UNIT 2 STRUCTURE AND

FUNCTIONS OF FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
Structure
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Meaning and Concept of the Female Reproductive System
2.2.1 External Reproductive Organs
2.2.2 Internal Reproductive Organs

2.3 Maturation of the Female Sex Organs

2.3.1 Primary Sexual Changes
2.3.2 Secondary Sexual Changes
2.3.3 Secondary Sexual Characteristics
2.3.4 The Menstrual Cycle
2.4 Functions of the Female Reproductive Organs
2.5 Role of Teachers and Parents
2.6 Let Us Sum Up
2.7 Keywords
2.8 Answer to Check Your Progress
2.9 References

2.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
 list and describe the organs of the female reproductive system;
 explain the functions of various female reproductive organs;
 describe the secondary sexual characteristics in girls; and
 describe the process of menstruation as a normal body function.

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Studies point out that most adolescent girls are unprepared in terms of knowledge
skills and attitudes towards their bodies, changing physical appearance and managing
the menstrual cycle. They may also have unsaid anxieties and apprehensions and
be subjected to social taboos and restraint during their menses. Many girls get
married in adolescence but are unaware about their own bodies and about
reproduction.
In this unit, you will learn about the female reproductive system, its structure and
functions. It is important that all girls and boys know about these body parts and
16 how they work, and how to look after them. It is essential that all girls know
about the menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene, and feel free to discuss their Structure and Functions of
Female Reproductive Organs
concerns related to their periods. Boys also need to understand about the problems
women face during their menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, to empathize with
them.

2.2 MEANING AND CONCEPT OF THE FEMALE

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Reproduction is a normal and natural part of human behaviour and function.
Along with changes in body size, changes in the reproductive system also occur
during adolescence leading to sexual maturity. Sexual and reproductive organs are
as important as other parts of human body like hands, fingers, feet, eyes etc. It
is important to understand the human reproductive system and its functioning. If
you do not take care of sexual and reproductive organs many problems may
arise.
Let us learn about the external and internal female reproductive organs as given
below:-
2.2.1 External Reproductive Organs
Female external genitalia also known as VULVA or PERINEUM and include the
following parts:

Fig.2.1: Female External reproductive organs

1. Clitoris
2. Labia Majora
3. Urethral opening
4. Labia Minora
5. Vaginal Opening
6. Anal opening
1. Clitoris: It is a small pea sized sensitive organ containing the erectile tissue.
It is located above the urethral opening at a point where the labia meet. It
is the focal point of sexual feeling and it enlarges and hardens when stimulated.
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Reproductive and Sexual 2. Labia Majora and Labia Minora: Two sets of lips or folds on either side
Changes
of the vagina which provides protection to the clitoris, urethral and vaginal
opening. Labia Majora lie outside and over the Labia Minora.
3. Hymen: It is a thin membrane that lies at the entrance of the vagina. It
normal has a small opening through which menstrual blood comes out.
4. Bartholin’s glands: Tiny glands which are located on either side of the
vaginal opening.
5. There are three openings in the vulva: The urethra, the vagina and the
anus. The urethral opening is a small opening in front of the vaginal opening
for the passage of urine. Vaginal opening is between the urethral and the
anal opening. The anus is behind the vaginal opening, and is not a part of
the reproductive system. It is the outlet for the faeces or motion.

2.2.2 Internal Reproductive Organs

The internal organs are situated in the pelvic region, i.e., the lower part of the
abdomen. These internal reproductive organs include the ovaries or female gonads,
oviduct or fallopian tube, and uterus

Fig.2.2: Female Reproductive System – Intrnal Organs

1. Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
2. Ovary
3. Uterus
4. Cervix
5. Vagina
1. Fallopian tubes (Oviducts): These are two tubes leading from the ovaries
to the womb which carry the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. They are
attached to the uterus on both sides and open into it. It is here that the ovum
meets the sperm and fertilization occurs.
2. Ovaries: Two ovaries, each about the size of an almond, produce the egg
or the ovum. The ovaries are oval-shaped glands situated on either side of
the uterus. The ovaries contain thousands of immature eggs. Once a girl has
reached puberty every month one egg (ovum) is released from the ovary.
Approx. 450 to 500 eggs will mature and be released in the girl’s life time.
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The ovaries also secrete the female sex harmone, the estrogen.
3. Uterus (womb): About the size and shape of an upside down pear. When Structure and Functions of
Female Reproductive Organs
a woman gets pregnant the baby grows inside the uterus. It is made of
muscle and grows in size (from 50 grams to 1 kg) as the baby grows. If a
woman does not get pregnant, the inner lining of uterus passes out of her
body along with the blood through the vagina. This is called menstruation.
4. Cervix: It is the mouth of the Uterus. It connects the uterus to vagina. It is
normally almost closed with just a small opening through which menstrual
blood passes out or sperms pass up.
5. Vagina: A tube about 8cm (3 inches) long, it leads from the cervix to the
vulva. The menstrual flow passes through the vagina. It is an important organ
for the sexual act. The vagina is very elastic so that it can easily stretch
around a baby during delivery.
Check your Progress 1
a) Label the following diagram of the female external genitalia:

1. ............................................. 2. .............................................
3. ............................................. 4. .............................................
5. ............................................. 6. .............................................

2.3 MATURATION OF THE FEMALE SEX ORGANS

Along with the changes in the body size and proportion there are changes in the
reproductive system also. These changes can be classified into two types –
Primary Sexual Changes and Secondary Sexual Changes:

2.3.1 Primary Sexual Changes

Changes that relate to primary sex organs such as uterus, vagina and the ovaries
in the female are primary sexual changes. And associated changes are called
primary sexual characterstics which are not visible like the uterus develops, the
vagina increases in size and begins discharging a very small amount of whitish
fluid. This is normal, it is a way a female vagina cleans itself. Sexual desire
increases because of release of the hormones from the ovaries.
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Reproductive and Sexual 2.3.2 Secondary Sexual Changes
Changes
You have learnt that primary sexual changes are not visible but other associated
changes visible on the body as referred to as secondary sexual characteristics.
These include breast development and growth of under arm and pubic hair in
female.
Sexual development of girls occurs in the following order during adolescence:
 Breast development
 Development of pubic hair
 Menarche (discussed later) Menstruation - often called a “period” - will
begin.

2.3.3 Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Let us study these secondary sexual characteristics in detail –
During adolescence the female hormones cause numerous body changes which
are called the secondary sex characteristics. Many of these, like in the case
study below you will see, be cause a lot of confusion in the mind of the adolescent,
distracting her from her studies, and giving her low self-esteem. Let us study the
case.
Case Study 1
Gurpreet is a 14 year old schoolgirl. She has small pimples on her face, neck,
shoulders, upper back and chest. She washes her face 4 to 5 times with soap.
She have severe itching and feels like scratching her face often. She has
applied numerous creams and taken many medicines to purify her blood, but
there is no improvement. The pimples leave black spots on her face and
forehead.
She hates to go out with her friends, and avoids parties. She is always
conscious about her pimply face, and never talks to boys. She cannot
concentrate on her studies, and fares poorly in her Exams.
Discuss the case study and think why these things are happening to Gurpreet.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics:
 Growth spurt occurs. (Height and Weight)
 Overall increase in all body parts including hands, legs, face.
 Changed distribution in weight and fat; more subcutaneous fat and fat deposits
mainly around the buttocks, thighs and hips, breasts.
 Skin becomes oily and prone to pimples and acne.
 Breasts develop.
 Hips widen
 Waistline narrows

20  Appearance of underarm and pubic hair.

 Structure and Functions of
2.3.4 The Menstrual Cycle/Menstruation Female Reproductive Organs
Most of the adolescent girls are not aware about reason for attaining
menstruration and how to handle it. Exposing them to the age appropriate
information will make the girl child a well informed and confident child.
Menstruation is a natural body function in the female. It is a woman’s monthly
cycle, also called menses, menstrual period, or period. The menstrual blood is
partly blood and partly tissue which forms the inside lining of the uterus. It flows
from the uterus through the small opening in the cervix, and passes out of the
body through the vagina. Men do not have a uterus or eggs, and therefore do not
menstruate.
Case Study 2
Asha, an eleven year old girl stays with her parents and two younger brothers
in a village in India. One day, Asha noticed that her undergarment was wet
and uncomfortable. Looking down, she saw that her dress was stained with
blood. She went crying to her mother.
Her mother immediately scolded her and told her to keep quiet, and took her
to a room and locked the door. She told her that she was a big girl now, and
she would bleed like this every month. She should not talk about it to anyone.
She should now stop going to school, and playing with boys.
Asha could not sleep that night. She was shocked about her condition and
wondered what disease she had got. Why was it such a secret? Why could
she not go to school or talk to boys?
Ques 1. How could Asha’s agony be avoided?
Why menstruation takes
place?
As soon as the ovaries releases
the egg. The inner living of the
uterus becomes thick with blood
capillaries. This happens so as
to provide nutrition to the egg if
it gets fertilized by the sperm
during int ercourse when
fertilization of the egg does not
take place this inner living breaks
and comes out of the vagina as Fig. 2.3: The Monthly Cycle
menstrual blood.
MENARCHE: This is the first menstrual period which marks the onset of sexual
maturity in girls. The first period can occur at any time in a girl between the ages
of 10 to 16 years. Periods last normally for 1 - 8 days (average 3 -5 days), and
occur every 21 - 40 days (average 28 days), which is called the menstrual
cycle. This occurs due to change in the circulating hormones.
A girl cannot know for sure when she will begin to have periods. However, a girl’s
first period usually comes about a year or two after her breasts begin to develop
and after her pubic hair becomes coarser and darker.
Figure 2.3 Souce: Orientation Preogramme for ANMs/LHVs to provide Adolescent-Friendly Reproductive
& Sexual Health Service - Handouts - IEC Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government 21
of India.
Reproductive and Sexual The flow is usually heavier at the beginning of the period (first and second day),
Changes
and becomes light at the end. There are NO external signs that indicate whether
a girl or woman is menstruating.
A menstrual cycle starts with the first day of monthly bleeding. The last day of the
menstrual cycle is the day before the next monthly bleeding starts. For example,
if bleeding started on July 1, that is the first day of the menstrual cycle. If the
menstrual cycle that month is 28 days long, the next monthly bleeding would start
on July 29. If this woman usually has 28 day cycles, she can expect monthly
bleeding to start again on August 26.

Fig. 2.4: The menstrual Cycle

The menstrual periods usually stop either suddenly or gradually between the ages
of 45 – 55 years, during the menopause.
Myth
The menstrual blood is dirty hence the girl having menses becomes dirty and
should be treated different by during these days.
Fact
Menstruation is a normal periodic process in females and should be looked
upon as such. The blood that goes out of the body during menstruation
is the same as the rest of the blood flowing in our body and should not be
considered as “dirty”. Since this blood ultimately gives life to all babies, how can
this blood be anything but life giving!
This blood from the placenta is taken out from the umbilical cord of the baby, and
is nowadays being recommended for preservation and storage, as the stem cells
derived from this could be life saving from malignant and life threatening diseases.
Stem cells can be obtained from cord blood and placenta, and also menstrual
blood.
Finally, one can actually change this undesirable concept of ‘bad days’ for a
woman to a positive approach where a female actually looks forward to this
period. The idea of “taking it easy” during menstruation can be given to the
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girls. They can be told to consider this a ‘special’ time for themselves wherein Structure and Functions of
Female Reproductive Organs
they can pamper themselves.
Personal Care during Menstruation: Some Tips
 Intake of healthy food, the diet should contain iron as excessive loss of blood
may lead to anemia.
 Heavy work to be avoided, but routine activities can be continued. Adolescent
girls should not miss school.
 Some girls are a little uncomfortable during their periods. They may experience
cramps or pain in their lower abdomen/back. There are several things a girl
can do if she experiences cramps: take a warm bath, take a walk, rub the
abdomen, lie on her back with knees up, move the knees in small circles,
etc. A hot water bag can be placed on abdomen or the lower back to reduce
pain.
 Regular exercise and yoga help in reducing cramps/pain. Carry out moderate
exercise: Exercise speeds up circulation and helps ease tension.
 Water retention and mood swings often occur just before menstruation, and
are all called premenstrual symptoms or PMS. Reducing salt and sweets
in the diet and exercise help to diminish it.
 Bathing daily and change of inner wear (cotton) daily.
 Napkins should be disposed properly. Cloth should be washed and dried in
the sun.
 Girls should take precaution to wash their private parts from front to the
back after passing motion, to avoid infection of these parts.
 One can use sanitary napkins, cotton cloths, and tampons depending upon
their availability and affordability.
Menstrual Hygiene and Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs):
Lack of menstrual and personal hygiene is the most likely cause of complaints
like discharge, burning during urination and genital itching in girls. This results in
Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Adolescents need appropriate information and skills to maintain personal hygiene.
This not only protects their present health but also protects them in future and is
likely to reduce death rates including the Maternal Mortality Rate in the country.
Activity – “Menstrual blood is dirty “Discuss in group”
Check Your Progress 2
a) Do all post pubertal girls have periods? Yes/No
b) Is this process normal? Yes/No
c) Can anyone tell when a girl is having her periods? Yes/No
d) What does the word ‘menarche’ mean?
i) Stoppage of menstruation 23
Reproductive and Sexual ii) Onset of menstruation
Changes
iii) Delayed menstruation
iv) Irregular menstruation
e) What problems are caused by lack of menstrual hygiene?
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
Case Studies 3
In each of the following cases, what would your advice be? Jot it down in
your learning journal.
1. Kajal is a 14 year old girl with breast development, but she has not started
her periods.
2. Pushpa is 16 years old and has not started her periods.
3. Kamini is 14 years old and complains of a thin white vaginal discharge.
4. Tania is a 15 year old unmarried girl with greenish foul smelling vaginal
discharge.
5. Madhu is a 16 year old girl with regular monthly periods. She has now
missed her period since two months and is worried.

2.4 FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
The female reproductive system is designed to carry and complete the
function of reproduction. The various functions of the Female sex organs have
been discussed below:
i) Hymen: Thin membrane protecting the vaginal opening with a small
perforation to allow menstrual flow to occur. This hole often gets torn after
sexual intercourse, leading to some bleeding. The presence of the hymen is
often but falsely taken as proof of a girl’s virginity. If she does not bleed
during the first sexual intercourse. The fact is that the hymen can also break
due to injuries, strenuous exercise (such as running, horse riding, cycling) and
hence it is no proof of virginity. The Pregnancy is possible even when the
hymen is intact.
ii) Vagina or birth canal: It is the passage way for menstrual flow to the
outside. It is also used for entry of the penis during sexual intercourse. It is
the passage through which the baby is born during a normal delivery. It is
elastic and expands during intercourse and childbirth. The vagina makes a
fluid that helps to keep itself clean and prevents infection. This is the normal
vaginal discharge.
iii) Cervix: is the mouth of the uterus. It has a very small opening which allows
menstrual blood to come out during the period, and the semen to enter after
24 sexual intercourse. It dilates fully to about 10 cm during childbirth.
iv) Uterus: is the home of the baby during pregnancy; its walls nourish the baby Structure and Functions of
Female Reproductive Organs
by forming the placenta, or the lining is shed every month during menstruation.
It has a thick muscular wall to push the baby out during a delivery.
v) Fallopian tubes: are the two tubes or passageways for the egg from the
ovary on either side to the uterus. Fertilization (Union) of the sperm and egg
usually occurs in the fallopian tube leading to conception (pregnancy).
vi) Tubectomy: This is the permanent irreversible method of sterilization in the
female, when both the Fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent the sperm
and egg from uniting (fertilization). It is a safe surgical procedure.
vii) Ovaries: Every female child has 2 million ova or eggs in both ovaries at
birth, and 3 lakhs eggs at puberty. However, only less than 500 eggs mature
during the reproductive life of a woman. From puberty, one egg from either
ovary matures and is released during ovulation. This egg travels through the
fallopian tubes to the uterus. Along its path if it meets the sperm and unites
with it, pregnancy may result. Otherwise the unfertilized egg reaches the
uterus and is shed during the next menstrual period. The ovaries also secrete
the female hormones called estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the
menstrual cycle, cause ovulation and support pregnancy. They also increase
the sexual desire and drive in the female.

PROCESSES RELATED TO THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

i) Ovulation: The process of a mature ovule being released into the fallopian
tube is known as ovulation.
ii) Fertilization: When the male ejaculates during sexual intercourse, semen is
deposited into the female’s vagina. From the vagina the sperms make their
way up through the cervix and move through the uterus with help from
uterine contractions upto the fallopian tubes where, a single sperm may
penetrate and fertilize it, or conception, occurs. The union of an egg and a
sperm is called fertilization resulting inconception.
Check Your Progress 3
a) Which organ produces the female hormones estrogen and progesterone?
i) Brain iii) Thyroid
ii) Uterus iv) Ovaries
b) Fertilization of the egg usually takes place in the
i) Ovaries iii) Cervix
ii) Fallopian tubes iv) Vagina
c) What is the process of release of an egg from the ovary called?
i) Menstruation iii) Fertilization
ii) Menarche iv) Ovulation

2.5 ROLE OF TEACHERS AND PARENTS

Where in the chapter ‘Reproduction’ is taken in the textbook prescribed by the
Govt. of India, it becomes very important for the teacher to let the students know
about the sex organs and their functions. It is for the parents and teachers to tell 25
Reproductive and Sexual the students to respect their bodies and maintain it well, not feeling ashamed of
Changes
it.
Let us discuss the role of teachers and parents.
Teachers and parents have a major role to play by supporting adolescent
girls during the menarche. Many girls report being shocked by seeing this sudden
blood, they should therefore be aware that it is absolutely normal.
Most girls feel shy to discuss any problems they may be facing, e.g. painful
periods. Creating an enabling environment where adolescents can talk about their
health is one method of reaching out to adolescent girls. Helping adolescent boys
to understand menstruation is another challenge. Boys should empathize with the
girls who have to undergo great inconvenience and pain during these times.
It is important to talk about menstruation since a significant number of adolescent
girls have concerns relating to the menstrual cycle most of which require only
reassurance or counselling. Also, a lot of myths and misconceptions in the society
have led to menstruation being perceived as something is unclean or dirty.
A teacher who deals with adolescent students needs to be sensitive to the issue
of appearance and acne. She can play an important role in giving adequate
information on how acne develops in teenagers.
Check Your Progress 4
A. Match the reproductive organ in Column 1 with their functions from
Column 2.
COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2
1. Ovary A. A bag which contains the
testicles.
2. Epididymis B. Releases hormones and egg
cells.
3. Clitoris C. Place for the sperm and egg
to unite
4. Vas Deferens D. Most sensitive organ for
sexual pleasure in a woman
5. Uterus E. Stores sperms
6. Scrotum F. Lips of the vagina
7. Seminal vesicles G. Secretes fluid to lubricate
the vagina
8. Labia majora H. Provides space for the baby
to grow
9. Bartholin’s glands I. Passage for the sperms from
the scrotum to the penis
[Link] tubes J. Secretes thick milky fluid for
the semen

2.6 LET US SUM UP

In this unit you have learnt about the various organs of the female reproductive
system. These include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina, and
their functions. You also had a detailed understanding about the menstrual cycle,
the importance of proper menstrual hygiene and secondary sexual characteristics
26
in the female. Myths about menstrual blood being dirty, and other adolescent Structure and Functions of
Female Reproductive Organs
issues were also discussed.
The first two units in Block Three would have enabled you to appreciate the
reproductive system in the two sexes which are very different. The next unit you
will learn about both these systems together where you will understand pregnancy
and various related concepts.

2.7 KEYWORDS
Sexual Intercourse : Penetrative sex.
Virgin : Somebody who has never had sex.
Maternal mortality rate : The number of maternal deaths related to
childbearing per 100,000 live births
Infertility : Inability to conceive
Cervical cancer : Cancer of the cervix in females
Ectopic pregnancy : Pregnancy outside the uterus, often in the
fallopian tube or Abdomen
Reproductive tract infections: Infections of the reproductive
tract; discussed later in detail
Sterilization : Making a person infertile

2.8 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress 1
a) 1) Clitoris 2) Labia Majora 3) Urethral opening
4) Labia Minora 5) Vaginal Opening 6) Anal opening
Check Your Progress 2
a) Yes b) Yes c) No
d) (ii) e) UTI, RTIs, Skin infections
Check Your Progress 3
a) iv b) ii c) iv
Check Your Progress 4
1B, 2E, 3D, 4I, 5H, 6A, 7J, 8F, 9G, 10C

Answers to Case Studies:

CS2:
1. Asha’s problem is very common in Indian society, where, no one talks
about the reproductive organs. Menstruation comes as a rude shock to most
adolescent girls. If society could open up, and talk about biology and
physiology in simple terms, many myths and misconceptions which are being
propagated would be clarified. One of the best forums to introduce these
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topics would be in the schools, through the teachers, since many parents feel
Reproductive and Sexual shy discussing these topics with their children. Also, the strong gender bias
Changes
in India should be addressed, and girls and boys should be treated equally.
CS3:
1. Kajal should be reassured and counselled to wait for two more years
before feeling concerned, since her periods are likely to start.
2. Pushpa should seek medical help, since her periods have not yet started.
3. Kamini should be reassured that this is a normal vaginal discharge.
4. Tania is most probably having a Reproductive Tract infection (RTI). She
should be referred to a-52 qualified Doctor. She should also be counselled
on menstrual and personal hygiene practices to avoid repeated infections.
5. Madhu should be asked if she has been sexually active. If yes, she should
be tested for pregnancy. If she is not sexually active, then she should be
reassured and counselled to wait for a few more days before seeking medical
help. She should be given iron supplements, to treat any underlying anaemia
which is often a cause of irregular periods, and to avoid stress.

2.8 REFERENCES
Course Manual for Adolescent health by IAP – ITPAH (Indian Academy of
Paediatrics International Training Programme on Adolescent Health)
Adolescent health: Module for basic health functionaries: Learning to work with
adolescents; by IEC Division, Dept of Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, Government of India.
Capacity Building of teachers in adolescent health promotion and counseling by
SHAHN (Safdarjang Hospital adolescent Healthcare Network)
Youth and Sexual Health – A Question Bank by YUVA, Ministry of Youth and
Sports, Government of India
Youth unite for victory on AIDS (YUVA): A training guide for young people by
Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of India.
Reflections: A workbook for young people by CHETNA
Orientation Programme for ANMs / LHVs to provide Adolescent – Friendly
Reproductive and Sexual Health Services – Handouts, by IEC Division, Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare.
Orientation Programme for ANMs / LHVs to provide Adolescent – Friendly
Reproductive and Sexual Health Services – Facilitator’s Guide, by IEC
Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Facilitator’s manual on Adolescent Health and Development, Ministry of
Youth and Sports, Government of India, 2006.
YUVA School Adolescent Education Programme, Handbook for Teachers,
Dept of Education, Government of Delhi.
28
William F. Ganong, Review of Medical Physiology
Drake, Vogl and Mitchell, Gray’s Anatomy for Students. Structure and Functions of
Female Reproductive Organs
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 56, No. 4 : July/August 2006
National Guidelines on Prevention, Management and Control of RTIs including
STIs by MoHFW, 2007.
Panthaki Dhun: Education in Human Sexuality, A source book for educators;
Family Planning Association of India, Mumbai, 1998.
Websites:
1. [Link]
2. [Link]

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