1. Ovary Structure
The tissues of an ovary can be divided into an inner medulla and an outer cortex
The ovarian medulla is mostly composed of loose connective tissue and contains many blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibers
The ovarian cortex consists of more compact tissue and has a granular appearance due to tiny masses of cells called ovarian follicles

2. Oogenesis The process of egg cell formation Zygote
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Zygote
46 chromosomes, 23 from sperm cell and 23 from egg cell (each chromatid now
an independent chromosome)
Secondary
oocyte
Second meiotic
division
Fertilization
First meiotic
division
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(23 chromosomes,
each with
2 chromatids)
Primary oocyte
Sperm
nucleus
Sperm cell
(23 chromosomes)
Second
polar body
degenerating
(46 chromosomes,
each with 2 chromatids)
(b)
Courtesy of R.J. Blandau
(a)
First polar body
(23 chromosomes,
each with 2 chromatids)
First polar body
degenerating
Second
meiotic
division
Polar bodies
degenerating

3. Follicle Maturation
At puberty, the anterior pituitary gland secretes increased amounts of FSH, and the ovaries enlarge in response
With each reproductive cycle, some of the primordial follicles mature
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.
Theca externa
Theca interna
Primordial
follicles
Granulosa
cells
Fluid-filled
antrum
Corona
radiata
Zona
pellucida
Primary oocyte
Secondary
oocyte
Maturing
follicle
(a)
(b)
b: © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc./Al Telser, photographer
© The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc./Al Telser, photographer

4. Follicle Maturation
As many as twenty primary follicles may begin maturing at any one time
One dominant follicle usually out-grows the others
Typically only the dominant follicle fully develops and the others degenerate

5. Ovulation
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As a follicle matures, its primary oocyte undergoes meiosis I, giving rise to a secondary oocyte and a first polar body
The process of ovulation releases these cells from the follicle
Uterine tube
Secondary
oocyte
Ovary
© 2007 Landrum B. Shettles

6. Vagina
A fibromuscular tube that conveys uterine secretions, receives the penis during intercourse, and provides an open channel for offspring
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Glans of Clitoris
Mons pubis
Labium
majus
Urethral
orifice
Vestibule
Vaginal
orifice
Labium
minus
Opening of
vestibular gland
Perineum
Anus

7. Female External Reproductive Organs
The female external reproductive organs surround the openings of the urethra and vagina and is known as the vulva, and include:
Labia majora
Labia minora
Clitoris
Vestibular glands
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Glans of Clitoris
Mons pubis
Labium
majus
Urethral
orifice
Vestibule
Vaginal
orifice
Labium
minus
Opening of
vestibular gland
Perineum
Anus

8. Labia Majora Rounded folds of adipose tissue and skin
Enclose and protect the other external reproductive parts
Ends form a rounded elevation over the symphysis pubis
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Clitoris
Mons pubis
Urethral
orifice
Labium
majus V
estibule
Labium
minus
Vaginal
orifice
Opening of
vestibular gland
Perineum
Anus

9. Labia Minora Flattened, longitudinal folds between the labia majora
Well supplied with blood vessels
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Clitoris
Mons pubis V
estibule
Perineum
Anus
Urethral
orifice
Vaginal
Labium
majus
minus
Opening of
vestibular gland

10. Clitoris
Glans of clitoris is the small projection at the anterior end of the vulva
Analogous to the male penis
Composed of two columns of erectile tissue
Root is attached to the sides of the pubic arch
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Clitoris
Mons pubis V
estibule
Perineum
Anus
Urethral
orifice
Vaginal
Labium
majus
minus
Opening of
vestibular gland

11. Vestibule
Space between the labia minora that encloses the vaginal and the urethral openings
The vestibular glands secrete mucus into the vestibule during sexual stimulation
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Clitoris
Mons pubis V
estibule
Perineum
Anus
Urethral
orifice
Vaginal
Labium
majus
minus
Opening of
vestibular gland

13. Female Sex Hormones + – + Hypothalamus GnRH Pituitary gland
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Hypothalamus +
GnRH –
Pituitary
gland
Estrogens inhibit
oversecretion of
gonadotropins
FSH, LH
(gonadotropins)
Increased vascularization
of the skin
Breasts develop
Accessory reproductive
organs enlarge
Bloodstream
Stimulates endometrium
of uterus to thicken
Increased deposition
of adipose tissue in breasts, thighs, and buttocks
Gonadotropins +
Estrogens
Release into
bloodstream
Ovaries
Stimulation
Inhibition