1. Ovaries Ovarian tissues are subdivided: Inner medulla Outer ______ Ovarian cortex appears granular due to tiny masses of cells called ovarian follicles (19).
Ovaries, continued….. Primordial(???) follicles: Form before birth Found in outer region of cortex Each contains a SINGLE primary oocyte, surrounded by follicular cells (specialized epithelial cells) No new primary follicles are formed during life. Millions of oocytes at birth; 400,00 at puberty; 400-500 released during reproductive years
Oogenesis: The process of egg cell formation
Follicular Maturation
Ovulation The process of releasing a secondary oocyte (18) and its associated polar body from the ovary
Female Internal Accessory Organs Uterine tubes Uterus Vagina
2. Uterine Tubes Opens near the ovaries and travels medially into the uterus Infundibulum (16): the funnel-shaped end of the uterine tube at the ovary Fimbriae (3): finger-like projections at the end of the infundibulum
Uterine Tubes, continued….. Oocytes are moved into and along the tubes by: Ciliated epithelial cells Peristaltic contractions Fertilization occurs in the uterine tubes, and the oocyte becomes an egg (ovum)