Female Reproductive System

Structural Anatomy

Structural Anatomy

Structure Paired gonads called the ovaries Function to produce mature ova, also produces the female sex cell hormones oestrogen and progesterone Paired ovaries connected by paired tubes, oviducts (fallopian tubes) to central uterus (womb). Vagina connects uterus to the exterior

Production of ova Commences at puberty (10-14 years) continues until menopause end of reproductive life (40-55 years). Ova maturation is cyclic In humans, a mature ovum is released about every 28 days (The menstrual cycle)

Fertility Within the ovary, females possess at birth, all the immature ova that will ever be present (200,000) Only 400-500 reaches maturity, the remainders are degenerated

Ovulation A single ovum is surrounded by a layer of cells called a Follicle (a sac-like structure)

The follicle The follicle nourishes the ova and produces oestrogen. The follicle is large, 100µm The follicle grows, and when the ovum is mature the follicle moves on to the surface of the ovary, and releases the ovum

Usually only one follicle matures at a time

Ovulation The release of the ovum from the ovary is called ovulation. The ovum passes into the oviduct, moving towards the uterus After ovulation, the remainder of the follicle is called the corpus luteum The corpus luteum produces the hormone progesterone

Multiples In 1-2% of all ovulations, more than one oocyte is released- which can result in multiple births

How long have you got? If fertilisation is to occur it must take place when the ovum is in the upper oviduct An unfertilised egg lives about 72 hours