External female organs. Three types of female genital organs

Among the female genital organs, a distinction is made between external and internal. The external ones include the pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina. The hymen is the boundary between the external and internal genital organs. A woman's external genitalia varies greatly in appearance. Differences include the size, shape and pigmentation of the labia, color, texture, amount and distribution of pubic hair, appearance of the clitoris, vaginal vestibule and hymen.
The genital organs of different people vary in their structure, just like the structure of their faces.

• Vagina
• Ovaries
• The fallopian tubes
• Epididymis
• Uterus

• Pubis
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Crotch
• Clitoris
• Vaginal vestibule
• Bulb vestibule
• Muscle duct (urethra)
• Large glands of the vestibule
• Hymen

Internal female genital organs

The internal genital organs include: vagina, uterus, uterine appendages (fallopian tubes and ovaries). Internal genital organs can also be considered ligaments that suspend the uterus and appendages. The internal genital organs are located inside the pelvic ring.

Vagina

The vagina (vagina) is a solid-tissue canal from 7-8 to 9-10 cm long. It is attached to the junction of the cervix into its body. This is where the cervix protrudes into the vaginal lumen (the vaginal part of the cervix). At the point of attachment of the vagina to the cervix, the fornix is ​​formed: anterior, posterior, left and right. The least deep is the anterior arch, the deepest is the posterior. The vagina is an internal organ formed by muscle tissue and located diagonally, at an angle of 45° to the lower back.
In the absence of sexual stimulation, the vaginal walls collapse. In a nulliparous woman, the length of the posterior vaginal wall is
on average 8 cm, and the front - 6 cm.

The mucous membrane consists of stratified squamous epithelium; there are no glands in it. Epithelial cells contain glycogen, from which lactic acid is produced, which determines the optimal conditions for the existence of non-pathogenic bacilli, the so-called vaginal bacilli (Doderlein bacilli). The acidic environment of the vaginal contents and the presence of rods prevent the development of pathogenic microbes.

During sexual arousal, blood plasma is released through the walls of the venous vessels of the vagina into the lumen of this genital organ (the so-called “sweating”), which, when mixed with the secretion of the Bertholin glands, forms a “lubricant” that facilitates the sliding of the penis. Also, during sexual arousal

The average length of the vagina in a non-excited state is 8-12 cm, but thanks to the muscles and folds, when aroused, the vagina can greatly stretch both in length and width, tightly covering the male genital organ of almost any size. Therefore, the size of the penis has virtually no effect on the female orgasm.
According to some anatomists, at a depth of several centimeters in the vagina there is the so-called “G-spot,” an area of ​​the vagina comparable in sensitivity to the clitoris. However, it should be remembered that most scientists consider the existence of such a part of the genital organs in women unproven. Therefore, it is hardly worth focusing on searching for this point during sexual intercourse.

The vagina, like an inflatable balloon, can change its shape and size. It is capable of expanding, creating conditions for the passage of the head
child during childbirth, or shrink so much as to cover the finger inserted into it from all sides.

Despite its ability to contract, a woman's vagina cannot encircle the penis during intercourse as tightly as
so that physical separation becomes impossible. The mating that sometimes occurs in dogs is mainly due to the expansion
bulbar part of the penis.

Many people are interested in the relationship between vaginal size and sexual satisfaction. Because the width of the vagina is equally good
adapts to a large or small penis, discrepancy between the sizes of the genital organs of men and women is rarely the cause
complications in sexual relationships. After childbirth, the vagina usually expands somewhat and has some elasticity.
decreases. According to some authors, in such cases, exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the vagina can help,
which will contribute to increased sexual reactivity.

"Cajel (Kegel) Exercises" consist of contraction of the pelvic muscles that support the vagina, namely the bulbocavernosus
and pubococcygeus (pubo coccygeus). These same muscles contract when a woman stops urinating or tightens her vagina,
preventing the insertion of a tampon, finger or penis. During exercises, the muscles contract strongly for one or two seconds and then relax;
To achieve maximum results, you should repeat such contractions several times a day, performing 10 contractions each time.
In addition to strengthening muscles, these exercises allow a woman to get to know herself. However, at present it is not entirely clear whether this increases
sexual reactivity.

The inner lining of the vagina is similar to the oral mucosa. The vaginal mucosa provides hydration. Secretory glands
not in the vagina, but it is rich in blood vessels. The endings of sensory nerve fibers are present at the entrance to the vagina, and in the rest of it
There are relatively few of them in areas. As a result, the deeper part of the vagina (about two-thirds) is relatively less sensitive
to touch or pain.

In recent years, there has been ongoing controversy regarding the existence on the anterior wall of the vagina (halfway between the pubic bone and the cervix).
a certain area that is especially sensitive to erotic stimulation. This area, called zone G (after the German doctor Gräfenberg,
who described it in 1950), in an unexcited state has the size of an ordinary bean, but upon stimulation it greatly increases due to
tissue swelling.

Ladas, Whipple, and Perry (1982) state that in a study of more than 400 women, they found a G area in every one of them; in their opinion, before this
the structure went unnoticed because “in the absence of excitation it is very small and difficult to detect.” These data contradict
the results of studies in which Whipple herself later participated: zone G was identified in only 4 out of 11 women; not confirmed
existence and the data of our studies conducted at the Masters and Johnson Institute: out of 100 carefully examined women, only
10% had an area of ​​increased sensitivity or a lump of compacted tissue on the anterior wall of the vagina, consistent with the descriptions
zone G. Similar studies also did not reveal the presence of zone G, although many women noted increased erotic sensitivity
on the anterior wall of the vagina. Later work concluded that "the presence of a G zone... even in a minority of women, not to mention
already about their majority cannot yet be considered proven." Thus, it is necessary to conduct additional research to establish
does zone G really exist as some kind of independent anatomical structure, or, as Helen Kaplan writes, “the idea that
that many women have special erogenous zones in their vaginas that enhance pleasure and orgasm is not new and should not cause controversy.”

Perhaps the greater sensitivity of the anterior vaginal wall represents "an integral part of the clitoral orgasmic reflex."
The lower part of the uterus - the cervix (cervix) protrudes into the vagina. From the vaginal side, the cervix of a nulliparous woman looks like a smooth pink
buttons with a rounded surface and a small hole in the center. Sperm penetrate the uterus through the cervical os; through him
Menstrual blood is released from the uterus. The cervical canal (a thin tube connecting the cervical os to the uterine cavity) contains numerous
glands that produce mucus. The consistency of this mucus depends on hormonal levels and therefore changes at different stages of the menstrual cycle:
just before ovulation or during the latter (when the egg is released from the ovary), the mucus becomes thin and watery;
at other times it is thick and forms a plug that blocks the entrance to the cervix.

There are no superficial nerve endings in the cervix, and therefore touching it causes almost no sexual sensations; surgical
Removing the cervix does not reduce a woman's sexual activity.

Uterus

The uterus (uterus) is a hollow muscular organ shaped like an upside-down and somewhat flattened pear.

Its length is approximately 7.5 cm and width 5 cm. Anatomically, the uterus is divided into several parts.

The endometrium lining the inside of the uterus and its muscular component, the myometrium, perform different functions.

During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium undergoes changes, and at the beginning of pregnancy a fertilized egg is implanted into it.

The muscle wall is actively involved in labor and delivery. Both functions of the uterus are regulated by hormones - chemicals that
also causing uterine enlargement during pregnancy. The uterus is fixed in the pelvic cavity with the help of six ligaments, but not very rigidly.

The angle between the uterus and vagina varies among women. Usually the uterus is located more or less perpendicular to the axis of the vaginal canal,
however, in about 25% of women it is curved backward, and in about 10% it is curved forward. Sometimes this anatomy of the internal genital organs can cause pain during intercourse during deep frictions, since the head of the penis can hit the outer walls of the uterus. In this case, you need to choose a position of sexual intercourse in which the man’s sexual organ does not enter the vagina to its full depth.
Since the nerve endings on the genitals of a man are most concentrated on the head of the penis, and in a woman - in the lower part of the vagina, such positions do not affect the intensity of sensations in both partners.

In cases where the uterus is rigidly fixed by adhesions,
arising after operations or as a result of an inflammatory process, a woman may feel pain during sexual intercourse;
this situation requires surgical intervention.

Isthmus

The isthmus is a canal about 1 cm long located between the uterine cavity and the cervical canal. The internal os of the cervix is ​​located at the isthmus site. During pregnancy and childbirth, the lower part of the uterine body and the isthmus make up the lower segment of the uterus.

The cervix partially protrudes into the lumen of the vagina (vaginal part), and is partially located above the vagina (supravaginal part). In women who have not given birth, the cervix has a conical shape. In women who have given birth, the cervix is ​​wider and has a cylindrical shape. The cervical canal (cervical canal) is also cylindrical in shape. The external opening of the cervical canal is called the external os. In those who have not given birth, it is rounded, “pointed”, and in those who have given birth, it is slit-like due to lateral ruptures of the cervix during childbirth.
Sperm enter the uterus through the cervical canal, and during menstruation, discharge comes out. During sexual arousal, the uterus rises, lengthening the vagina.

The fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes (fallopian tubes) are narrow tubes with a pronounced muscular layer that are constantly contracting. Their mucous membrane consists of cells with cilia, which create a fluid flow in the direction from the pelvic cavity to the uterine cavity. Thus, the egg is transported from the ovary to the uterus. Along the way - in the tube - fertilization of the egg occurs - its fusion with the sperm. The egg becomes heavier and reaches the uterine cavity more slowly. Disruption of the ciliary apparatus due to inflammation of the tube, narrowing of the tube, disruption of coordinated muscle contraction leads to the fact that the egg settles in the tube, and an ectopic tubal pregnancy develops.

The length of the fallopian tubes is about 10 cm. The tube consists of four parts: intramural (passes through the wall of the uterus), isthmus (the narrowest section of the tube next to the uterus), ampullary (the longest tortuous part of the tube), abdominal (terminal) which opens into a funnel abdominal cavity.

Unlike men, whose abdominal cavity is isolated from the external environment, in women the abdominal cavity is connected to the external environment. Thus, women are more likely to get infection through the genitals into the abdominal cavity. The fallopian tubes are also called oviducts, since the eggs move through the tube channel from the abdominal cavity to the uterine cavity.

Ovaries

The ovaries, or female gonads, are paired organs located on either side of the uterus. The size of the ovaries can be compared
with almonds in shell (approximately 3 x 2 x 1.5 cm); they are held in place by connective tissue that is attached to the broad
ligament of the uterus.
Even before a girl is born, the development of future eggs begins in her developing ovaries. At about 5-6 months of pregnancy, the ovaries
the fetus contains 6-7 million future eggs, most of which are atretic before the girl is born. The ovaries of a newborn contain
approximately 400,000 immature eggs; subsequently no new eggs are formed. Atresia continues in childhood
and the number of eggs decreases even more. The immature eggs are surrounded by a thin layer of cells that form the follicle.

The ovaries are the female reproductive glands (paired organ). They are located in a separate recess of the peritoneum and are attached to the posterior wall of the peritoneum by a broad ligament. The size of the ovary is 3 x 2 x 1 cm, and it weighs about 7 g. The main layer of the ovary is the cortex, which covers the inner layer - the medulla. The cortical layer contains follicles containing eggs. The medulla, which consists of softer connective tissue, contains numerous blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves. The ovaries perform two functions: they produce hormones (the most important of them are estradiol and progesterone) and produce eggs.

The fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterine ligaments are called the uterine appendages.
The normal, typical arrangement of the internal genital organs is facilitated by the intrinsic tone of the genital organs, the coordinated activity of the diaphragm, abdominals and pelvic floor, as well as the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus

Peritoneum of the female pelvic cavity

In women, in the pelvic cavity, the parietal layer of the peritoneum, descending from the abdominal cavity along its posterior wall, passes through the linea terminalis, covering the meso-peritoneal anterior surface of the middle third of the rectum. Then the peritoneum passes to the posterior fornix of the vagina and, following upward, covers the posterior surface of the uterus, reaching its bottom. Here the peritoneum descends again and covers the anterior surface of the uterine body, reaching its cervix. Transferring further to the posterior surface of the bladder, it follows upward, reaches its apex, after which it passes into the parietal peritoneum, lining the inner surface of the anterior wall of the abdomen. Thus, in relation to the uterus, the peritoneum forms two recesses located in the frontal plane: one between the rectum and the uterus - the rectal-uterine recess, excavatio rectouterina, and the second between the uterus and the bladder - the vesico-uterine recess, excavatio vesicouterina. The first depression is much deeper and is limited at the edges by rectouterine folds, plicae rectouterinae, the thickness of which contains underdeveloped muscles of the same name containing smooth muscle fibers. The second depression, excavatio vesicouterina, is smaller than the first, its depth depends on the degree of filling of the bladder. Both recesses, except the uterus, are separated from one another by its wide ligaments, ligg, lata uteri, which are a duplication of the peritoneum.

Blood supply external genitalia occurs due to the pudendal artery and, in part, branches of the femoral artery. The internal genital organs are supplied with blood through the hypogastric artery, branches of the uterine and vaginal arteries, as well as through the ovarian artery. The outflow of venous blood occurs through the veins of the same name.

Lymphatic system is a network of tortuous lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes located along the blood vessels in the direction of the movement of venous blood.

Nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts, as well as the spinal nerves. The solar, hypogastric and utero-vaginal (or pelvic, sacral) plexus take part in the innervation of the genital organs. Sensitive nerve endings from the genital organs are connected with the subcortical nerve centers and with the cerebral cortex and constitute a single complex system for regulating physiological processes in the reproductive apparatus, including the development of these organs, menstrual and reproductive functions and the period of extinction (menopause).

External female genitalia

Pubis

The pubis (mons veneris) is an elevation consisting of adipose tissue, located in front and slightly above the pubic joint, covered with skin and hair, the upper limit of growth of which goes horizontally (unlike men, in whom hair growth extends upward along the midline).
There are many nerve endings in this area, so touching and/or applying pressure to it can cause sexual arousal.
Many women find that pubic stimulation produces the same pleasant sensations as direct touching the clitoris.

Labia minora

The labia minora (labia minora) are located deeper, behind the labia majora. In front, they seem to emerge from the clitoris, forming two legs that go back. The labia minora are covered by a thin layer of skin that resembles a pale pink mucous membrane. If small lips protrude beyond the boundaries of the large ones, then the skin that covers them is dark brown.

The labia minora look like curved petals. Their core is formed by spongy tissue rich in small blood vessels
and does not contain fat cells. The skin covering the labia minora is devoid of hair, but contains many nerve endings. Small lips meet
above the clitoris, forming a fold of skin called the clitoral foreskin. This area of ​​the labia minora is sometimes called the female foreskin.

For many women, the labia minora is one of the main erogenous zones. The tissue that forms the labia minora does not contain a fatty layer, but is penetrated by venous vessels, reminiscent of the cavernous bodies in the male genitals. When excited, the labia minora become filled with blood and become somewhat swollen. If the skin covering the labia becomes infected, sexual intercourse may become painful and itching or burning may also occur.

On the inner surface of the labia minora there are ducts of the so-called Bertholin glands (two paired glands that, during sexual arousal, produce mucus that facilitates the penetration of the penis into the vagina; the glands themselves are located in the thickness of the labia majora). It was once believed that these glands played a major role in the production of vaginal lubrication, but it is now established that the few drops of secretion that they usually secrete during sexual arousal only slightly moisturize the labia.

Labia majora

The labia majora (labia majora) are pronounced longitudinal folds of skin located on the sides of the genital slit, under which there is a subcutaneous base with fibrous fibers, where blood vessels and nerves pass and the Bartholin glands are located. The labia majora in front converge into the anterior commissure, which is located above the clitoris and covers it. Backward, the labia majora narrow and, converging one on the other, pass into the posterior commissure. The skin of the outer surface of the labia majora is covered with hair and contains sweat and sebaceous glands. On the inside, the labia majora are covered with thin pink skin, similar to a mucous membrane. The genital cleft is the space between the labia majora.

The skin of the labia majora has many nerve endings. Although, only a small percentage of women find stimulation of the labia majora to cause arousal. In the absence of sexual stimulation, the labia majora are usually closed at the midline, which provides mechanical protection for the urethral opening and vaginal opening.

Crotch

The perineum is the space between the posterior commissure of the labia majora and the external opening of the anus. The outside of the perineum is covered with skin, on which a line is visible from the posterior commissure to the anus - the perineal seam. In the thickness of the perineum there are three layers of muscles that make up the pelvic floor. The distance from the posterior commissure to the anus is called the perineal height; it is 3-4 cm. If the perineum is high or low-stretch (rigid), during childbirth, in order to avoid tearing the perineum, it is cut (episiotomy).

This area is often sensitive to touch, pressure, temperature and can be a source of sexual arousal.

Clitoris

The clitoris is a small cone-shaped structure that consists of cavernous bodies, similar to the structure of the male penis. In the cavernous bodies there are connected voids filled with circulating blood that comes here from the blood vessels. During sexual arousal, the clitoris becomes intensely filled with blood, it enlarges and thickens (erection), since the clitoris has many vessels and nerves. The corpora cavernosa are not capable of contraction and cannot be completely thrombosed, so traumatic damage to the clitoris is dangerous.

The clitoris is the most mysterious part of the female reproductive system, the most unknown, the most necessary in sexual life.

The clitoris, one of the most sensitive areas of the female genital organs, is located where the tips of the labia minora meet.

The head of the clitoris resembles a small shiny button. To see it, you need to carefully pull back the foreskin (skin) covering the clitoris.

The body of the clitoris (corpus clitoris) consists of spongy tissue forming two long legs (crura) in the shape of an inverted V.

The legs are directed towards the pelvic bones. The clitoris is rich in nerve endings, making it very sensitive to touch, pressure and
temperature. This is a unique organ whose only known function is to concentrate and accumulate
woman's sexual sensations.

The clitoris is often viewed as a miniature penis, but this is a sexualized and misleading idea. The clitoris is not involved
neither in reproduction nor in urination; it does not lengthen, unlike the penis, when stimulated, although it also fills with blood.

During embryonic development, the clitoris and penis are formed from the same rudiment.

The size and appearance of the clitoris varies greatly, but there is no evidence to suggest that a larger clitoris can
create stronger sexual arousal

Clitoral circumcision - the surgical removal of the foreskin - is believed to increase a woman's sexual responsiveness because it
It becomes possible to stimulate the glans of the clitoris more directly. However, this practice can only help
in rare cases, because it has two big drawbacks:
1) the head of the clitoris is often too sensitive to direct touch, which sometimes even causes pain or irritation (in this sense, the foreskin has a protective function)2, and
2) during sexual intercourse, insertion of the penis into the vagina indirectly stimulates the clitoris by moving the labia minora, causing the foreskin to rub against the head of the clitoris.

Some tribes in Africa and South America practice surgical removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy) as a ritual rite upon reaching
puberty. According to one doctor in Egypt, some young girls are still subjected to this painful procedure.

Although this operation is called "clitoral circumcision", in fact it is not that at all. Clitorectomy does not interfere with sexual arousal or orgasm,
but also does not contribute to their strengthening.

It is for this reason that most women, when masturbating, only stroke the area around the head of the clitoris, avoiding it directly.
stimulation. Apparently, proponents of clitoral circumcision (oddly enough, these are usually men) have not paid enough attention to this
circumstance.

The labia minora at their upper junction form the foreskin and frenulum of the clitoris.

In a calm state, the head of the clitoris is practically invisible under the frenulum. However, when aroused, an erection of the clitoris occurs, and this sexual organ can significantly increase in size, protruding above the frenulum. However, the degree of enlargement of the clitoris during arousal varies greatly from woman to woman. Also, it should be taken into account that the erection of the clitoris occurs much more slowly than the erection of the penis in men. It takes anywhere from 20 seconds to several minutes for the clitoris to increase in size.

The enlargement of the clitoris occurs in proportion to the degree of arousal, however, immediately before orgasm, the clitoris again decreases in size (this is one of the signs of the onset of orgasm in a woman), then swells again.

Due to the high sensitivity, this part of the woman’s genital organs should be stimulated carefully (For some women, direct stimulation of the clitoris causes negative sensations, due to the very high sensitivity of this genital organ). Basically, to excite a woman and achieve orgasm, it is enough just to lightly stroke this genital organ. In addition, you should remember that you can start caressing the clitoris only after moisturizing the genitals.

Do not forget that after orgasm, touching the clitoris causes discomfort in most women.

Vaginal vestibule

The boundary of the vestibule is the hymen or its remains, which separates the external genitalia from the internal. In front, the vestibule is limited by the clitoris, behind - by the posterior commissure, on the sides - by the labia minora. Below the clitoris is the external opening of the urethra. On the sides and below the opening of the urethra are located the excretory ducts of the large glands of the vestibule of the vagina.

Bulb vestibule

The bulb of the vestibule (bulbus vestibuli) corresponds to the bulb of the penis, but has a number of differences. The bulb is an unpaired formation consisting of two - right and left - parts, which are connected by a small intermediate part located between the clitoris and the external opening of the urethra. Each lobe is a dense venous plexus, in which the elongated lateral parts are located at the base of the labia majora; they are flattened, spindle-shaped formations, which, thickening posteriorly, cover the large glands of the vestibule with their posterior end. Outside and below, each of the halves of the bulb of the vestibule is covered with the bulbospongiosus muscle, w. bulbospongiosus. The bulb of the vestibule has a tunica albuginea enclosing a venous plexus, which is penetrated by smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue bundles.

Urethra

The urethra is 3-4 cm long, its lumen stretches to 1 cm or more. The external opening of the urethra has a round, crescent or star-shaped shape, it is located 2-3 cm below the clitoris. The entire length of the urethra is connected to the anterior wall of the vagina. Near the urethra, on both sides, there are external openings of the paraurethral passages (or skin sinuses), the length of which is 1-2 cm. These formations produce a secretion that moisturizes the area of ​​the external opening of the urethra.

Large glands of the vestibule

The large glands of the vestibule are an oblong-round formation the size of a bean, of dense elastic consistency, located on the border of the posterior and middle third of the labia majora. A secretion is produced in the alveoli of the glands. The excretory ducts of the large glands of the vestibule (Bartholin's glands) open from the inside of the labia minora at the level of the location of the Bartholin's glands. The secretion of the large glands in front of the door has a whitish color, an alkaline reaction, and a specific odor. It is released during sexual intercourse and helps moisturize the vagina.

Hymen

The hymen (hymen) is a whole tissue membrane covered on both sides with stratified squamous epithelium. It most often has one, sometimes several holes. With the onset of sexual activity, the hymen is torn. The hymen usually contains
holes through which blood is released during menstruation. The hymen does not completely cover the entrance to the vagina and varies in shape,
sizes and thickness.

The annular hymen surrounds the vaginal opening; the septate hymen consists of one or more strips of tissue crossing the opening
vagina; the ethmoid hymen completely covers the opening of the vagina, but there are many small holes in it; parous introitus
(the opening of the vagina of a woman who has given birth) - only the remains of the hymen are visible.

In former times, a girl entering into marriage was required to have an intact hymen, which served as evidence of her innocence.
A bride whose hymen was torn could be returned to her parents, subjected to public ridicule or bodily harm.
punishment, and in some countries even sentenced to death. These days, brides who want to hide past sexual relationships from their future husbands
connections, consult a doctor to restore the hymen using plastic surgery.

Contrary to the opinion of most women, a doctor conducting a gynecological examination cannot always tell whether the patient is a virgin.
The integrity or disruption of the hymen cannot be considered a firm sign of a woman’s past sexual behavior.
The hymen may have been torn or stretched in early childhood as a result of various exercises or the insertion of fingers or
some objects. In some women, the hymen from birth covers the vaginal opening only partially or is absent altogether.
On the other hand, sexual intercourse does not always lead to rupture of the hymen; sometimes it just stretches. In most cases
The first sexual intercourse is not painful and is not accompanied by heavy bleeding. Excitement associated with the event
is usually high enough that the pressure exerted on the hymen is not sufficient to compromise its integrity.

However, if in men only the prostate gland is located in the body cavity, then the female reproductive apparatus, located in the abdominal cavity, is, of course, much more complex. Let us understand the structure of the system, the health of which we will discuss further.

The external system of the female genital organs is formed by the following elements:

• pubis- a layer of skin with well-developed sebaceous glands that covers the pubic bone in the lower abdomen, in the pelvic area. The onset of puberty is characterized by the appearance of pubic hair. In the original, it exists there for the purpose of protecting the delicate skin of the genitals from contact with the external environment. As for the pubis itself, its well-developed layer of subcutaneous tissue has the ability, if necessary, to store part of the sex hormones and subcutaneous fat. That is, pubic tissue can, under certain circumstances, act as a storage facility - for the minimum of sex hormones needed by the body;
• labia majora- two large folds of skin that cover the labia minora;
• clitoris and labia minora- which are, in fact, a single body. In hermaphroditism, for example, the clitoris and labia minora can develop into a hearth penis and testicles. Structurally they are. and represent a rudimentary penis;
• vestibule of the vagina- tissues surrounding the entrance to the vagina. The exit of the urethra is also located there.

As for the internal genital organs of a woman, these include:

• vagina- formed by the muscles of the hip joint and covered from the inside with a multi-layered mucous membrane of the tube. The question of how long the vagina actually is is one that you hear often. In fact, average lengths vary depending on race. Thus, among the Caucasian race, the average value ranges from 7-12 cm. Among representatives of the Mongoloid race, it is from 5 to 10 cm. Anomalies are possible here, but they are much less common than anomalies in the development of the hearth organs in general;
• cervix and uterus- organs responsible for successful fertilization of the egg and gestation of the fetus. The vagina ends with the cervix, so it is accessible for examination by a gynecologist using an endoscope. But the body of the uterus is completely located in the abdominal cavity. Usually with some bending forward to support the muscles of the lower abs. However, the option of deflecting it back, in the direction of the spine, is also quite acceptable. It is less common, but is not an anomaly and does not affect the course of pregnancy in any way. The only “but” in such cases concerns the increased requirements for the development of the pelvic muscles, and not the longitudinal abdominal muscles, as in the standard position;
• fallopian tubes and ovaries- responsible for the very possibility of fertilization. The ovaries produce an egg, and once it matures, it descends into the uterus through the tubes. The inability of the ovaries to produce viable eggs leads to infertility. And the obstruction of the patency of the fallopian tubes forms cysts, which often can only be removed surgically. An egg literally stuck in the fallopian tube is a dangerous formation. The fact is that it contains many substances and cells designed specifically for active growth. Normally - for embryo growth. And if it deviates from the norm, the same factors can trigger the process of malignancy of its cells.

Protective barriers of the female genital organs

Thus, a woman’s external genital organs communicate with the internal ones through the vagina and cervix. Everyone knows that for some time the internal space of the vagina is protected from contact with the external environment by the hymen - a connective tissue, elastic membrane located immediately behind the entrance to the vagina. The hymen is permeable due to the holes present in it - one or several. It only further narrows the entrance to the vagina, but does not provide absolute protection. During the first sexual intercourse, the hymen breaks, widening the entrance. However, there are also scientifically documented cases where the hymen persists despite an active sexual life. Then it breaks only during childbirth.

One way or another, there is a fact of the presence in a woman’s body of a direct communication channel between two different systems - not only with each other, but also with the environment. It should be noted that the mucous secretion secreted by the vaginal lining has a pronounced bactericidal and astringent property. That is, it is capable of neutralizing and removing a certain number of microorganisms from the vagina. Plus, the main environment in the vagina is alkaline. It is unfavorable for the proliferation of most harmful bacteria, but is suitable for the reproduction of beneficial ones. In addition, it is safe for sperm. We all know the beneficial properties of an alkaline environment. Due to them, for example, the digestive enzymes of the small intestine remain viable, while pathogens ingested with food die. At least for the most part, although in case of food poisoning this mechanism does not work quite effectively...

In addition, it is difficult for pathogens to penetrate the body of the uterus through its cervix. Firstly, in the normal state it is closed. Secondly, even if open for some reason, the cervix is ​​protected by a mucous plug, which is part of the alkaline environment. The cervix opens, for example, during orgasm, but this can also happen with any other strong contractions of its walls. The uterus is a muscular organ. And its work is subject to the action of any myostimulants - both those produced in the body and those received from the outside, with injection. In the case of orgasm, the opening of the cervix is ​​intended, naturally, to facilitate the passage of spermatozoa contained in the semen to the egg. Another case of physiologically determined contractions is menstruation or childbirth.

Of course, at any moment when the cervix opens, it becomes possible for pathogens or microorganisms to enter it. But more often than not, a different scenario works. Namely, when the pathogen affects the cervix itself, leading to its erosion. Erosion is considered one of the precancerous conditions. In other words, non-healing ulceration of the cervix or vaginal surface can serve as a catalyst for malignant degeneration of the affected tissue.

So, the protective barriers of the vagina do not at all seem insurmountable for various types of pathogens. The essence of their vulnerability lies mainly in the need to create not a completely “blind wall,” but a wall that is permeable to some bodies and closed to others. This is the “weakness” of any physiological barriers of the body. Even the most powerful, multi-stage blood-brain barrier that protected the brain can be overcome. Direct proof of this is the abundance of cases of viral encephalitis and syphilitic brain damage.

And then, the general condition of the body plays a significant role in the quality of operation of such protective systems. In particular, the correct formation and vital activity of mucous membrane cells. Including gland cells that produce the secretion itself. It is clear that for its sufficient secretion, cells must not only remain viable, but also receive the entire set of substances they need for their work.

Plus, taking some of the latest generation antibiotics creates an additional disruptive factor. These potent, completely synthetic substances are incomparably more effective than the penicillin of yesteryear. However, a narrowly targeted action cannot be expected from them. That is why their intake, as before, is always accompanied by intestinal dysbiosis. And quite often - thrush, dry mucous membranes, changes in the composition and amount of discharge.

All these indirect factors have a subtle effect while they act separately. That is, hardly noticeable from the point of view of subjective sensations, since for the body, so to speak, they are always very noticeable. However, their coincidence and overlap can cause a major failure. Perhaps a one-time event that will disappear on its own as soon as one of the influences disappears. But this doesn't always happen. There is a direct dependence on the time of the negative impact. The longer it lasts, the more serious the violation will be, the more noticeably the recovery period will be delayed and the less likely there is for a complete recovery on its own.

Difference in levels of protection of external and internal organs

Is there a difference in the level of protection of the external and internal genital organs? Strictly speaking, yes. The external genitalia are in more frequent and closer contact with the external environment, which creates more opportunities for them to be damaged by pathogens. On the other hand, the level of hygiene standards in modern society makes it possible to attribute most of such cases to the fault of the patient herself. Careful hygienic care of the external genitalia is necessary. The fact is that the skin covering the external genitalia is rich in sweat and sebaceous glands much more than the skin of the body. Relatively speaking, it secretes almost as much secretion as the armpits. Therefore, it is impossible to do without hygiene procedures for a long time without risking local inflammation in this area. Even with a perfectly functioning immune system.

It should also be added that in the chronic stage, such inflammations tend to spread upward through the reproductive system, to the fallopian tubes. Which leads to the adhesive process and disruption of their patency. Medicine already knows why pipes. The mucous membranes of the fallopian tubes are most similar in structure to the skin of the external genitalia. That is why bacteria that successfully reproduce on external organs most actively attack this segment of internal organs.

The times when maintaining personal hygiene was a known problem due to the lack of sewerage and running water have not yet passed. The development of ideas about various drainage systems affected mainly urban houses. In rural areas, the success of hygiene procedures often continues to depend on the strength of the hands and the serviceability of the well gate. However, today's more effective emollients, disinfectants and anti-inflammatory agents significantly improve the hygienic environment even in such conditions.

The discovery and launch of mass production of antibiotics played an important role here. The effect of the antiseptic lasts not one hour, but at least six. Therefore, to maintain body hygiene, one visit to the shower per day is quite enough. And twice a day provides absolute protection of the skin from external attacks. However, there are a number of problems here.

The fact is that the constant presence of antibiotics on the skin causes changes in its surface layer. This will not necessarily be destruction - the epidermis, for example, does not lose any strength under their influence. But mucous membranes, on the contrary, are very prone to the appearance of microcracks caused by prolonged contact with antibiotic molecules. For this reason, the use of such means should also be in moderation. The optimal solution for most cases is specially developed intimate hygiene products. And the guarantee of the absence of the effect of secondary infection is achieved by the frequency of procedures at least once a day.

Unlike the external genitalia, the internal genitalia are relatively protected from accidental infection. But, as we can see, there are also quite a lot of factors for their defeat. Secondary damage due to irregular hygiene occurs only over time. In the absence of other prerequisites, it may not lead to the development of internal inflammation. On the other hand, cases where the focus of the disease initially formed in the internal organs are by no means uncommon. This can be caused by a one-time direct penetration of the virus through the vagina. Usually during sexual intercourse, since the physiology of sexual intercourse itself is quite traumatic for the mucous membranes of the genital organs. This creates more than favorable conditions for infection.

But secondary infection also has several scenarios. It is no secret that diseases such as syphilis and HIV are also transmitted through household contact. Of course, HIV does not affect the reproductive system, but the immune system, but as the immune system weakens, it will inevitably affect absolutely all systems of the body.

One way or another, there is a scenario of a secondary disorder due to the deterioration of the condition of the entire organism. We should understand in this regard that diseases of the internal genital organs only rarely occur due to infection from the outside. But more often they arise indirectly - due to the development or treatment of diseases of other organs. Usually there is a decrease in their resistance to attacks from the vagina due to suppression of immune functions.

This, paradoxically, is most easily achieved by long-term use of antibiotics. Then the drug taken directly affects the type of tissue and pathogens that caused the main symptoms. And indirectly, it inhibits the activity of the protective functions of the membranes of other organs.

This kind of “dysbacteriosis”, not in the intestines, but in the internal genital organs, often causes inflammation of the ovaries, the inner lining of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Of course, from a functional point of view, the most dangerous is a violation of the patency of the tubes and the timing of egg maturation. The uterus is a hollow organ formed by muscles. Therefore, the inflammatory process in its tissues has little effect on the function of excreting an unfertilized egg. Therefore, it is not always noticeable. Additionally, the matter is complicated by the often reduced immune response that occurs in such cases. The latter, accordingly, means less pronounced symptoms of inflammation - the absence of a feeling of heaviness, swelling and aching pain in the affected area.

Just literally 10-15 years ago, the word “vagina” or “vagina” could cause extreme indignation and bewilderment. Most people who wanted to know the structure of their body, especially virgins, were simply afraid to raise this topic, so as not to appear “ignorant” in the eyes of others. Nevertheless, interest in a woman’s body, both on the part of herself and on the part of a man, has not lost its relevance. Many people ask questions and search for information, videos and photos of the vagina in order to “calculate the compatibility” of the genital organs in order to avoid, for example, pain during sexual intercourse. From this article you can learn more about the female genital organs.

The vagina is an organ of the internal reproductive system, which is a fairly narrow muscular canal in the form of a tube with elastic walls that connects the vulva and the uterus. This organ of the female body plays an important role during fertilization, as well as the birth of a child.

In general, the reproductive system of representatives of the fair half of humanity consists not only of the pelvic organs. These are also mammary and endocrine glands, the work of which is controlled by certain areas of the brain. And they all take part in fulfilling their destiny - the birth of a baby. The organs of the reproductive system are divided into external and internal, depending on their location in the body. And the vagina is internal, as the photo shows.

How does this organ work?

Considering the structure of the vagina, it is worth noting that it is a hollow tube of muscles. It is located in the body, slightly bending towards the top. Every young girl (including virgins) usually has corrugated walls. And the size is different for every woman. According to statistics, as well as research results, the average length of the tube can be from 8 to 12 cm. Regarding the width of the vagina, the average is 2-3 cm. Although during sexual intercourse and the birth of a child, it can increase several times, reaching a diameter of 9 up to 12 cm.

Its walls consist of 3 layers. In general, their total thickness is about 4 mm. They are soft to the touch. Each wall is a layer that performs its function:

The inner layer, which is a mucous membrane consisting of many folds. It is thanks to them that the vagina has the ability to increase in size.

Middle, smooth muscle layer. The muscle bundles (longitudinal and transverse), which are represented in this wall, are present both in the upper part of the vagina and in its lower part. Unlike the upper ones, the lower beams are more durable. They are woven into the muscles that regulate the functioning of the perineum.

Outer layer (adventitia). This wall is represented by connective tissue, which contains elements of elastic fibers and muscles. It performs a connecting function, uniting the vagina and organs not related to the reproductive system. For example, the rectum, located behind the vagina, as well as the bladder, located in front of it, are connected precisely by the tissues of the outer layer.

As shown in the photo above, the female vagina has two walls (front, back). The ring that these walls form at the top, uniting, covers part of the uterus. They form a “vault,” highlighting part of the vagina at the beginning of the cervix.

The lower ring, created by the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina, forms the opening of the vestibule. This is where the hymen is located. As you know, this is the film that virgins have. Its dimensions and structure are purely individual. But for every virgin it is thin and quite elastic. This allows girls who have not had sexual intercourse to freely use tampons.

It is worth noting that, contrary to popular opinion, the hymen (hymen) is not evidence confirming the chastity of the fair sex. And this film can be easily damaged during physical exercise that requires strong muscle tension, as well as during masturbation. In addition, the true purpose from a physiological point of view of the hymen has not yet been established.

In order for the vaginal microflora to be healthy, it must always be moist. This function is provided by the internal walls.

They have glands that secrete special mucus. It is a whitish discharge with a characteristic odor. Mucus also has a slightly acidic reaction, which prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms. In addition to the fact that the secreted mucus ensures a normally moistened vagina from the inside, it contributes to painless sexual intercourse, which virgins often worry about.

However, it is worth knowing that normal mucus secretion does not cause excessive manifestations. Therefore, if you begin to notice heavy vaginal discharge, you should consult your gynecologist. If they are not a sign of ovulation, then these discharges can become a symptom of an inflammatory process.

About the functions performed by this body

You have already learned about the structure of the vagina. Now you can familiarize yourself with the functions that this female organ performs. There are 4 of them in total:

1. Sexual. This is the main function that the vagina performs in a woman’s body, directly participating in the conception of a child. Sperm released by a man during unprotected intercourse ends up in the vagina, allowing it to penetrate the cervix. Thus, reaching the uterine tube, the sperm can fertilize the egg, which will give rise to a new life.
2. Generic. Both walls of the vagina, connecting to the cervix, form a canal. It is called the birth canal because during childbirth the fetus leaves the uterus through this canal. This happens because during pregnancy the woman’s body prepares for the birth of the fetus: under the influence of hormones, the tissues of the walls change and become more elastic. As practice shows, this allows the vagina to stretch as much as necessary for the child to leave the mother’s womb without hindrance.
3. Protective. It is expressed in the fact that the vagina of a woman, including a virgin, is a kind of barrier. The structure of the vagina is such that it ensures self-cleaning of the body, while simultaneously preventing the entry and development of other microorganisms. As previously mentioned, it is the vaginal walls that help perform this function in a woman’s body.

   Some girls and women, out of ignorance, incorrectly implement the rules of intimate hygiene, thereby disturbing the normal microflora of internal organs. This happens in cases where frequent douching with water or, even worse, with antibacterial agents is practiced. If the microflora is normal and heavy discharge does not bother you, this should not be done.

4. Outgoing. This internal organ of the female body is, as mentioned earlier, a channel. However, it is intended not only to promote the conception of a child and his birth, but also to cleanse the body from the inside. The vagina helps eliminate physiological secretions from the body of representatives of the fair sex (virgins, girls, women), which are the result of the body’s performance. This applies to both minor clear or whitish discharge and menstruation.

The female genital organs include the ovaries and their appendages, the uterus and fallopian tubes, the vagina, the clitoris and the female genital area. Depending on their position, they are divided into internal and external. The female genital organs perform not only a reproductive function, but also participate in the formation of female sex hormones.

Rice. The structure of the female reproductive system and adjacent organs, side view.
1 - vagina; 2 - cervix; 3 - body of the uterus; 4 - fallopian tube; 5 - funnel of the fallopian tube; 6 - ovary; 7 - urethra; 8 - bladder; 9 - rectum; 10 - pubic bone.
(increase)

Internal female genital organs.

Ovary (ovarium) - a paired female reproductive gland located in the pelvic area. The mass of the ovary is 5-8 g; the length is 2.5-5.5 cm, width 1.5-3.0 cm and thickness up to 2 cm. The ovary has an ovoid shape, somewhat compressed in the anteroposterior direction. With the help of its own and suspensory ligaments, it is fixed on both sides of the uterus. The peritoneum, which forms the mesentery (duplicate) of the ovary and attaches it to the broad ligament of the uterus, also participates in fixation. There are two free surfaces in the ovary: the medial one, directed into the pelvic cavity, and the lateral one, adjacent to the wall of the pelvis. The surfaces of the ovary pass from behind into a convex free (posterior) edge, from the front - into the mesenteric edge, to which the mesentery of the ovary is attached.

In the area of ​​the mesenteric edge there is a depression - gate of the ovary, through which vessels and nerves enter and exit it. In the ovary, there is an upper tubal end, which is turned towards the fallopian tube, and a lower uterine end, connected to the uterus by its own ovarian ligament. This ligament is located between the two layers of the broad ligament of the uterus. The largest ovarian fimbria of the fallopian tube is attached to the tubal end of the ovary.

The ovaries are part of the group of movable organs; their topography depends on the position of the uterus and its size.

The surface of the ovary is covered with a single-layer germinal epithelium, under which lies a dense connective tissue tunica albuginea. The internal substance (parenchyma) is divided into outer and inner layers. The outer layer of the ovary is called the cortex. It contains a large number of follicles containing eggs. Among them are vesicular ovarian (mature) follicles (Graafian vesicles) and maturing primary ovarian follicles. A mature follicle can be 0.5-1.0 cm in size; covered with a connective tissue membrane consisting of an outer and an inner layer.

Adjacent to the inner layer is a granular, forming oviductal mound, in which the egg is located - oocyte. Inside a mature follicle there is a cavity containing follicular fluid. As the ovarian follicle matures, it gradually reaches the surface of the organ. Typically, only one follicle develops within 28-30 days. With its proteolytic enzymes, it destroys the tunica albuginea of ​​the ovary and, bursting, releases the egg. This process is called ovulation. Then the egg enters the peritoneal cavity, onto the fimbriae of the tube and then into the peritoneal opening of the fallopian tube. At the site of the burst follicle, a depression remains in which the corpus luteum forms. It produces hormones (lutein, progesterone) that inhibit the development of new follicles. If fertilization of the egg does not occur, the corpus luteum atrophies and crumbles. After atrophy of the corpus luteum, new follicles begin to mature again. If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum grows quickly and exists throughout pregnancy, performing an intrasecretory function. Then it is replaced by connective tissue and turns into a whitish body. In place of the burst follicles on the surface of the ovary, traces remain in the form of depressions and folds, the number of which increases with age.

Something interesting

The bubbles visible on the surface of the ovaries were recognized as an accumulation of unclear energy, a kind of similarity to an unlit candle or tinder. The ancient Egyptians managed to quickly remove the ovaries, creating a kind of eunuch from a woman who never became pregnant.

K. M. Baer, ​​the future St. Petersburg academician, was famous for his absent-mindedness, which, however, did not prevent him from making a great discovery with the help of a microscope. One can quite understand his shock when in 1827 he discovered the first (!) egg cell seen by man. That is why it is rightly inscribed on the medal knocked out in his honor: “Starting with an egg, he showed man to man.”

Uterus

Uterus - a hollow unpaired organ in which the development of the embryo and gestation of the fetus occurs. It distinguishes bottom- top part, body- middle section and neck- lower narrowed part. The narrowed transition of the uterine body to the cervix is ​​called isthmus of the uterus. The lower part of the cervix, which enters the vaginal cavity, is called vaginal cervix, and the upper one, lying above the vagina, - supravaginal part. The opening of the uterus is limited by the anterior and posterior lips. The rear lip is thinner than the front. The uterus has anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior surface of the uterus faces the bladder and is called the vesical surface, the posterior surface, facing the rectum, is called the intestinal surface.

The size of the uterus and its weight vary. The length of the uterus in an adult woman is on average 7-8 cm, and the thickness is 2-3 cm. The weight of the uterus in a nulliparous woman ranges from 40 to 50 g, in a woman who has given birth it reaches 80-90 g. The volume of the uterine cavity is within 4-6 cm3 . Located in the pelvic cavity between the rectum and bladder.

The uterus is fixed using the left and right broad ligaments, consisting of two layers of peritoneum (anterior and posterior). The area of ​​the broad ligament of the uterus adjacent to the ovary is called the mesentery of the ovary. The uterus is also supported by the round ligament and cardinal ligaments of the uterus.

The wall of the uterus consists of three layers. The surface layer is represented serous membrane (perimetry) and covers almost the entire uterus; average - muscular layer (myometrium), formed by internal and external longitudinal and middle circular layers; internal - mucous membrane (endometrium), covered with single-layer prismatic ciliated epithelium. Located under the peritoneum around the cervix periuterine tissue - parametrium.

The uterus has considerable mobility, which depends on the position of neighboring organs.

Something interesting

Plato was sure that “in women, that part of them that is called the uterus, or womb, is nothing more than a beast that has settled inside them, filled with childbearing lust. When this beast is in season, and there is no chance for him to conceive, he becomes furious , prowls throughout the body, constricts the respiratory tract and does not allow a woman to breathe, leading to the last extreme and to all sorts of ailments, until, finally, female lust and male eros bring the couple together and reap the harvest from the trees.”

Medical workers of ancient times did not doubt the ability of the uterus to repeatedly move around the body, just like a maddened animal, over a considerable distance from the vagina to the xiphoid process of the sternum. At the same time, the unfortunate woman herself may lose her voice, hallucinate and convulse. This is why it was believed that this led to the emergence of a condition called (based on the Greek name for the organ - hystera) hysteria. To stop this, the genitals were smeared with expensive incense. They put ice on the ovarian area and operated on the clitoris. At the same time, it was prescribed to take substances with a disgusting taste (tar, beer grounds) orally. The meaning of the actions was seen in the fact that the uterus, “turned away” in this way from the upper part of the body, would inevitably return to the lower part, that is, to its original place.

Fallopian tube (tuba uterina) - paired tubular organ 10-12 cm long, 2-4 mm in diameter; promotes the passage of the egg from the ovary into the uterine cavity. The fallopian tubes are located on both sides of the fundus of the uterus; their narrow end opens into the uterine cavity, and their widened end opens into the peritoneal cavity. Thus, through the fallopian tubes, the peritoneal cavity is connected to the uterine cavity.

The fallopian tube is divided into the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus and uterine part. The funnel has the ventral opening of a tube that ends in long narrow fimbriae. The funnel is followed by the ampulla of the fallopian tube, then its narrow part - isthmus. The latter passes into the uterine part, which opens into the uterine cavity through the uterine opening of the tube.

The wall of the fallopian tube consists of a mucous membrane covered with a single-layer prismatic ciliated epithelium, a muscular layer with an internal circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle cells and a serous membrane.

Something interesting

At the end of the tube, which is next to the ovary, fringes are visible to the naked eye. For a long time they were considered to have their own desires and abilities. One of them is supposedly curious, the other is “somewhat confused,” and the third looks like a “hunter.” But all these names, I admit, are not from anatomical literature, but from fiction.

Vagina - an unpaired hollow organ in the form of a tube 8-10 cm long, the wall thickness is 3 mm. With its upper end it covers the cervix, and with its lower end it opens through the genitourinary diaphragm of the pelvis into the vestibule with the opening of the vagina. This opening in a virgin is closed by the hymen, which is a semilunar or perforated plate, which is torn during sexual intercourse, and its flaps then atrophy. In front of the vagina are the bladder and urethra, behind is the rectum, with which it fuses with loose and dense connective tissue.

Rice. The structure of the female reproductive system, front view.
1 - vagina; 2 - cervix; 3 - body of the uterus; 4 - uterine cavity; 5 - fallopian tube; 6 - funnel of the fallopian tube; 7 - ovary; 8 - maturing egg (increase)

The vagina has front and back walls that connect to one another. Covering the vaginal part of the cervix, they form a dome-shaped depression around it - vaginal vault.

The vaginal wall consists of three membranes. External - adventitial- the shell is represented by loose connective tissue with elements of muscle and elastic fibers; average - muscular- predominantly longitudinally oriented beams, as well as beams of circulation direction. In the upper part, the muscular membrane passes into the muscles of the uterus, and at the bottom it becomes stronger and its bundles are woven into the muscles of the perineum. The internal mucosa is lined with stratified squamous epithelium and forms numerous transverse vaginal folds. On the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina, the folds become higher and form longitudinal columns of folds.

Something interesting

“The mouth of a woman’s trap” was the name given to that terrible image that entered literature and mythology under the name vagina dentata - a vagina with teeth. In Ecuador, the Kayapa Indians were convinced that the vagina could even “eat” the penis. The corresponding concept is very well known among psychoanalysts; in the fantasies of their patients, it happens that this aggressive organ appears, capable of killing or castrating.

Of course, there are no teeth in this area, but for those who have not had sexual intercourse, there is (almost all) a hymen at the beginning of the vagina. The latter is an anatomically unremarkable connective tissue membrane, very abundantly supplied with nerve endings.

The hymen is accompanied by a whole collection of beautiful and poetic metaphors: “girlish flap”, “shred”, “seal of virginity”, “guard”, “chastity bolt”, “belt of purity”, “flower of virginity”. The botanical assortment also turned out to be very diverse. Its list also includes a delicate lily, a rose that is prone to crumbling (evidence of short duration), an orange flower, hawthorn flowers in May, lavender (in Christianity it is a symbol of the Virgin Mary), and a daisy. The image of strawberries informed about virginity and purity in Western European art. It was placed on coats of arms and on cloaks.

Imagery such as “closed well”, “sealed fountain”, “bell” was also used. The elusive, graceful doe was recognized as an attribute of the virginity of the Olympic goddess Artemis (Diana). The warrior maiden Athena was also pure.

Virginity was endowed not only with sonorous terms, but also with special powers attributed to those who possessed it. As a result, among some peoples, certain actions could only be performed by those who did not have sexual relations. According to the views of the medieval church fathers, a virgin cannot be possessed by the devil. At one time, this conviction forced us to conduct a corresponding study on the captured Joan of Arc. Warrior maidens lost their fighting courage after sexual intercourse. But the ancient Slavic men did not attach any importance to virginity. And not only them.

Oogenesis - the process of development of female germ cells in the ovary. Primary female germ cells (oogonium) begin to develop in the first months of intrauterine development. Oogonia then turn into oocytes. By the time of birth, girls’ ovaries contain about 2 million oocytes, which turn into first order oocytes. However, even among them there is an intensive process of atresia, which significantly reduces their number. Before the onset of puberty, there are about 500,000 oocytes capable of further division. The oocytes then turn into primordial follicles, and then in primary follicles. Secondary follicles appear only after reaching puberty.

In sexology manuals you can read that, thanks to the significant muscles of the vaginal walls, a woman is able to “shoot” the inserted object, suck in air and even release it with a whistle. But the fact that there are no snakes in the vagina (according to the beliefs of some peoples), as well as the fact that its walls absorb semen and deliver it to the ovaries, is certain.

The secondary follicle continues to grow and turns into mature (Graafian vesicle). The follicle then ruptures and egg enters the peritoneal cavity. This process is called ovulation.

External female genitalia.

They are located in the anterior perineum in the area of ​​the genitourinary triangle and include the female genital area and the clitoris.

The female genital area includes the pubis, the labia majora and minora, the vestibule of the vagina, the major and minor glands of the vestibule, and the vestibular bulb.

Rice Female external genitalia: (increase)
1- pubis; 2- anterior commissure of the lips; 3- foreskin of the clitoris; 4 - head of the clitoris; 5- labia majora; 6- paraurethral ducts; 7- labia minora; 8- duct of the large gland of the vestibule; 9- frenulum of the labia; 10 - posterior commissure of the lips; 11 - anus; 12 - crotch; 13 - fossa of the vestibule of the vagina; 14 - hymen; 15- vaginal opening; 16 - vestibule of the vagina; 17 - external opening of the urethra (urethra); 18 - frenulum of the clitoris

The pubis at the top is separated from the abdominal area by the pubic groove, and from the hips by the coxofemoral grooves. It is covered with hair that extends to the labia majora. In the pubic area, the subcutaneous fat layer is well developed.

Something interesting

In reality, the external female genital organs are represented by the pubis, crowned with fat and hair. Textbooks retain the name “Hill of Venus” for this area. Love and fertility have always been the prerogative of this goddess. Less known is that in some places she was considered “low”, patronizing the arousal of desires and the satisfaction of passion. She also had the nickname “Genitelis,” which clearly indicates her patronage of the genitals.

The purpose of pubic hair is seen not in thermal protection, since there is already a lot of fat here, but in preserving olfactory stimuli that attract, even charm some. According to Slavic mythology, the appearance of female genitals gave reason to call them “marten”, “sobletka”, “ermine”, “furry”. Hence the custom of young people spending their first night in the sheepfold. The ermine, in particular, was called because, according to legend, this animal died if its white skin got dirty. In ancient portraits, ermine symbolized purity.

Very long pubic hair once gave the Tungus the right to divorce their wives. However, the complete absence of vegetation here for some reason acted as evidence of infertility. It was possible that this hair could be dyed in the most intricate colors (for example, bright red).

Labia majora They are a rounded paired skin fold 7-8 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. They limit the genital slit on the sides. The labia majora are connected to each other by the anterior and posterior commissures. The skin covering the labia majora contains many sebaceous and sweat glands.

Between the labia majora there is another pair of skin folds - labia minora. Their anterior ends cover the clitoris, form the foreskin and frenulum of the clitoris, and the posterior ends, connecting with each other, form a transverse fold - frenulum of the labia. The space between the labia minora is called the vestibule of the vagina. It contains the external opening of the urethra and the opening of the vagina.

Something interesting

In some areas of tropical Africa, girls had their labia majora sewn up to better preserve their virginity. For the same purpose, a ring was threaded through them. In Europe (in the 16th century) they came up with the idea of ​​using special belts made of iron and wire, locked with locks. Allegedly, this was invented by the Paduan tyrant Francesco II. When a knight went on a campaign, he took one key from his wife’s belt with him, and gave the other to the priest. But if you want, you can find a master key for any lock.

Clitoris is a homologue of the cavernous bodies of the male penis and consists of paired cavernous bodies. It consists of a body, a head and legs attached to the lower branches of the pubic bones. In front, the body of the clitoris narrows and ends at the head. The clitoris has a dense fibrous tunica albuginea and is covered with skin rich in sensory nerve endings.

Something interesting

The Chinese considered a large clitoris a deformity, something so suspicious that they endowed the said organ with the ability to grow cyclically with the Moon and reach the size of a penis.

The erection of the clitoris, which was very abundantly supplied with nerve endings, gave reason to equate it in this state with the protruding tongue of the formidable and destructive goddess Kali (from Hindu mythology). We are more aware that the clitoris is the main center for inducing orgasm, the “organ of pleasure.”

In some tribes of Tropical Africa, in the southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula, in Malaysia and Indonesia, Australia and Oceania, the clitoris of girls who have reached puberty is sometimes circumcised to weaken sexual desire, as well as for hygienic reasons. According to men, someone who has not undergone such an operation cannot be a respectable, well-mannered and obedient wife. Often the same fate befalls the labia minora and even partly the labia majora, which is called “Pharaonic circumcision.”

One should not exclude the possibility of symbolizing a departure from childhood and entry into adulthood in this action. And this, as in similar cases with boys undergoing circumcision, requires significant volitional efforts to overcome the pain.

Such a crippling effect was invented, it seems, by the Egyptians about two or three hundred BC. The fact that after this a nervous breakdown may occur, sexual coldness may develop, and difficulties with childbirth may follow is usually not taken into account. As the French ethnologist B. Olya writes, “the physiological effect of the operation is complemented by its mental consequences. Usually, circumcision of the clitoris occurs just before the onset of puberty, and the girl retains a terrible memory of this. It will be difficult for her to understand that the part of her body that has just has been the source of such great misfortune, can become a source of pleasure."

Crotch - a complex of soft tissues (skin, muscles, fascia) covering the entrance from the pelvic cavity. It occupies an area bounded in front by the lower edge of the pubic symphysis, in the back by the apex of the coccyx, and on the sides by the lower branches of the pubic and ischial bones and the ischial tuberosities. The line connecting the ischial tuberosities divides the perineum into two triangles: the anterior-superior part is called the genitourinary region, and the lower-posterior part is called the anal region. Within the genitourinary region there is the urogenital diaphragm, and in the anus there is the pelvic diaphragm.

Urogenital diaphragm and the pelvic diaphragm are a muscular-fascial plate formed by two layers of muscles (superficial and deep) and fascia.

The superficial muscles of the urogenital diaphragm include the superficial transverse perineal muscle, the ischiocavernosus muscle, and the bulbospongiosus muscle. The deep muscles of the urogenital diaphragm include the deep transverse perineal muscle and the urethral sphincter.

The pelvic diaphragm includes a superficial layer of muscles, which is represented by the unpaired muscle - external anal sphincter. When contracted, it compresses (closes) the opening of the anus. The deep muscles of the pelvic diaphragm include two muscles that form the posterior section of the floor of the pelvic cavity: the levator ani muscle and the coccygeus muscle.

Internally, the pelvic floor is covered by the superior fascia of the pelvis, below the perineum is covered by the superficial subcutaneous fascia and the inferior fascia of the pelvic diaphragm.

The muscles of the genitourinary diaphragm lie between the superior and inferior fascia of the genitourinary diaphragm, and the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm lie between the superior and inferior fascia of the pelvic diaphragm.

A woman's perineum is different from a man's. The urogenital diaphragm in women is wide, the urethra and vagina pass through it; the muscles are somewhat weaker than in men, and the fascia, on the contrary, is stronger. The muscle bundles of the urethra also cover the vaginal wall. The tendon center of the perineum is located between the vagina and the anus and consists of tendon and elastic fibers.

In the perineal area, on the sides of the anus, there is a pair of depressions called the ischiorectal fossa. This hole is filled with fatty tissue and acts as an elastic cushion.

The human reproductive system is a complex of organs through which reproduction occurs. They also determine gender characteristics and perform sexual function. Unlike other organ systems, the reproductive system begins to function only when the human body is ready to participate in childbirth. This occurs during puberty.

Sexual demorphism is pronounced; The human reproductive system is responsible for the formation of differences, that is, the male and female sexes differ from each other in internal and external structure.

The reproductive system, the structure of which allows men and women to produce gametes using the gonads (sex glands), is divided:

• on the external genitalia;
• internal genital organs;

Male reproductive system, histology of internal organs

The male reproductive system is represented by external (penis, scrotum) and internal (testicles and their appendages) organs.

Testicles (testes, testicles) are gonads, a paired organ within which spermatogenesis (maturation of sperm) occurs. The testicular parenchyma has a lobular structure and consists of seminiferous tubules that open into the epididymal canal. The spermatic cord approaches the other edge. During the perinatal period, the testicles are located in the abdominal cavity, then normally descend into the scrotum.

The testes produce a secretion that is part of sperm, and also secrete androgen hormones, mainly testosterone, and in small quantities estrogen and progesterone. Together, these hormones regulate spermatogenesis and the development of the entire organism, stopping the growth of bones in length at a certain age. Thus, the formation of the entire organism is influenced by the reproductive system, the organs of which not only have a reproductive function, but also participate in humoral regulation.

In the testes there is a constant production of sperm - male gametes. These cells have a movable tail, thanks to which they are able to move against the flow of mucus in the woman’s genital tract towards the egg. Mature sperm accumulate in the epididymis, which has a system of tubules.

The accessory sex glands also play a role in the formation of sperm. The prostate gland secretes some components of sperm and substances that stimulate spermatogenesis. The muscle fibers present in the gland compress the urethra during sexual arousal, preventing urine from entering during ejaculation.

Cooper's (bulbourethral) glands are two small formations located at the root of the penis. They secrete a secretion that dilutes sperm and protects the urethra from the inside from the irritating effects of urine.

External male genitalia

The male reproductive system also includes the external genitalia - the penis and scrotum. The penis consists of a root, a body and a head; inside there are two cavernous and one spongy body (the urethra lies in it). In a state of sexual arousal, the corpus cavernosum fills with blood, resulting in an erection. The head is covered with thin movable skin - the foreskin (prepuce). It also contains glands that secrete a slightly acidic secretion - smegma, which protects the body from the penetration of bacteria.

The scrotum is the outer, musculocutaneous membrane of the testes. The latter performs protective and thermoregulatory functions.

Secondary male sexual characteristics

Men also have secondary sexual characteristics, which are indicators of puberty and gender differentiation. These include male-type facial and pubic hair growth, armpit hair growth, as well as growth of laryngeal cartilage, which leads to a change in voice, with the thyroid cartilage coming forward, forming the so-called Adam's apple.

Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system has a more complex structure, since it performs not only the function of producing gametes - fertilization occurs in it, and then the development of the fetus with its subsequent birth. The internal organs are represented by the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina. External organs are the labia majora and minora, hymen, clitoris, Bartholin's and mammary glands.

External female genitalia

The female reproductive system is externally represented by several organs:

1. The labia majora are folds of skin with fatty tissue that perform a protective function. Between them there is a genital gap.
2. The labia minora are two small folds of skin, resembling a mucous membrane, located under the labia majora. Inside they have muscle and connective tissue. The labia minora cover the clitoris on top and form the vestibule of the vagina below, into which the opening of the urethra and gland ducts open.
3. The clitoris is a formation in the upper corner of the genital opening, measuring only a few millimeters in size. In its structure it is homologous to the male genital organ.

The entrance to the vagina is covered by the hymen. In the groove between the hymen and the labia minora there are Bartholin's glands, one on each side. They secrete a secretion that acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse.

Together with the vagina, the external genitalia are a copulatory apparatus designed for the introduction of the penis and sperm, as well as the removal of the fetus.

Ovaries

The female reproductive system also consists of a complex of internal organs located in the pelvic cavity.

The ovaries are the sex glands, or gonads, a paired oval-shaped organ located to the left and right of the uterus. During embryonic development, they form in the abdominal cavity and then descend into the pelvic cavity. At the same time, primary germ cells are laid, from which gametes will subsequently be formed. It is the endocrine glands that regulate the reproductive system, the histology of which is such that there are both organs that produce hormones and target organs that respond to humoral influences.

After maturation, the reproductive system begins to work, as a result of which ovulation occurs in the ovaries: at the beginning of the cycle, the so-called Graafian vesicle matures - a sac in which the female gamete - the egg - is formed and grows; Approximately in the middle of the cycle, the bubble bursts and the egg is released.

In addition, the ovary, being an endocrine gland, produces the hormone estradiol, which is involved in the formation of the female body and many other processes, as well as in small quantities testosterone (male sex hormone). In place of the burst follicle, another gland is formed - the corpus luteum, the hormone of which (progesterone) ensures the safety of pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum dissolves, forming a scar.

Thus, the reproductive system regulates the physiological development of the body. It is the sequence of work of the follicular system and the corpus luteum system that forms the menstrual cycle, which lasts on average 28 days.

Fallopian tubes

Funnel-shaped tubes extend from the corners of the uterine fundus to the ovaries, the wide part of which faces the ovary and has a fringe-like edge. On the inside, they are covered with ciliated epithelium, that is, the cells have special cilia that make wave-like movements that promote fluid flow. With their help, the egg released from the follicle moves through the tube towards the uterus. This is where fertilization occurs.

Uterus

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ in which the embryo develops. This organ has a triangular shape; it has a bottom, a body and a neck. The muscular layer of the uterus thickens during pregnancy and is involved in childbirth, as its contraction provokes expulsion of the fetus. The mucous inner layer grows under the influence of hormones so that the embryo can attach to it at the very beginning of its development. If fertilization does not occur, then at the end of the menstrual cycle the membrane is torn away and bleeding occurs (menstruation).

The cervical canal (cervical canal) passes into the vagina and secretes mucus, which creates a barrier that protects the uterus from environmental influences.

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular organ in the shape of a tube, covered from the inside with a mucous membrane; located between the cervix and the genital opening. The walls of the vagina are elastic and stretch easily. The mucous membrane is populated by specific microflora that synthesize lactic acid, due to which the urinary reproductive system is protected from the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Secondary sexual characteristics of women

Women, just like men, have secondary gender characteristics. During puberty, they experience growth of hair on the pubis and in the armpits, a female body type is formed due to fat deposits in the pelvis and hips, while the pelvic bones extend in the horizontal direction. In addition, women develop mammary glands.

Mammary gland

The mammary glands are derivatives of the sweat glands, but perform the function of milk production during feeding of the baby. The rudiments of the glands are formed during the perinatal period in all people. In men, they remain in their infancy throughout their lives, since their reproductive system is not designed for lactation. In girls, the mammary glands begin to grow after the menstrual cycle is established and develop to their maximum towards the end of pregnancy.

In front of the gland there is a nipple into which the milk ducts open. Milk begins to be secreted in the alveoli under the influence of the hormone prolactin, produced by the pituitary gland as a reflex in response to irritation of nipple receptors during sucking. Lactation is also regulated by oxytocin, a hormone that contracts smooth muscle, allowing milk to move through the milk ducts.

After childbirth, colostrum is produced - a yellow secretion containing an increased amount of immunoglobulins, vitamins and minerals. On days 3-5 of lactation, milk production begins, the composition of which changes with the age of the child. On average, lactation lasts 1-3 years. After its completion, partial involution of the glands occurs.

Thus, the female reproductive system has a complex reproductive function, ensuring gestation and birth of the fetus, as well as its subsequent feeding.