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Sex & sexualityGrowing up and entering the world of sex and relationships can seem confusing and worrying at first - we're here to answer your questions and give you some support. | ![]() |

Cervix - The lower, narrow portion of the uterus.
Clitoris - A sexual organ that sits within the folds of the clitoral hood at the top of the labia minora externally, and internally has two legs (or crura) which go around either side of the vagina. When stimulated the clitoris produces sexual pleasure.
Fallopian tube - One of two tubes which carry eggs form the ovaries, where they're produced, to the uterus, where they can be fertilised. Also known as uterine tubes.
Fimbriae - A fringe of tissue that moves the egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
Labia minora - Lip-like structures which sit on each side of the vaginal opening within the labia majora (which you can see outside the body). When a female is sexually aroused the labia swell slightly and darken.
Ovary - One of two-egg producing organs that are linked to the uterus by the fallopian tubes. Once a month the ovaries release an egg (or ovum) into the fallopian tubes. If the egg isn't fertilised the egg, and some of the lining of the uterus, become a period.
Urethra - The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the urethral opening.
Urethral opening - This opening sits within the labia and between the clitoris and the vaginal opening - it's where urine leaves the body.
Uterine ostium - The opening between the cervix and the vagina.
Uterus - The uterus is also known as the womb. It's here that the egg (or ovum) can be fertilised by male sperm - this process is called conception. If conception occurs then the egg attaches itself to the uterine wall and may begin to develop into a foetus, and possibly eventually a baby - this is called pregancy.
Vagina - A tubular space that links the vaginal opening to the uterus. This is where the erect penis moves in and out of when you have vaginal intercourse.
Vaginal rugae - A series of ridges which run around the vagina.
The sexual organs visible outside a woman (the vaginal opening, clitoral hood, labia minora and labia majora) are often grouped together and called the vulva.