Editing Female reproductive system (section)

==Internal genitalia==
[[File:Blausen 0400 FemaleReproSystem 02.png|thumb|Labeled illustration of the human internal female genitalia (sagittal view)]]
[[File: Scheme female reproductive system-en.svg|thumb|Schematic drawing of reproductive organs (frontal view)]]

===Vagina===
{{Main|Vagina}}
The vagina is a fibromuscular (made up of fibrous and muscular tissue) [[Human vagina#Structure|canal]] leading from the outside of the body to the cervix of the uterus. It is also referred to as the birth canal in the context of [[pregnancy]]. The vagina accommodates a [[human penis|penis]] during [[sexual intercourse]]. [[Semen]] containing [[spermatozoon|spermatozoa]] is [[ejaculation|ejaculated]] from the penis at [[orgasm]], into the vagina potentially enabling [[Human fertilization|fertilization]] of the [[egg cell]] (ovum) to take place.

===Cervix===
{{Main|Cervix}}

The cervix is the neck of the uterus, the lower, narrow portion where it joins with the upper part of the vagina. It is [[cylindrical]] or [[cone (geometry)|conical]] in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall. Approximately half its length is visible, the remainder lies above the vagina beyond view. The vagina has a thick layer outside and it is the opening where the fetus emerges during delivery.

===Uterus===
{{Main|Uterus}}

The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive [[organ (anatomy)|organ]]. The uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 1 to 8) and fetus (from week 9 until the delivery). In addition, contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are important in pushing out the fetus at the time of birth.

The uterus contains three suspensory ligaments that help stabilize the position of the uterus and limits its range of movement. The [[uterosacral ligament]]s keep the body from moving inferiorly and anteriorly. The [[Round ligament of uterus|round ligament]]s restrict posterior movement of the uterus. The [[cardinal ligament]]s also prevent the inferior movement of the uterus.

The uterus is a pear-shaped [[muscle|muscular]] organ. Its major function is to accept a fertilized ovum, which becomes implanted into the [[endometrium]], and derives nourishment from blood vessels, which develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized ovum becomes an [[embryo]], develops into a [[fetus]] and gestates until [[childbirth]]. If the egg does not embed in the wall of the uterus, the female begins [[menstruation]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Genital Tract {{!}} SEER Training |url=https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/reproductive/female/tract.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=training.seer.cancer.gov}}</ref>

===Fallopian tubes===
{{Main|Fallopian tube}}

The fallopian tubes are two tubes leading from the ovaries into the uterus. On maturity of an ovum, the follicle and the ovary's wall rupture, allowing the ovum to escape and enter the fallopian tube. There it travels toward the uterus, pushed along by movements of [[cilia]] on the inner lining of the tubes. This trip takes hours or days.  If the ovum is fertilized while in the fallopian tube, then it normally implants in the [[endometrium]] when it reaches the uterus, which signals the beginning of [[pregnancy]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fallopian Tubes: Location, Anatomy, Function & Conditions |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23184-fallopian-tubes |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Cleveland Clinic |language=en}}</ref>

===Ovaries===
{{Main|Ovary}}

The ovaries are small, paired [[gonad]]s located near the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. These organs are responsible for the production of the [[egg cell]]s (ova) and the secretion of hormones.  The process by which the egg cell (ovum) is released is called [[ovulation]]. The speed of ovulation is [[Frequency|periodic]] and impacts the length of a [[menstrual cycle]].

After ovulation, the egg cell travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If fertilization is going to occur, it often happens in the fallopian tube; the fertilized egg can then implant on the uterus's lining.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Female Reproductive System: Structure & Function |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Cleveland Clinic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ovaries: Anatomy, Function, Hormones & Conditions |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22999-ovaries |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Cleveland Clinic |language=en}}</ref> During fertilization the egg cell plays a role; it releases certain molecules that are essential to guiding the sperm and allows the surface of the egg to attach to the sperm's surface. The egg can then absorb the sperm and fertilization can begin.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Alberts |first1=Bruce |title=Fertilization |date=2002 |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26843/ |work=Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition |access-date=2023-12-19 |publisher=Garland Science |language=en |last2=Johnson |first2=Alexander |last3=Lewis |first3=Julian |last4=Raff |first4=Martin |last5=Roberts |first5=Keith |last6=Walter |first6=Peter}}</ref>

===Vestibular glands===
{{Main|Bartholin's gland|Skene's gland}}

The vestibular glands, also known as the female accessory glands, are the Bartholin's glands, which produce a [[Mucus|mucous]] fluid for [[vaginal lubrication]], and the Skene's glands for the [[Female ejaculation|ejaculation]] of fluid as well as for lubricating the meatus.