chromosomes with those of the sperm to form the fertilized egg, which contains 46
chromosomes.
(4)
Process of hormone production by the ovaries.
(a) Estrogen is produced by the follicle cells, which are responsible for
secondary sex characteristics and for the maintenance of these traits. These secondary
sex characteristics include the enlargement of fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and
external genitals; breast development; increased deposits of fat in hips and breasts;
widening of the pelvis; and onset of menses or menstrual cycle.
(b) Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in presence of LH
in the blood. It works with estrogen to produce a normal menstrual cycle. Progesterone
is important during pregnancy and in preparing the breasts for milk production.
1-4.
EXTERNAL FEMALE GENITALIA
The external organs of the female reproductive system include the mons pubis,
labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, perineum, and the Bartholin's glands. As a group,
these structures that surround the openings of the urethra and vagina compose the
vulva, from the Latin word meaning covering. See Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-6. External female genitalia.
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