BIO 12 UNIT 3: Study Notes

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE MAIN PARTS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• Ovaries--> Site of egg and hormone production, contains follicle and corpus luteum
• Follicle--> Contains egg, break apart during ovulation to release egg from ovary 
• Corpus Luteum--> Remains of the follicle after ovulation, produces hormones such as estrogen and progesterone 
• Oviducts (fallopian tubes)--> Propels egg towards uterus; site of fertilization, contains fimbrea structures at the end that sweep eggs into tubes and towards uterus
• Uterus--> Where implantation of fertilized egg occurs, site of embryonic development and childbirth, contains endometrium (blood vessels that become placenta or are menstruated monthly)
• Cervix--> Entrance to uterus, holds baby in uterus, dilates during childbirth
• Vagina--> Birth canal (where baby comes out of), exit for menstruation, site of penis reception
• Clitoris--> Contains erectile tissue (similar to penis), important in arousal, short shaft with sensitive tip covered by fold of skin (many nerve endings)