(2)
Uterine tubes, fallopian tubes, or oviducts.
(a) Description/information. These two tubes, known by all three
names listed above, extend from the uterus to the ovaries. The ova move from the
ovaries along these tubes to the uterus. The tubes are about 10 centimeters (4 inches)
long and are positioned between the folds of the broad ligaments of the uterus. The
tubes are attached to the uterus at one end but not attached to the ovaries at the other
end. At the ovary end, the tubes are open and funnel-shaped and close to the ovary.
The funnel-shaped end of the tubes are called the infundibulum. At these ends are
fringe or finger-like processes called fimbriae. The outer edge of the infundibulum are
continuous with the peritoneum (the largest serous membrane of the body).
(b) Description/information. These two tubes, known by all three
names listed above, extend from the uterus to the ovaries. The ova move from the
ovaries along these tubes to the uterus. The tubes are about 10 centimeters (4 inches)
long and are positioned between the folds of the broad ligaments of the uterus. The
tubes are attached to the uterus at one end but not attached to the ovaries at the other
end. At the ovary end, the tubes are open and funnel-shaped and close to the ovary.
The funnel-shaped end of the tubes are called the infundibulum. At these ends are
fringe or finger-like processes called fimbriae. The outer edge of the infundibulum are
continuous with the peritoneum (the largest serous membrane of the body).
(3)
Ovaries.
(a) Description/information. The ovaries are two almond-shaped
glands located on either side of the uterus below and behind the uterine tubes.
Detached from the uterine tubes, the ovaries are held in position by a series of
ligaments. During the second phase of the menstrual cycle, one of the 20 to 25 primary
follicles that has developed in an ovary, matures into a Graafian follicle, a follicle ready
for ovulation. During the maturation process, this follicle increases its estrogen
production. The rupture of the Graafian follicle, with the release of the ovum, is the
beginning of ovulation.
(b) Functions. A major function of the ovaries is to produce ova
(female reproductive cells capable of developing, after fertilization, into new individuals).
Other functions include discharge of ova (ovulation) and secretion of the female sex
hormones, which are progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin. The ovaries in the female
correspond to the testes in the male reproductive system.
MD0579
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