Female internal genital organs

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The internal genital organs form a pathway (the genital tract). This pathway consists of the following:

Vagina (part of the birth canal), where sperm are deposited and from which a baby can emerge
Uterus, where an embryo can develop into a fetus
Fallopian tubes (oviducts), where a sperm can fertilize an egg
Ovaries, which produce and release eggs

Sperm can travel up the tract, and eggs down the tract.
The hymen, a mucous membrane, is located at the beginning of the genital tract, just inside the opening of the vagina (see figure External Female Genital Organs). In virgins, the hymen usually encircles the opening like a tight ring, but it may completely cover the opening. The hymen helps protect the genital tract but is not necessary for health. It may tear at the first attempt at sexual intercourse, or it may be so soft and pliable that no tearing occurs. The hymen may also be torn during exercise or insertion of a tampon or diaphragm. Tearing usually causes slight bleeding. In women who have had intercourse, the hymen may be unnoticeable or may form small tags of tissue around the vaginal opening.