Abstract
The female reproductive system is composed of the internal and external genitalia depending on their anatomical positions along the genital tract. The internal genitalia consist of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina; the external genitalia include the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibule, and perineum. The development of these organs prior to puberty is very slow; after puberty, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and other sex hormones actively promote a rapid development of both internal and external genitalia. The uterus starts to enlarge at the age of 10, and it reaches adult size at the age of 18. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes and sheds as menstruation under the influence of ovarian hormones. The vagina becomes long and wide and changes to gray in color. The vulva becomes swollen with pubic hairs appearing and undergoes transition to the adult appearance. The labia become hypertrophied and pigmented.
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Chen, J., Jiang, F., Tong, J., Zhu, L. (2015). Abnormal Development of the Female Genital Tract. In: Zhu, L., Wong, F., Lang, J. (eds) Atlas of Surgical Correction of Female Genital Malformation. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-7246-4_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-7246-4_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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