Understanding the visible and internal anatomy of people with vaginas is essential for comprehensive health knowledge. This lesson will cover both external and internal reproductive structures, detailing their functions and significance.
External Anatomy of the Vulva
The external genital area is often mistakenly called the vagina, but the correct term is the vulva. Here are the main parts:
Mons Pubis:
- The fatty region above the pubic bone.
- During puberty, hormones cause the Mons Pubis to develop more fatty tissue and grow hair.
Clitoris:
- A small, sensitive organ made of spongy tissue that fills with blood during sexual arousal. It plays a key role in sexual pleasure.
Urethral Opening:
- The small opening through which urine (or "pee") is expelled from the bladder.
Vaginal Opening:
- The entrance to the vagina, also known as the vaginal canal. It is located below the urethral opening.
Labia Majora:
- The outer folds of skin that enclose and protect the other external genital organs. These folds typically grow pubic hair during puberty.
Labia Minora:
- The inner folds of skin that lie just inside the labia majora. They protect the vaginal and urethral openings.
Anus:
- Part of the digestive system, located behind the vulva, where waste (or "poop") is expelled from the body.
Perineum:
- The area of skin between the vaginal opening and the anus. It can stretch during childbirth.
Breasts:
- Visible parts of the reproductive system that produce milk for newborns.
- Milk exits the breast through ducts that open at the nipple. The areola is the pigmented area surrounding the nipple. Breasts, nipples, and areolas vary widely in size and color.
Internal Anatomy
Let's delve into the internal structures of a body with a vagina:
Vagina (Vaginal Canal):
- A muscular, tubular part of the female genital tract that extends from the vulva to the cervix. It is typically 4 to 6 inches in length and serves as the passageway for menstrual fluid, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.
Cervix:
- A narrow, lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It has a small opening that allows the passage of sperm, menstrual blood, and, during childbirth, a baby. It also acts as a barrier to protect the uterus from infections.
Uterus:
- A hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus during pregnancy. When not pregnant, it is about the size of a fist. The uterine lining thickens each menstrual cycle in preparation for a possible pregnancy, and sheds during menstruation if no pregnancy occurs.
Ovaries:
- Two small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus. They produce egg cells (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. At birth, individuals with ovaries have all the eggs they will ever have, and by puberty, about 200,000 eggs remain in each ovary.
Fimbriae:
- Finger-like projections at the ends of the fallopian tubes that sweep the egg from the ovary into the tube.
Fallopian Tubes:
- Narrow tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They are the site where fertilization of the egg by sperm usually occurs. The fertilized egg then travels down the tube to implant in the uterus.
Hormones and Puberty
Hormones play a vital role in the development and functioning of the reproductive system.
Hormones:
- Chemical messengers produced by glands in the body. The primary hormones produced by bodies with vaginas are estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen:
- Regulates the development of the reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics like breast development and body hair growth. It also helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone:
- Works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy, and promotes breast development in preparation for breastfeeding.
Puberty:
- The period of sexual maturation, typically occurring between ages 9-16 for individuals with vaginas. This phase includes significant hormonal changes that trigger the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive capability.
Conclusion
Understanding these structures and their functions helps in maintaining reproductive health and making informed decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health. Remember, everyone's body is unique, and variations are normal.
