biochemical composition and mechanism of action of estrogens will be studied by us later. Let's return to the structure of the female gonads - the ovaries. It must be taken into account that the structure of the female reproductive system (as well as the male) is directly related to the urinary system.

It is from the mesonephros (primary kidney) that the stroma of the female gonads develops. The precursors of eggs, oogonia, are formed from mesenchyme. The ovary has a tunica albuginea, and under it there are two layers: the cortex and the medulla. The first layer contains follicles, which, when maturing, form first and second order oocytes, and then mature eggs. The medulla of the gland consists of connective tissue and performs a supporting and trophic function. It is in the ovaries that ovogenesis occurs - the process of reproduction, growth and maturation of female reproductive gametes - eggs.

Specifics for a woman

The structure of the female and male reproductive systems is controlled by special biologically active substances - hormones. They are produced by the sex glands: the testes in men and the ovaries in women. Entering the blood, they specifically influence both the development of the reproductive organs and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics: body hair, development of the mammary glands, pitch and timbre of the voice. The development of the female reproductive system occurs under the influence of estradiol and its derivatives: estriol and estrone. They are produced by special ovarian cells - follicles. Female hormones - estrogens lead to an increase in the volume and size of the uterus, as well as to muscle contractions of the fallopian tubes and the uterus itself, that is, the reproductive organ is prepared to accept the zygote.

The corpus luteum of the uterus produces progesterone, a hormone that stimulates the development of the child's place - the placenta, as well as an increase in the glandular epithelium of the mammary glands during pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance in the female body leads to diseases such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic disease.

Anatomical features of the female uterus

The reproductive system of the female body contains an organ that is unique in structure and function. It is located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and rectum and has a cavity. This organ is called the uterus. To understand the mechanism of fertilization, remember that the genital organs - the ovaries in women - are connected to the fallopian tubes. The egg, entering the oviduct, then penetrates the uterus, which serves as the organ responsible for the development of the embryo (embryogenesis). It consists of three parts: the neck, which was studied earlier, as well as the body and bottom. The body of the uterus has the shape of an inverted pear, the expanded part of which includes two fallopian tubes.

The reproductive organ is covered with a connective tissue membrane and has two layers: muscular (myometrium) and mucous (endometrium). The latter is built from squamous and columnar epithelial cells. The endometrium changes the thickness of its layer: during ovulation it thickens, and if fertilization does not occur, this layer is rejected along with a portion of blood from the walls of the uterus - menstruation occurs. During pregnancy, the volume increases greatly (about 8-10 times). In the pelvic cavity, the uterus is suspended by three ligaments and entwined with a dense network of nerves and blood vessels. Its main function is the development and nutrition of the embryo and fetus until the moment of physiological birth.

Pathologies of the uterus

The structure of the female reproductive system may not always be ideal and function correctly. One of the pathologies of the reproductive system associated with the structure of the reproductive organ may be a bicornuate uterus. It has two bodies, each of which is connected to one oviduct. If the pathology of the female reproductive system concerns the structure of the endometrium, we speak of hypoplasia and aplasia of the uterus. The consequence of all the above pathologies is termination of pregnancy or infertility.

This article examined the anatomical and physiological features of the female reproductive system.

Large and important changes occur in the human body during puberty and they manifest themselves in changes in appearance, well-being and mood, as well as in the intensity of development and formation of the organs of the reproductive system.

Studying the anatomical structure and functions of your body will help you better understand and appreciate this important period in the life of every person.

The male genital organs include the following anatomical elements: internal - testicles (male sex glands), their ducts, accessory sex glands and external - scrotum and penis (penis).

Testicles (testes, or testos) are two round-shaped glands in which sperm are produced and male sex hormones (androgen and testosterone) are synthesized.

The testicles are located in the scrotum, which performs a protective function. The male reproductive organ (penis) is located in the lower part of the pubic lobe. It is formed by spongy tissue, which is supplied with blood from two large arteries and has the ability, when excited, to fill with blood and increase the size of the penis, changing the angle of inclination (erection). The penis has a body and head covered by a fold of skin and mucous membrane called the “foreskin.”

The urethra, or urethra, is a thin tube that connects to the bladder and the vas deferens of the testicle. Through it, urine and sperm are removed.

The vas deferens are two thin tubes through which sperm pass from the testicle to the seminal vesicles, where they accumulate and mature.

The prostate, or prostate gland, is a muscular organ that produces a white fluid that, when mixed with sperm, forms sperm. When the prostate muscles contract, sperm is pushed out through the urethra. This is called ejaculation.

The female genital organs include the following anatomical elements: internal - ovaries, fallopian or fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina - and external - labia minora and majora, clitoris, hymen (hymen).

The ovaries are two glands that resemble the shape and size of a large bean. They are located on either side of the uterus in a woman's lower abdomen. In the ovaries, female reproductive cells - eggs - develop and female sex hormones - estrogens - are synthesized. The egg matures in a small ovarian vesicle for 24-30 days, after which the vesicle ruptures and the egg is released into the fallopian tubes. This is called ovulation.

The fallopian tubes connect the uterine cavity to the ovaries. Fertilization of the egg by the sperm occurs in the fallopian tubes.

The uterus is a cavitary muscular organ resembling a pear, lined from the inside with a mucous membrane.

The uterus has three openings: two lateral openings, connecting it to the fallopian tubes, and a lower opening, connecting it through the cervix to the vagina. When a fertilized egg enters the uterus, it burrows into the lining of the uterus, attaching itself to the wall of the uterus. This is where the embryo develops, and later the fetus. The unfertilized egg leaves the woman's body along with parts of the uterine lining and a small amount of blood. This is called menstruation.

The lower thin part of the uterus is called the cervix. In pregnant women, the cervix and vagina form the birth canal, through which the fetus emerges from the uterine cavity at birth.

The labia minora (vulva) are folds of skin that cover the external opening of the vagina and urethra. Here is the clitoris, which contains many nerve receptors, which is important for erection (sexual arousal). On the sides of the labia minora are the labia majora.

In girls who have not had sexual intercourse (coitus), the external entrance to the vagina is closed by a thin connective tissue membrane called the hymen, or hymen.

Maturation of germ cells

The process of formation of male and female germ cells is called gametogenesis, which occurs in the gonads and consists of four periods: reproduction, growth, maturation and formation.

During reproduction, the primary germ cells - gametogonium (sperm or eggs) divide several times through mitosis.

During the growth period, they increase in size in preparation for the next period. During the period of maturation, during the process of meiosis, the number of chromosomes decreases, female and male germ cells with a haploid set of chromosomes are formed. The latter, without dividing, enter a period of formation and are transformed into mature male reproductive cells - sperm and female - eggs.