What are the Parts of the Female Reproductive System?
The different parts of the female reproductive system are as follows:
- Ovaries: Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and ovarian hormones. Each ovary is about 2 to 4 cm in length. The ovaries are located one on each side of the lower abdomen. The ovary consists of ovarian stroma, which is covered by a thin epithelium layer. The stroma is further divided into two parts – a peripheral cortex and an inner medulla.
- Uterus: The uterus, also known as the womb is an inverted pear-shaped organ. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic wall. The cavity of the cervix is called the cervical canal and forms the birth canal along with the vagina. The division of the uterus consists of three layers of tissue. The outer thin membranous layer is called the perimetrium, a middle thick layer of smooth muscle is known as themyometrium and inner most glandular layer is called endometrium which lines the uterine cavity.
- Fallopian tubes: Also known as the oviducts, are approximately 10-12 cm long and extend from each ovary’s outer layer to the uterus. The part closer to the ovary is known as the infundibulum which is funnel-shaped. It possesses finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help collect the ovum after ovulation. In the fallopian tube, fertilisation takes place.
- Mammary organs: The mammary glands contain glandular tissue and a variable amount of fat. The glandular tissue of each breast has mammary lobes that are made up of cells called alveoli. The alveoli cells secrete milk, which is stored in the cavities of alveoli that open up into mammary tubules. Milk is sucked out through the lactiferous duct.
- External genitalia: It includes mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, hymen and clitoris.
Also Read: Difference Between Estrogen And Progesterone
Oogenesis
Oogenesis, the formation of mature female gametes, begins during embryonic development when millions of oogonia are generated within each fetal ovary. No additional oogonia are produced after birth.
- These oogonia undergo division and the primary oocyte is surrounded by granulosa cells, forming a primary follicle.
- Primary follicles are enclosed by layers of granulosa cells and a new theca, becoming secondary follicles, which subsequently transform into tertiary follicles with a fluid-filled antrum.
- At this stage, the primary oocyte within the tertiary follicle grows and completes its first meiotic division, yielding a large haploid secondary oocyte and a small first polar body.
- The secondary oocyte, retaining the nutrient-rich cytoplasm of the primary oocyte, is surrounded by a new membrane called the zona pellucida. The Graafian follicle ruptures through ovulation, releasing the secondary oocyte (ovum) from the ovary.
Also Read: Menstrual Cycle
Human Reproductive System
The human reproductive system female and male function to produce and transport gametes to facilitate fertilization. The human male reproductive system consists of the testes and the female reproductive system consists of the ovaries. Understanding the male and female reproductive systems is crucial for learning human anatomy, fertility, sexual health, and family planning. In this article, we will cover the human reproductive system in female and male in detail.
Table of Content
- Reproductive System Male and Female
- Human Reproductive system Diagram
- What is the Female Reproductive System?
- What are the Parts of the Female Reproductive System?
- What is the Male Reproductive System
- What are the Parts of the Male Reproductive System?
- What is the Function of the Human Reproductive System?
- Reproduction Process in Human Being