The Female Reproductive System

The organs that can give genesis to life are called the genitalia, a Latin word that means “to give birth.” The female birth-giving organs are in two groups. One group is outside the body and easily visible; it is called the external genitalia. The vulva (Latin for covering) is the collective name for the entire group of female external genital organs. This group is the gateway to the second group of reproductive organs inside the body, called the internal genitalia. These are made up of two ovaries, two oviducts (tubes), the uterus, and the vagina (see figures 1 and 2).
The reproductive organs are formed several months before one’s own birth but remain inactive until puberty (usually ages twelve to fifteen), when they receive the signal to come to sexual maturity. This important signal is given by the pituitary, a small gland situated at the base of the brain.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 3:41 pm and is filed under Understanding the Basics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.