Female reproductive system

The human female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs that function in the reproduction of new offspring. The reproductive system is immature at birth and develops at puberty to be able to release matured ova from the ovaries, facilitate their fertilization with sperm, and create a protective environment for the developing fetus during pregnancy. The female reproductive tract is made of several connected internal organs—the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes—and is prone to infections. The tract is protected by a fold called the labia majora and a flap called the labia minora. The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and childbirth, and is connected to the uterus at the cervix. The uterus (or womb) accommodates the embryo by developing the uterine lining. The small external part of the clitoris, just below the mons Venus, helps with arousal and orgasm.

The uterus also produces secretions which help the transit of sperm to the fallopian tubes, where one of them can fertilize the ovum. During the menstrual cycle, an ovary releases an ovum, which transits through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. If the egg cell meets with sperm on its way to the uterus, a single sperm cell can enter and merge with it, creating a zygote. If no fertilization occurs, the uterine lining has to be shed as blood, mucus, and tissue, a process known as menstruation.

Fertilization usually occurs within a fallopian tube and marks the beginning of embryogenesis. The zygote will then divide over enough generations of cells to form a blastocyst, which implants itself in the wall of the uterus. This begins the period of gestation and the embryo will continue to develop until full-term. When the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus, the cervix dilates, and contractions of the uterus propel it through the birth canal (the vagina), where it becomes a newborn. The breasts are part of the reproductive system although the modern advent of infant formula has made the mammary glands less essential to nourishing infants.

Later in life, a woman goes through menopause and menstruation halts. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and the uterus stops preparing for pregnancy.

The external sex organs are also known as the genitals, and these are the organs of the vulva, including the labia, clitoris, and vestibule. The corresponding equivalent among males is the male reproductive system.