The Female Reproductive System Back to the main reproduction page

1) The ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone and ova. Estrogen is the main female hormone. Progesterone is the hormone that promotes pregnancy. Ova are eggs. The ova are produced in follicles that rupture through the surface of the ovary. FSH is a hormone that stimulates the follicles and eggs. LH causes ovulation.

2) Ova are picked up by the mouth of the fallopian tube, and travel down the tube. The fallopian tube is also called the "oviduct". The finger-like projections at the end of the tubes are called "Fimbria". Fertilization, if it occurs, takes place in the fallopian tube.

3) The fertile ovum becomes implanted in the uterus or womb where it develops into a fetus.

4) The vagina is the passage from the uterus to the outside. It is the birth canal. Menstrual fluids leave from the vagina. The "cervix" is the doorway between the uterus and the vagina.

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