Female reproductive system
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What Parts Make up the Female Anatomy? What Happens During the Menstrual Cycle? Follicular Phase of the Menstrual Cycle Ovulatory Phase of the Menstrual Cycle Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle How Many Eggs Does a Woman Have?
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes. The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy. If fertilization and/or implantation does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining). In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.