Description:

 

The gonads in females are two ovaries, each located on the side of the uterus. Inside the ovarian follicles are the oocyte, which is an egg cell. The process of creating eggs is called oogenesis.

Attached to the ovaries are fallopian tubes. When ovulation occurs, an oocyte is taken from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tubes with peritoneal fluid. The fallopian tubes have cilia and also use peristalsis. If a sperm is able to reach the oocyte, fertilization occurs here. Once fertilized, a fetus can begin developing in the uterus. The uterus is surrounded by the endometrium. Under the uterus is an opening called the cervix, which leads to the vagina, which is the birth canal.

External parts of the female reproductive system are referred to as the vulva. The labia majora is large, contains glands that produce oil and sweat, and will be covered with hair after puberty. The labia minora layered inside the labia majora. The mons pubis is a layer of fat. The clitoris is a small protrusion that is easily stimulated and is covered by the prepuce.

Like the male reproductive system, the hormones FSH and LH from the pituitary gland affect the female reproductive system. They will manage the levels of estrogen and progesterone during the ovarian cycle and during pregnancy.