female reproductive system
The female reproductive organs include the
vagina (a muscular passage that connects the cervix with the external genital
organs - one of which is a sensitive mound of tissue called the clitoris), the
cervix (the lower part of the uterus that separates the body of the uterus from
the vagina), the uterus (a hollow, muscular structure), the ovaries (two glands
that produce certain hormones and contain tissue sacs in which eggs develop),
and fallopian tubes (two muscular channels that connect the ovaries with the
uterus). Fingerlike projections called fimbriae (located at the opening of the
fallopian tubes) sweep an egg released from an ovary into the tube.
The
process of fertilization begins with the union of an egg and a sperm. Sperm
enter the vagina during sexual intercourse. Moving up the vagina, sperm
penetrate the cervix and travel upward through the uterus into the fallopian
tubes. In the upper part of the fallopian tubes, a sperm may reach and penetrate
an egg that has matured and been released from an ovary (called fertilization).
The fertilized egg continues down the fallopian tube and implants itself in the
lining of the uterus (the process known as conception).
Related
study
