FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• Parts of the Female Reproductive System:

  • Ovaries
  • Duct system - uterine (fallopian) tubes, uterus, vagina
  • External genitalia
• Ovaries - primary reproductive organs of the female; produce eggs and hormones

  Ovaries house ovarian follicles consisting of:

  • Oocyte - immature egg
  • Follicle cells - layers of cells that surround the oocyte
• Ovarian follicles:

  • Primary follicle - contains an immature oocyte
  • Vesicular (Graafian) follicle - growing follicle with a maturing oocyte
  • Ovulation - the follicle ruptures when the egg is mature; occurs every 28 days
  • Corpus luteum - what the ruptured follicle is transformed into
• Ovary support:

  • Suspensory ligaments - secure the ovaries to the lateral walls of the pelvis
  • Ovarian ligaments - anchor ovaries to the uterus
  • Broad ligaments - enclose and hold the ovaries in place