Chapter 18 - Female Reproductive System
The femal reproductive system includes ovaries, oviduct, uterus, vagina and placenta during pregnancy and mammary glands for post-natal nutrition.
Ovary
The Ovaries produces ovum that when released travel down the oviducts into the uterus.
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(mature or Graafian follicle) |
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(corpus hemorrhagicum) |
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(corpus luteum) |
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(corpus luteum) |
Oviduct
The oviducts (uterine ducts, Fallopian tubes) are fibromuscular tubes that transport the ovulated oocytes from the ovary to the uterus.
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Uterus
The uterus is a muscular organ that is connected to the oviducts. It is within the uterus that the fetus develops during gestation.
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(cycling) |
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(menopausal) |
Uterus - Menstrual Cycle
During the menstrual cycle, the inner surface of the uterus (endometrium) grows into a thick, blood vessel-rich tissue lining that allows implantation of an embryo upon its arrival in the uterus. In the absence of implantation, the cells die off, shed and pass out as menstrual bleeding.
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(prolifertive [follicular] phase) |
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(early secretory [luteal] phase) |
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(mid secretory [luteal] phase) |
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(late secretory [luteal] phase) |
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(menstrual phase) |
Cervix
The cervix is the lower end of the uterus and opens into the vagina.
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Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that connects the uterus to the opening of the external genitalia.
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Mammary Gland
After the birth of a baby, the mammary glands synthesize and secrete milk components for its nutriution.
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(resting and lactating) |
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(lactating) |
Placenta
The placenta develops during pregnancy to support the developing fetus by producing hormones and transferring nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus.
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