Female

• Female Reproductive System

  Consists of :

  • ovary
  • oviduct
  • uterus
  • cervix
  • vagina

  
• Ovary


  • the two ovaries produce ova (singular : ovum)
  • produce hormones such as oestrogen and pregesterone
  • female sex hormones are responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in females
  • when eggs become mature, they are released from the ovaries
• Oviduct


  • each ovary releases mature eggs into an oviduct
  • narrow muscular tube leading from the ovary to the uterus
  • has a funnel like opening lying close to the ovary, making it easier for eggs to enter the oviduct
  • inner surface of the oviduct is lined with cilia, movement of the cilia helps move the egg along the oviduct
• Uterus


  • the uterus (plural : uteri) is where the fetus develops during pregnancy
  • shaped like an upside down pear
  • has elastic muscular walls, the smooth muscle tissue in the walls of the uterus contract to push the fetus out during birth
  • soft, smooth inner lining of the uterus is called the uterine lining, it is where the embryo is implanted
• Cervix


  • the cervix is the ring of muscles at the lower portion of the uterus where it joins the vagina
  • the opening of the cervix allows menstrual blood to flow into the vagina during menstruation
• Vagina


  • leads from the cervix to the outside
  • semen is deposited in the vagina during sexual intercourse
• Ovum


  • the female gamete
  • a female is born with all the potential eggs she will ever have
  • usually one mature egg is released every month
  • the ovum is spherical and about 120 to 150 micrometers wide
  • has abundant cytoplasm which may contain a small amount of yolk
  • is surrounded by cell membrane, the outer membrane changes during fertilisation to prevent other sperm from entering the egg