Overview of
the Female
Reproductive System
A light microscopic image of a human ovum ready for IVF.
Photo © Spike Walker, Welcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0,
Major Components of the System
There are two main
components of the
female reproductive
system.
◼
Ovaries
◼
Accessory sex
organs
The ovaries, uterine tubes and uterus of
the female reproductive tract.
Illustration courtesy of MedLinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH.
Ovaries
◼
The ovaries lie in the
abdominal cavity,
attached by a mesentery
(membranous fold) to the
uterus.
◼
Ovaries (female gonads)
produce both
eggs and reproductive
hormones.
Normal egg release from the ovaries,
shown in stages of development.
Illustration courtesy of MedLinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH.
Fallopian Tubes
◼
The fallopian tubes
are a pair of cilialined tubes leading
from the ovaries to
the uterus.
◼
The celia in the
fallopian tubes help
convey an egg cell
down a duct to the
uterus.
SEM of cilia within a normal human fallopian tube.
SEM © Geoffrey Ridgway, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Uterus
◼
The uterus is
connected to the
fallopian tubes
and is continuous
with the cervix.
◼
The uterus
accepts fertilized
ovum (eggs), which
become implanted in the endometrium (blood rich
lining of the uterus).
◼
The developing embryo is contained and nurtured
with the uterus.
Illustration courtesy of MedLinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH.
Cervix and Vagina
◼
◼
The neck of the
uterus is the cervix,
which opens into
the vagina.
The female’s
external reproductive
structures are known
collectively as the
vulva.
Cilia in a normal human fallopian tube.
Baby in the normal birth position, pushing
its head through the mother’s cervix.
Illustration © Medical Art Service, Munich\Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Menstrual Cycle
◼
Follicular phase
◼
Ovulation
◼
Luteal phase
Illustration © Isometrik CC-BY-SA 3.0.
Functions of the System
◼
Produce, store and release ova.
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Produce female sex hormones.
◼
House the developing fetus during pregnancy.
Overview of
the Male
Reproductive System
Light microscope image of human sperm.
Photo © Joyce Harper, University College London, Welcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Major Components of the System
◼
The external male
reproductive structure
consists of the
scrotum and penis.
◼
The male
gonads, the
testes, are held
in the scrotum.
◼
The testes possess hormone-producing cells
and sperm-forming tubules.
Illustration © Wellcome Photo Library, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Testes
◼
The male gonads,
the testes, are
found in the
scrotum.
◼
Sperm are
manufactured
in the testes and
then travel to be
stored in the
epididymis.
Illustration © Wellcome Photo Library, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Ducts
During ejaculation, sperm is transferred in the form
of semen along a system of ducts and out of the
urethra.
Illustration © Wellcome Photo Library, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Accessory Glands
The accessory glands
of the male
reproductive system
produce semen and
help maintain an
environment needed
for sperm to thrive.
Illustration © Wellcome Photo Library, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Penis
◼
The penis is an
external structure
of the male
reproductive system.
◼
Its main
purpose is
to transfer
sperm during
intercourse.
Illustration © Wellcome Photo Library, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Functions of the System
◼
Production,
storage and
transfer of
sperm.
◼
Production of
androgens
(male
hormones.
Human ovum (egg) and sperm. The ovum is much larger than the sperm
and is surrounded by protective cumulus cells around the outside surface
(yellow). The head of the sperm carries special enzymes to dissolve the egg
coat, which is required in order to fertilize the egg.
Photo © Spike Walker, Wellcome Images CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.