Anatomy 101 in V.

A general understanding of female organs/anatomy is important for sexual health, preventative care, and cancer awareness. Here are five (V.) definitions of your insides and outs.

 INTERNAL ORGANS

i.      Uterus

The uterus or womb plays an important role in periods and pregnancy. The inner lining (endometrium) sheds monthly with a period and thickens in preparation for a pregnancy. When pregnancy occurs, the endometrium is surrounded by a thick smooth muscle that can grow with the growing pregnancy. If a woman is using an IUD for contraception it is placed in the uterus.

ii.     Ovaries

There a two, right and left, glandular organs that secrete hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle. Eggs are produced by the ovary.

iii.     Fallopian Tubes

The tubes are conduits between the ovary and the uterus. This is where fertilization, the joining of the egg and sperm, take place.

iv.     Cervix

The cervix is the base of the uterus and helps support the weight of a growing pregnancy. It is the cervix that dilates when a woman is in labor. A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer.

v.     Vagina

The muscular canal that connects the outside organs to the cervix is the vagina. A tampon is placed in the vagina and penetrative sex occurs within the vagina.

 EXTERNAL ORGANS

The vulva is the term used for the external female genital organs. Here are five (V.) specific external organs.

i.     Mons pubis

This is the area/fatty tissue above the pubic bone. 

ii.     Labia majora

 A pair of rounded folds of skin --the fleshy outer lips of the external female genitalia.

iii.     Labia minora

The inner smaller lips that cover the vaginal opening and urethra (drainage opening from the bladder to outside the body).

iv.     Hymen

A thin membrane at the opening of the vagina that often breaks with activity, tampon insertion or sex.

v.     Clitoris

Organ of sexual pleasure, it is comprised of erectile tissue and nerve endings.

 Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.