FEMale Reproductive System Anatomy FEMale Reproductive System

The Female Reproductive System Ovaries contain follicles which contain OOCYTES (eggs)

Follicle and oocyte development Oogenesis process of egg production

Before birth oogonia – female stem cells produced - do not exist after birth turn into primary oocytes & push into ovaries

After birth These become primary follicles waiting for puberty (10-14 years) to undergo meiosis at puberty FSH is released stimulating follicles to mature into oocytes (eggs)

Follicles developing follicles secrete ESTROGEN & PROGESTERONE depending on needs of the egg cells Ovulation when egg is mature and follicle ruptures releasing oocyte

triggered by the release of lutenizing hormone (LH) by pituitary gland note the progressive process

During ovulation the egg will burst from the follicle - then what is left of the follicle will become the corpus luteum. estrogen and progesterone is released to assist in case of pregnancy

Uterine tubes fallopian tubes, oviducts used to conduct /guide the egg from the ovary to the uterus

fimbriae surround the opening of the tube cilia sweep oocyte into the tube fertilization occurs in the uterine tubes

Uterus muscular organ where an embryo will implant and a fetus will grow

Endometrium inner wall – mostly epithelial tissue Myometrium muscular wall – mostly smooth muscle

opening of uterus through which baby will pass – opens to 10cm cervix Vagina receives sperm during intercourse allows menstrual flow and childbirth

Mammary Glands organs of milk production – located in breasts external structure nipple, areola 15 – 20 glandular lobes covered by adipose tissue internal structure within each lobe are alveolar glands that produce milk and send it through the lactiferous ducts