Female and Male reproductive organs
Female reproductive organs • The female reproductive tract has two major components: 1. The ovaries : • produce the mature ovum • Secrete progestins, androgens, and estrogens. 2. The ductal system : • transports ovum • is the place of the union of the sperm and egg and maintains the developing conceptus until delivery. The essential female reproductive functions 1. Production of ova ( oogenesis ) 2. Reception of sperm 3. Transport of the sperm and ovum to a common site for union ( fertilization, or conception ) 4. Maintenance of the developing fetus until it can survive in the outside world ( gestation, or pregnancy ), including formation of the placenta, the organ of exchange between mother and fetus 5. Giving birth to the baby ( parturition ) 6. Nourishing ...