Uterus, uterine tubes and ovaries

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The vagina, uterus, uterine tubes and ovaries represent the internal organs of the female reproductive system (female internal genitalia).

The uterus, commonly known as the womb, is a pear-shaped muscular organ situated in the pelvis anterior to the rectum and posterior to the urinary bladder. It is about 8 cm long and is divided into 4 parts: the cervix, isthmus, corpus, and fundus. The uterus has many functions, such as providing vaginal and uterine secretions, hosting the fetus during pregnancy, and allowing sperm to pass to the uterine tubes in order to fertilize an egg (ovum). During childbirth, the uterus contracts to move the fetus through the pelvis/birth canal.

The ovaries are paired disc-shaped endocrine glands, responsible for the production of eggs (ova) and the secretion of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. An ovum is released every 3 to 4 weeks into the uterine tube, which is a paired, 10 cm long muscular tube. The uterine tube extends laterally from each side of the uterus, serving as a passageway between the ovaries and the uterus.

Watch the following video to learn more about the structures located in the superior portion of the female reproductive system and how they work together to achieve its goal - the miracle of life.

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Learn the internal organs of the female reproductive system with the following PDF worksheets.

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Take a closer look at each of the structures in this region with our gallery of images:

Summary