Summary
Ovaries release eggs and hormones; the uterus nurtures the developing embryo.
In depth
Ovaries contain follicles; fallopian tubes carry the egg and are the site of fertilisation; uterus has endometrium and myometrium; cervix and vagina form the birth canal. About 1 to 2 million follicles at birth, about 400 ovulate.
Follicle development is controlled by FSH. The uterus supports the embryo. Cervical mucus changes through the cycle.
Remember: the egg is released into the fallopian tube, not directly into the uterus.
The ovaries contain follicles with developing eggs and produce oestrogen and progesterone. Eggs travel along the fallopian tubes (oviducts), where fertilisation usually happens, to the uterus, a muscular organ lined with endometrium where an embryo implants.
The cervix connects to the vagina, which receives sperm and is the birth canal. A girl is born with 1 to 2 million immature oocytes, about 400,000 at puberty and around 400 are released during life. The system also includes the breasts for lactation.
Example: an ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants in the fallopian tube, a medical emergency.
Key idea: the female system is cyclic, whereas the male is continuous.
Frequently asked questions
What is Female Reproductive System?
Ovaries release eggs and hormones; the uterus nurtures the developing embryo.
Which area of biology covers Female Reproductive System, and how advanced is it?
Female Reproductive System is one of the 54 topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Menstrual Cycle, Contraceptive Pharmacology, Puberty.
Can you give an example of Female Reproductive System?
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants in the tube.
What should I learn before Female Reproductive System?
Female Reproductive System is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology that pair well with it include Reproduction, Asexual Reproduction, Sexual Reproduction.
What topics are related to Female Reproductive System?
The closest topics to Female Reproductive System are Menstrual Cycle, Contraceptive Pharmacology, Puberty, Contraception. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Female Reproductive System?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Female Reproductive System. To practise the whole of Reproduction & Endocrinology, use the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz.
How is Female Reproductive System different from Menstrual Cycle?
Female Reproductive System: Ovaries release eggs and hormones; the uterus nurtures the developing embryo. Menstrual Cycle: A roughly 28-day cycle in which the uterine lining builds and sheds in response to hormones. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Female Reproductive System step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Menstrual Cycle and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.