Female Anatomy

Female anatomy and physiology are distinct in many ways from male anatomy.   Females have external genitals, internal reproductive organs, and breasts.  As well, there are additional differences.

Outer sexual organs of the female anatomy are made up of a couple of different parts: There are two folds of skin, the labia majora, that protect the female genitals. During puberty, the labia and the mons (mound) above becomes covered with pubic hair. The hair grows in the shape of an upside-down triangle.

Under the labia majora is a second, smaller set of folds called the labia minora. Between those folds are the clitoris, the urethra, and the vagina.

The clitoris is a small bump closest to the front of the body. It contains an abundance nerve endings that, when stimulated, provide sexual pleasure. Underneath the clitoris is the small opening of the urethra. The urethra connects the bladder, which stores urine.

Just below the urethra is the opening to the vagina. In some females, the opening of the vagina is partly covered by the hymen, which is a small piece of skin. For some females, the first time they have sexual intercourse, the hymen will be stretched or torn, and bleed.

Internally, the vagina connects to the uterus, which is also known as the womb. The uterus is where a female’s period originates, and where a baby develops during pregnancy.

At the bottom of the uterus is the cervix. The cervix keeps the uterus almost completely closed. There is a small opening for blood to flow out and for sperm to swim through.

Next are the ovaries which are small, almond-shaped organs that lie on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

The ovaries also produce an egg each month as part of the menstrual cycle. The opening of a fallopian tube surrounds each ovary, and the egg falls into one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tube connects to the uterus. After intercourse, sperm swim through the uterus and through the fallopian tubes. If a sperm meets an egg on the way down and fertilizes it, a new pregnancy starts.

Another distinction of the female anatomy is breasts.  The purpose of the female breasts is twofold. While breasts are sexual organs, they also provide the first and best food for babies. After the female gives birth, her breasts will start producing breast milk. Breast milk is the ideal food for babies because it's nutritionally perfect. It's always the right temperature and available in the right portions.

Beyond the obvious differences in anatomy, there are other differences between females and females. One such difference is hormones.  Hormones are messengers. They are produced and secreted by one part of the body and travel, usually through the bloodstream, to another part of the body to stimulate or depress a particular function. Hormones are the means by which distant parts of the body communicate with each other.

Males have a much higher level of the hormone testosterone and the female higher levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Males have lower voices, are taller and heavier on average, and have more muscles. Males also have more predominant facial hair, hair on their arms, legs, and chests.

As more females are participating in sports, a number of these anatomic differences are being identified, often because men and women athletes sustain different types of injuries. In females, the hamstrings (which are the muscles behind the leg) are not as strong as in males. Females also have a wider hip-to- knee ratio than men. A female's legs are relatively longer and her torso shorter than a man of comparable size. She has a lower center of gravity, less muscle mass, less dense bones, and higher body fat.  Anatomic differences between males and females go well beyond the reproductive and skeletal systems. For example, they involve the brain and organs such as the heart.