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Female Reproductive System

Author: Amanda Soderlind

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript
Terms to Know
Cervix

The lower portion of the uterus which opens to the vagina.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus.

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system’s primary job is to mature and release oocytes (eggs) - a process called oogenesis. The secondary functions are to gestate, nourish and deliver the child. The primary organs are the ovaries while the accessory organs are the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and breasts.

Gametes

Cells (eggs in females, sperm in males) which contain half the DNA the rest of the body's (somatic) cells have. Thus, when two gametes (a sperm and an egg) combine, each with half the normal amount of DNA, the resulting embryo has the full complement of DNA. 

Oocytes

Immature form of ova (eggs cells) that are released from ovaries.

Oogenesis

The process by which egg cells are formed.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that produce oocytes.

Oviduct

A duct that connects ovaries to the uterus through which egg cells travel; also called "fallopian tubes".

Ovum

A mature egg cell (the plural of "ovum" is "ova").

Uterus

An organ of the female reproductive system in which fertilized eggs develop into an embryo.

Vagina

The organ of the female reproductive system which serves as the location where sperm enter and also serves as the birth canal.