HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

LECTURE: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

ANATOMY OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

OVARIES

Primary female reproductive organ.

 Produces both exocrine product (eggs) and
endocrine products (progesterone)
 An internal view of an ovary reveals many saclike
structures called ovarian follicles
 Each follicle consists of an immature egg, called
oocyte, surrounded by layers of follicle cells
 As developing egg within a follicle begins to ripen
or mature, the follicle enlarges and develops a fluid-filled
central region called an antrum. At this stage, the follicle,
called a vesicular follicle or Graafian follicle, is mature, and
the developing egg is ready to be ejected from the ovary, an
event called ovulation.
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