Female reproductive system

Question 1

Ovary

Answer 1

• produces ova (egg), oestrogen and progesterone
• development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics
• mature ova are released from ovaries

Question 2

Oviduct

Answer 2

• narrow, muscular tube with funnel-like opening
• lead from ovary to uterus
• funnel-like opening makes it easier for ovum to enter oviduct
• site of fertilisation
• passive movement of ovum due to peristalsis of oviduct wall

Question 3

Uterus (womb)

Answer 3

• where fetus develops during pregnancy
• elastic, muscular walls
• smooth muscle tissue in walls of uterus contract to push fetus out (birth)

Question 4

Cervix

Answer 4

• circular ring of muscle
• lower end of uterus, joins to vagina
• open: allow menstrual blood to flow out into vagina (menstruation)
• enlarge to allow delivery of fetus

Question 5

Vagina (birth canal)

Answer 5

• where semen is deposited during sexual intercourse

- connects cervix to vulva (opening of vagina)

Question 6

Ovum

Answer 6

• present in ovaries of female at birth
• 500 out of potential 70 000 ova will mature
• ovum start releasing when female in physically mature until menopause (45 to 55 yrs)
• spherical shape
• abt 120 to 150μm wide

Question 7

What’s inside the ovum?

Answer 7

• large nucleus, haploid
• large amt of cytoplasm, contain small amt of yolk
• cell surface membrane surrounded by an outer membrane