Female Reproduction

• Ovary


  makes ova, and the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone
• Fimbriae


  waft ova into the tube
• Uterine tubes

  waves of muscle movements carry ova towards uterus. Fertilisation normally takes place within the tube
• Uterus


  organ for pregnancy
• Endometrium


  inner layer of uterus where the embryo implants and the embryo and placenta grow there over 9 months
• Myometrium


  muscular outer layer of uterus that allows uterus to expand when pregnant, and contracts to push foetus out the uterus when giving birth
• Vagina


  birth canal and opening for insemination. it secretes acidic secretions that help kill any micro-organisms, to help reduce the risk of infection of the uterus
• Cervix


  tight ring of muscle that closes off the uterus, to reduce the risk of infection of the uterus
• Clitoris


  excitation of clitoris causes mucus release that acts as a lubricant. this lubrication allows easy access for penis. it also causes widening of the cervix and lifting of uterus that clears the path for sperm. the change of secretion also means the sperm are less likely to be killed by acidic vaginal conditions
• Labia


  acts as a cover to help protect vagina and uterus
• Follicle 


  support structure for developing ovum, which bursts as ovulation. it also secrets the female hormone oestrogen
• Corpus luteum 


  structure formed from follicle after it bursts which secrets the hormone progesterone and oestrogen