Female reproductive system

Primary female reproductive organs

Ovaries and uterus.

Secondary female reproductive organs

Oviducts, vagina, vulva, and clitoris.

Ovary

Female gonad that produces oocytes and secretes oestrogen and progesterone.

Oogenesis

Production of female gametes beginning before birth.

Ovarian cortex

Outer region of ovary containing follicles and corpora lutea.

Ovarian medulla

Central region of ovary containing blood vessels and nerves.

Fallopian tubes

Ducts connecting ovaries to uterus and site of fertilisation.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections that guide the oocyte into the fallopian tube.

Uterus

Muscular organ that supports implantation and fetal development.

Myometrium

Muscular layer of the uterus.

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Cervix

Narrow muscular opening of the uterus that forms a mucus plug during pregnancy.

Oestrogen

Female sex hormone that stimulates follicle development and endometrial growth.

Progesterone

Female sex hormone that maintains the endometrium and supports pregnancy.

Female puberty

Stage when GnRH, FSH, and LH initiate the menstrual cycle and secondary sex characteristics.

Menstrual cycle

Cyclic changes in ovaries and uterus preparing for pregnancy.

Follicular phase

First half of menstrual cycle dominated by oestrogen.

Luteal phase

Second half of menstrual cycle dominated by progesterone.

Menstruation

Shedding of the endometrium marking day 1 of the cycle.

Female secondary sex characteristics

Breast development, widened hips, and body hair distribution.

hCG

Hormone that maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy.

Oxytocin

Hormone involved in uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production.

Seasonal breeding

Reproductive strategy where mating occurs during specific seasons.

Favourable environment

Conditions that maximise survival of offspring.

Induced ovulation

Ovulation triggered by mating rather than hormonal cycles alone.

Specialisation of males

Continuous production of large numbers of small, motile gametes.

Specialisation of females

Production of nutrient-rich gametes and cyclical uterine preparation.