Some people are born with internal or external structures that are ambiguous or characteristic of both male and female anatomy. The following female anatomy chart is a reference based on typical location.

The word “female” is used here to refer to people who identify as female and have typical reproductive organs of a cisgender female. We recognize that some people who identify as female do not have the same anatomy as that depicted in this article.

Female Anatomy Chart: Quick Reference 

Female Genital Anatomy

Female genitalia consist of organs that are both inside and outside the body. This section will describe the internal and external structures.

The External Female Anatomy

The vulva is made up of the external structures outside the vaginal opening, including:

Mons pubis: The mons pubis is the rounded, fleshy area on the front of the pelvic bone (lower belly area) where pubic hair usually grows.  Labia majora: The labia majora are the fleshy outer folds of protective skin located on each side of the vaginal opening. They cover and protect the other, more delicate external genital organs described below.  

Labia minora: The labia minora are skinfolds that are just inside the labia majora.  For some women, the labia minora extends past the labia majora.   Clitoris: The clitoris sits at the top of the vulva, above the urethral opening. A fold of skin called the clitoral hood covers most of the clitoris, leaving only the tip or nub visible. The rest of the clitoris is a spongy shaft that goes back several inches inside the body.    Urethral opening: The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Its opening is located below the clitoris, directly above the vaginal opening.   The vaginal opening: The vaginal opening is located between the urethra and the anus. Bartholin glands: Bartholin glands sit on both sides inside the vaginal opening. They release some of the secretions that lubricate the vagina to increase comfort during sexual intercourse. Skene’s glands: The Skene’s glands are located on either side of the urethra and lubricate the urethral opening. Skene’s glands are sometimes referred to as the female prostate. While scientists debate if female ejaculation exists, some believe these glands are its source during sexual arousal.

The Internal Female Anatomy

Internal female genitalia include the structures inside the vaginal opening. These include:

Menstrual blood leaves the bodyA baby exits the body during vaginal birth Sexual intercourse for reproduction and/or pleasure occurs

Vagina: The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix and the uterus, leading to the outside of the body. Parts of the vagina are rich in collagen and elastin, which give it the ability to expand during sexual stimulation and childbirth. Cervix: The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that separates the lower uterus and the vagina and may play a role in lubrication. During childbirth, it dilates so the baby can move out of the uterus into the vagina and out of the body.

Uterus: The uterus is located in the lower pelvis (belly area between the hips), through the vagina just past the cervix. Often called a womb, it’s where a baby lives during pregnancy. Interestingly, it has three layers of muscle and is one of the strongest muscles in the body. Ovaries: The ovaries are small organs located on both sides of the pelvis. They play a crucial role in female hormone production and produce eggs during ovulation. Fallopian tubes: Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus on each side. Cilia, hairlike structures, guide the egg in the right direction from the ovary to the uterus. Hymen: The hymen is a thin tissue that sits at the vaginal opening and has no known biological function. It becomes more elastic with age and breaks or ruptures at some point in a woman’s life. While sexual activity is one way the hymen can rupture, a broken hymen is not evidence of sexual activity.

Female Breast Anatomy 

The breast contains multiple structures within it, including:

Adipose tissue: Each breast contains adipose or fatty tissue used to store excess energy. Lobules: Within the adipose tissue are 15–20 sections called lobules attached to ducts that can produce milk.  Milk ducts: The milk ducts lead to the areola and nipple, which are the outer portion of the breast.  Areola and nipples: The areola is the darker area on the outside of the breast that surrounds the nipple in the center.

Female Body Parts Function

Hormonal Changes

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female hormones produced by the reproductive system. Hormone production increases at puberty to stimulate ovulation, giving a woman the ability to conceive a child. Female hormones also promote vaginal lubrication and increase sexual desire. 

Intimacy

Female anatomy is designed for both intimacy and conceiving a baby. Structures such as the vulva, vagina, and breasts are sensitive to touch, stimulating arousal. The clitoris includes sensitive nerve endings, and its sole purpose is for sexual pleasure.

Conception and Pregnancy 

During ovulation, an ovary releases an egg that travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. During penile-vaginal intercourse, semen is released into the vagina. Sperm from the semen swim toward the egg to join with it in the uterus or fallopian tubes. 

Conception, or fertilization, occurs when the sperm and egg join, creating a zygote that develops into an embryo. Fertilization can happen hours or days after sexual intercourse.

When the egg is not fertilized and a female doesn’t get pregnant, the uterine lining sheds, causing a menstrual cycle, or period. Most females have a cycle every 28–31 days. However, it varies depending on when they ovulate. 

Summary

Female anatomy is intricate, and its structures have many functions, including urination, sexual arousal, and the conception of a baby. 

The vulva, the external structures outside the vaginal opening, includes the: 

Mons pubis Labia Clitoris Urethra Vaginal opening Bartholin glands Skene’s glands

Internal female anatomy includes the following: 

VaginaCervixUterusOvariesFallopian tubesHymen

The breasts are included in female anatomy and serve a unique function in sexual stimulation and in breastfeeding a baby. 

A Word From Verywell 

Female anatomy can seem highly complex. Understanding it helps those with this anatomy to prepare for changes during puberty, adulthood, pregnancy, and menopause (when a woman stops having menstrual cycles for 12 straight months). 

It’s important to note that some babies are born with ambiguous structures, meaning they do not resemble typical female or male anatomy. Others are born with internal or external organs or genitalia of both males and females. 

If there is no significant impact on the person, they can continue being their uniquely perfect self. When it impacts someone’s daily life, mental, emotional, or sexual health, their healthcare team may make treatment recommendations.