The female sex cell or gamete is the egg or ovum. Although still microscopic, the size a single egg is large when compared to the size of a single sperm. Unlike a sperm cell, an egg cell has no way of moving on its own. Eggs are released after puberty by the two ovaries. The two ovaries do not actually produce eggs. Instead they are a store of immature eggs that have been in place since birth. Every 28 days or so an egg will mature in the ovary and will be released as ppart of the menstrual cycle. A women is born with about 500,000 eggs in each ovary and hundreds will mature and be released between pubert and menopause. Menopause is when no eggs are released this usually occurs between the age of 40 - 50 years of age.
Female Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Ovaries produce the hormones Oestrogen and Progsterone. They usually the make the following occur:
The development of breasts The menstrual cycle Less muscle and body hair than a male
Functions of the Female Reproduction System
Ovary: Releases eggs and produces feamle hormone oestrogen and Progesterone
Cervix: The small opening to the uterus. The cervix usually loosens during childbirth
Vagina: This is where the penis enters during Sexual intercourse
Uterus: The fertilised egg implants itself in the uterus lining where it continues to grow for 9 months.
Fallopian Tube: Tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization occurs here.