The female anatomy is comprised of various internal and external components. In its most basic form, the female anatomy allows for reproduction; as such, each anatomical component has its own specific function. To ensure an overall healthy and balanced reproductive system, each of the anatomical components should be free from harm and in optimal form, as these individual components interact and work together in an array of highly complex manners.
Components of the Female Anatomy
To begin an understanding of the female anatomy, one should first have an awareness of the external anatomical parts.
- Labia Majora – This region is often referred to as the “lips” of the vaginal opening. The Labia Majora protects the vagina's health by preventing particles from entering.
- Labia Minora – These smaller “lips” of the vagina also surround and protect a woman's vaginal opening. The Labia Minora can be found inside the Labia Majora.
- Clitoris – The Clitoris is an incredibly sensitive anatomical organ. This can be found directly above the vaginal opening. Although the Clitoris does not play a specific role in the process of reproduction, this organ is essential for a healthy and satisfying sex life. In fact, almost all women require various forms of Clitoral stimulation in order to experience an orgasm.
- Mons Pubis – The Mons Pubis is a fatty area that rests directly above a woman's pubic bone.
- Perineum – The Perineum is the area behind the vaginal opening that rests between the vaginal hole and the back of the anus. This region is highly sensitive, and typically free of hair.
In extending one's understanding of the female anatomy, the next step involves exploring the interior anatomical regions.
- Ovaries – Women should have one pair of ovaries, which are tiny peanut sized parts that help regulate a woman's reproductive system. Ovaries are responsible for housing a woman's eggs, as ovaries also produce estrogen while regulating a woman's menstrual cycle. Once each month, the ovaries release an egg, sending the egg through the fallopian tubes, causing women to ovulate. If sperm does not fertilize the released egg, then a woman will experience her menstrual cycle.
- Fallopian Tubes – These tubes connect the Ovaries to the Uterus.
- Uterus – The Uterus is comprised of smooth muscle tissue, and is most commonly referred to as a “womb.” The Uterus develops a lining of blood each month that can help nourish a potential fetus. If a woman's egg is not fertilized, the Uterus sheds its lining.
- Cervix – The Cervix is the lower region of the Uterus, which connects to the Vagina. This is most commonly known as the entrance to a woman's Uterus, as the Cervix allows menstrual blood to be removed while also allowing semen to enter. During pregnancy, the Cervix remains closed.
- Vagina – The vagina has both internal and external parts. Essentially, the Vagina is comprised of both muscle and skin, as it is essentially a hollow and fairly long “tunnel” that leads from the exterior of a woman's anatomy to the interior of her anatomy.