Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS AND THEIR
FUNCTIONS/PROCESSES
External Organs
• Vulva– The external genital organs of the female, including labia majora, labia
minora, clitoris, the vaginal and the urethral openings.
• Labia Majora (or outer lips) - Two folds of skin (one on either side of the
vaginal opening) that cover and protect the genital structures
• Labia Minora (or inner lips) - Two folds of skin between the labia majora that
extend from the clitoris on each side of the urethral and vaginal openings.
• Clitoris - A small round and fleshy structure located above the urethral opening
at the point where the labia minora meet; the focal point of sexual stimulation
for the female.
• Urethral (or urinary) opening – Spot from which a woman urinates.
• Vaginal opening - Located between the urethral opening and the anus; usually
covered by a thin membrane called the hymen; outlet for the menstrual flow and
childbirth. It is the opening for penetration of the penis during intercourse.
• Hymen - A thin fold of mucous membrane partially covering the opening of the
vagina.
Internal Organs
• Vagina - Passageway extending from the outside of the body to the uterus.
Canal through which a baby passes during delivery; passageway for the
menstrual flow to the outside; place where intercourse occurs. Capable of
expanding during intercourse and childbirth, lubricates during sexual arousal.
• Cervix - The narrow lower portion of uterus (with opening into the uterine
cavity) that protrudes into the uppermost part of the vagina.
• Uterus - A pear-shaped muscular organ located in the pelvic region; beginning
at puberty, the lining sheds periodically (usually monthly) during menstruation;
it is the organ where the fetus (and then the baby) is held and nourished during
pregnancy, from the time of implantation until birth.
• Fallopian tubes (2) - Two thin tubular structures arising from the upper part of
the uterus and having funnel-shaped open ends. Passageway for the egg from
the ovary to the uterus; place where fertilization occurs.
• Ovaries (2) – The oval-shaped female reproductive glands, located in the pelvic
region; contain many immature egg cells at birth; produce female hormones,
i.e., estrogen and progesterone; begin maturation and release of eggs from
puberty onward.
Every female is born with thousands of eggs (ova) in her ovaries. The eggs are so small
that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Once a girl has reached puberty, a tiny egg
(ovum) matures in one of her ovaries each month and then travels down a fallopian
tube on its way to the uterus. This release of the egg from the ovary is called
ovulation. The uterus prepares for the egg’s arrival by developing a thick and soft
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 3: Human Reproduction