Vagina

Overview The vagina is a stretchable muscular cavity lined with mucous membranes in the female reproductive system that extends from the uterus (womb) to the vaginal opening. The cervix of the uterus forms the interior end of the vagina, while the vulva–or the external parts of the female genitalia–and labia (singular: labium) form the exterior…

Anatomy Diagrams

These diagrams are to be used for the purpose of education. Within a classroom setting, teachers can either use the simplified depictions of the reproductive system as a viewable diagram to teach anatomy, or as an interactive learning tool. Each diagram includes a simplified drawing of the general organs, one with labeled boxes, and one…

The Pap Smear

A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test or Pap test, is a procedure that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix.1 It is named after George Papanicolaou, M.D., who is credited for developing the Pap smear.2 The Pap smear drastically transformed how early cervical cancer can be detected in females.2 The cervix is…

Hormonal Contraceptive Methods

Hormones are chemical messengers found in the body. In the reproductive systems of people with vulvas, they regulate everything from libido to the menstrual cycle. In addition, synthetic hormones can be administered to people with vulvas who have natural hormonal imbalances, though they are primarily used as a form of contraception, or birth control.1 Hormones…

Overview of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system includes the penis, the testes, and a host of internal organs that assist the evolutionary function of reproducing genetic material. Because the penis and testes are largely external organs, males are typically more familiar with their own reproductive systems than females are of the female reproductive system. The purpose of the male reproductive system is…