Curious about other body parts we didn't cover or want a more detailed explanation of those mentioned? Here's more information:
Common to Everyone:
| Name | Components | Description/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Abdomen | Not part of the reproductive system. Located between the ribs, diaphragm, and pelvis. | Houses most internal organs. |
| Buttocks | Not part of the reproductive system. | Contains muscles aiding in movement for walking and standing. Acts as a protective cushion for the coccyx bone ("tailbone"). |
| Pelvis | Bone between the abdomen and thighs. Holds reproductive organs. | Protects and supports internal reproductive organs. Shaped differently in people with vaginas to facilitate childbirth. |
| Bladder | Not part of the reproductive system. | Stores urine. |
| Urethra | Tube located below the clitoris and above the vagina, or at the tip of the glans penis. | Allows urine to exit from the bladder. In males, also allows semen to exit during ejaculation. |
| Anus | Not part of the reproductive system. | Passage for feces. Connects to the rectum. Contains many nerve endings. |
Specific to Individuals with a Vagina:
| Name | Components | Description/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vulva | Labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. | Labia are skin folds. Labia majora is thicker and usually has pubic hair after puberty. |
| Clitoris | Internal: shaft, internal branch, erectile tissue, cruae (legs). External: hood and glans. | Highly sensitive due to many nerve endings, providing sexual sensation. |
| Clitoral Hood | Located above the clitoral glans. | Protects the clitoris by covering it when not erect. |
| Hymen | Membrane partially covering the vaginal opening. | May be stretched or torn by tampon use, finger insertion, intercourse, etc. Not present in everyone. |
| Vagina | A tube-like structure. | Produces fluids for cleansing and lubrication, aids sperm travel, and allows passage of menstrual blood and a baby during childbirth. |
| Skene’s Gland | Area of firm tissue toward the front wall of the vagina, surrounding the urethra. | Part of the G-spot area. Responds to pressure, sometimes causing orgasm, potentially with fluid release. |
| Cervix | Bottom section of the uterus, ending in the vagina. | Produces fluid aiding sperm travel and forms a mucus plug during pregnancy to protect the fetus from infection. |
| Uterus | Three layers: Endometrium (inner), Myometrium (middle, muscular), Perimetrium (outer). | Houses and nourishes the developing fetus. The endometrium sheds during menstruation. Contracts during orgasm and childbirth. |
| Fallopian Tubes | Two tubes, one on each side. | Allows passage of the ovum (egg cells) and sperm. |
| Fimbriae | Located at the end of each Fallopian tube, next to each ovary. | Guides the ovulated egg from the ovary into the Fallopian tube. |
| Ovary | Two ovaries, one on each side. | Contains and helps mature egg cells (ova). Produces hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. |
| Ovum | Also known as an egg cell. | Carries chromosomes that mix with sperm chromosomes if fertilization occurs. Dissolves if not fertilized within about 24 hours. |
Specific to Individuals with a Penis:
| Name | Components | Description/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Penis | Foreskin, glans, and shaft. | Allows passage of semen and urine. Contains many nerve endings. |
| Foreskin | Skin covering the glans of the penis. | Protects the glans. Absent in circumcised individuals. |
| Scrotum | Muscular sac. | Holds testes and regulates their temperature by pulling them closer or further from the body. |
| Testes | Two, located inside the scrotum. | Produce hormones (e.g., testosterone) and sperm cells. |
| Vas Deferens | Two tubes running from each epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. | Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra for ejaculation. |
| Epididymis | Coiled tube atop each testis. | Allows sperm maturation and storage. |
| Seminal Vesicles | Two glands behind the bladder. | Produce fluid for semen, aiding sperm travel. |
| Prostate Gland | Located below the bladder. | Produces a portion of seminal fluid, giving semen its milky appearance. |
| Cowper’s Gland | Also known as bulbourethral glands, located next to the urethra. | Produces pre-ejaculatory fluid that cleans the urethra and provides lubrication. |
Understanding the diverse components of our bodies is essential for overall health and well-being. Each part serves a unique function, contributing to our biological processes and reproductive capabilities.
By exploring and learning about these body parts, we gain valuable insights into human anatomy and physiology, empowering us to make informed decisions about our health and care.