Female Internal
Fallopian Tube: Two thin tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries on each side of the body. Eggs travel through these tubes on their way to the uterus.
Uterus: A hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fertilized egg normally implants. The inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium, will nourish the fertilized egg, allowing it to where it may develop into a fetus.
Fimbriae: Finger-like projections that extend from the fallopian tubes towards the ovaries. The fimbriae move around the ovaries and draw eggs into the fallopian tube after they are released from the ovaries.
Ovary: There are two ovaries located at the end of each fallopian tube. They produce both eggs and hormones. Each month, one of the two ovaries releases a mature egg during a process called ovulation. Both ovaries produce two types of hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are necessary for female sexual maturation and reproductive processes.
Corpus Luteum: After the follicle (small sac) ruptures and releases the egg it develops into a corpus luteum, which is a yellowish body located inside the ovary. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and plays an important part in hormonal regulation.
Egg (Ovum): The egg is released by the ovaries and travels into the fallopian tubes after ovulation. If it is to be fertilized by sperm, the fertilization usually must occur in the outer one third of these tubes. If fertilized, the egg moves down the fallopian tubes and implants on the wall of the uterus, called the endometrium. There it will develop during the ensuing pregnancy.
Os: This is the hole at the end of the cervix, where it connects to the vagina. Diaphragms and cervical caps are contraceptives which work by providing a physical barrier over the os.
Vagina: A cavity that extends from the vaginal opening into the female body towards the uterus. The vagina is about 3 to 5 inches long in an unaroused female. During sexual arousal, the vagina elongates, expands and becomes lubricated. Sometimes additional lubrication may be needed.
Vaginal Opening: The entrance of the vagina, surrounded by the labia minora. This is also where the hymen is found.
