1. 1. Ovaries Ovarian tissues are subdivided:
Inner medulla
Outer ______
Ovarian cortex appears granular due to tiny masses of cells called ovarian follicles (19).

2. 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; released during reproductive years

3. Oogenesis:
The process of egg cell formation

4. Follicular Maturation

5. Ovulation
The process of releasing a secondary oocyte (18) and its associated polar body from the ovary

6. Female Internal Accessory Organs
Uterine tubes
Uterus
Vagina

7. 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

8. 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)