Female Anatomy

External Female Sex Organs

Many people refer to the female external organs as the ‘vagina', but this is anatomically incorrect, the more accurate term for the whole area would be the vulva or pudendum.

The vulva is made up of the mons veneris, the labia majora, the labia minora, the vestibule, the perineum, and the clitoris. The vagina opens into the vulva, but it is mainly an internal organ.

Mons Veneris

The mons veneris or mons punis is the fatty cushion resting over the front surface of the pubic bone. This area is covered with pubic hair after puberty and serves as a protective cushion for the genitals especially during lovemaking.

Labia Majora

The labia majora are the outer lips of the vulva. They are two longitudinal folds of fatty tissue that start from the mons, cover the rest of the female genitalia and meet at the perineum. The skin of the outer layer of the labia majora is pigmented and covered with hair, whereas the inner layer is hairless and contains oil glands. During sexual excitement and arousal the labia majora fill with blood and engorge. Because the labia majora are homologous to the male scrotum, the sensation of caressing this area may be similar to that of caressing the scrotum in males.

Labia Minora

The labia minora are the inner lips of the vulva. They are the two smaller pink skin folds situated between the labia majora and the vestibule. They join at the clitoris and to form the  prepuce, the ‘hood' over the clitoris. The labia minore have no hair follicles, but they are also rich in oil glands. Additionally, they contain erectile tissue and serve to protect the vagina and urethra.

The Clitoris

The clitoris is a small cylindrical erectile tissue, homologous to the penis, and is supplied with blood vessels and nerve endings.  Even though the clitoris is much smaller than the penis, it has twice the amount of nerve endings than the penis and is the only human organ whose sole purpose is to bring sexual pleasure.

The Vestibule

The vestibule is the entire region between the labia minora and it contains the opening of the urethra and vagina and the ducts of Bartholin's glands (the greater vestibular glands).

The Perineum

The perineum is the tissue between the vagina and the anus. During childbirth it may stretch or tear.

Internal Female Sex Organs

The female internal sex organs include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries.

The vagina is a thin-walled tube extending from the cervix of the uterus to the external genitalia. Its purposes are to serve as the female organ of intercourse, a passage for sperm, and a canal to which menstrual fluids and babies can pass from the uterus.

The ‘G' Spot

The G-spot (Grafenberg Spot), as well as female ejaculation, are two controversial issues in human sexuality. The G spot is a small spot in the lower third on the front side of the vagina. This area is particular sensitive to stimulation. Some argue though that the entire wall of the vagina is sensitive and others argue that the G-spot is homologous to the male prostate.

Stimulating the G-spot can result in orgasms that are accompanied by fluid, which is referred to as female ejaculation. However, some researchers argue that female ejaculation is chemically not different from urine.

The Uterus

The uterus is a thick-walled, hollow, muscular organ. It provides the passageway for sperm to reach the ovum, it undergoes a cycle of change every month which leads to menstruation, and it nourishes the foetus and provides the contractions during labour.

The Cervix

The cervix is the lower end of the uterus. Its walls produce secretions that contribute to the chemical balance of the vagina.

The Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes, also called oviducts, extend from the upper end of the uterus toward the ovaries. They are not just a passageway, but they help nourish and conduct ova (egg cells).

The Ovaries

The two ovaries are almond shaped organs that lie on either side of the uterus. They produce ova (egg cells) and the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

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