Q.Describe the female reproductive system of humans. OR Explain the post-fertilization events in a flowering plant.
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Female Reproductive Anatomy – A First Look
Think of the female reproductive system as a production, reception, and nurturing line, all built into the pelvic region. Its job is threefold: make the female gamete (the ovum), receive the male gamete during fertilisation, and — uniquely — provide a safe internal environment where a fertilised egg can grow into a baby over nine months.
The Main Parts, In Order
Follow the path an ovum takes, and you'll learn the whole system:
- Ovaries — a pair of almond-shaped organs, one on each side of the uterus. They are the primary female sex organs: they produce the ovum AND secrete the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Inside an ovary you'll find follicles at every stage of development — primary, tertiary (with a fluid-filled antrum), and finally the mature Graafian follicle, which ruptures at ovulation to release a secondary oocyte. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a temporary hormone-secreting structure.
- Oviducts (fallopian tubes) — a pair of narrow tubes running from each ovary to the uterus. The funnel-shaped end nearest the ovary, the infundibulum, has finger-like fimbriae that sweep up the released egg. It leads into the wider ampulla (where fertilisation normally happens) and then the narrower isthmus, which joins the uterus.
- Uterus — a single, hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ (the womb) between the bladder and rectum. Its wall has three layers: the outer perimetrium, the thick muscular myometrium (which contracts powerfully during childbirth), and the inner glandular endometrium (where a fertilised egg implants, and which is shed during menstruation if implantation doesn't occur).
- Cervix — the narrow neck connecting the uterus to the vagina.
- Vagina — a muscular, elastic canal from the cervix to the exterior; it is the birth canal, the site that receives the penis during coitus, and the outlet for menstrual flow. …
The human female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina and external genitalia, plus the mammary glands. …
Female system: paired ovaries + oviducts + uterus + cervix + vagina + external genitalia + mammary glands.
Concept. The female reproductive system in humans is located in the pelvic region and functions to produce ova, receive sperm, provide the site of fertilisation, and nurture the developing foetus until birth. Its parts are:
1. Ovaries (primary sex organs). A pair of almond-shaped glands attached to the pelvic wall and uterus by ligaments. Each ovary has an outer cortex (containing ovarian follicles) and inner medulla. Functions — production of ova (oogenesis) and secretion of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
2. Oviducts (fallopian tubes). A pair of ~10-cm tubes carrying the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Each has:
- Infundibulum — funnel-shaped end with finger-like fimbriae that collect the released ovum.
- Ampulla — the wider middle part; the usual site of fertilisation.
- Isthmus — narrow part opening into the uterus.
3. Uterus (womb). A single, hollow, pear-shaped, muscular organ where the embryo implants and develops. Its wall has three layers — outer perimetrium, thick middle muscular myometrium (contracts during childbirth) and inner glandular endometrium (undergoes cyclic changes and forms the maternal part of the placenta).
4. Cervix. The narrow lower opening of the uterus leading into the vagina; the cervical canal + vagina form the birth canal.
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Showing the 12 most recent of 15 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Fill in the blank: The ovulation (ovulatory phase) is followed by the luteal phase during which the remaining part of the Graafian follicle transform as ______.
›Reveal solutionSolution
After ovulation, the ruptured Graafian follicle is converted into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.
The menstrual cycle has follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases. After ovulation (release of the ovum), the remaining part of the Graafian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum ('yellow body'), which secretes large amounts of …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.The remaining part of Graafian follicle, after ovulation is termed as(a) Primary follicle(b) Stroma(c) Corpus albicans(d) Corpus luteum
›Reveal solutionSolution
The empty Graafian follicle left behind after ovulation develops into the corpus luteum, a temporary progesterone-secreting endocrine structure.
During the ovarian cycle, a mature Graafian follicle ruptures at ovulation to release the secondary oocyte. The remaining follicular cells (granulosa and theca cells) do not simply disappear — they reorganise into a yellowish glandular mass called the corpus luteum ('yellow body').
- The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which maintains the endometrium so it can support implantation.
- If fertilisation occurs, hCG from the developing embryo keeps the corpus luteum active through early pregnancy. …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Which one is not a part of fallopian tube?(a) Isthmus(b) Ampulla(c) Infundibulum(d) Cervix
›Reveal solutionSolution
The fallopian tube (oviduct) has three named regions — infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus; the cervix belongs to the uterus, not the tube.
Each fallopian tube extends from near the ovary to the uterus and is divided into distinct regions:
- Infundibulum — the funnel-shaped end near the ovary, fringed with finger-like projections (fimbriae) that help sweep the released ovum into the tube.
- Ampulla — the wider, longer middle part of the tube; this is typically where fertilisation occurs. …
- CBSE 2025Set 57/5/11 markMCQQ.Given below are few statements with reference to the uterus in the female reproductive system :(i) The myometrium exhibits strong contractions during the delivery of the baby.(ii) The uterus opens into the cervix through a narrow opening called vagina.(iii) The cavity of the cervix and the vagina forms the birth canal.(iv) The outermost layer of uterus is a thin membranous perimetrium.(v) The uterus is supported by tendons attached to the pelvic wall. Choose the option with all true statements from the given options : (A) (i),(ii) and(iv) (B) (ii),(iii) and(v) (C) (ii),(iv) and(v) (D) (i),(iii) and (iv)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The question tests knowledge of uterine anatomy and function. Statements (i), (iii), and (iv) are correct; (ii) and (v) are false. The correct option is (D).
The uterus is a pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ in the female pelvis. Its structure and function are frequently tested in biology exams, especially the layers of the uterine wall and the birth canal. Let’s examine each statement carefully.
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Statement (i): "The myometrium exhibits strong contractions during the delivery of the baby."
The uterine wall has three layers: the inner endometrium, the middle myometrium, and the outer perimetrium. The myometrium is composed of smooth muscle fibres. During labour, these muscles contract rhythmically and powerfully to push the baby out through the birth canal. This statement is true.
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Statement (ii): "The uterus opens into the cervix through a narrow opening called vagina."
This statement gets the anatomical order wrong. The uterus opens into the cervix, not the other way around. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that projects into the vagina. The opening between the uterus and the cervix is called the internal os, and the cervix then opens into the vagina through the external os. The vagina is a separate canal, not a "narrow opening" connecting uterus to cervix. This statement is false.
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Statement (iii): "The cavity of the cervix and the vagina forms the birth canal."
During childbirth, the baby passes from the uterus through the cervix (which dilates) and then through the vagina. Together, the cervical canal and the vaginal canal constitute the birth canal. This statement is true.
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Statement (iv): "The outermost layer of uterus is a thin membranous perimetrium."
The perimetrium is indeed the outermost serous layer of the uterus. It is a thin membrane derived from the peritoneum. This statement is true.
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Statement (v): "The uterus is supported by tendons attached to the pelvic wall." …
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- CBSE 2024Set ZOOLOGY1 markMCQQ.What is the fate of corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?(a) Corpus striatum(b) Corpus callosum(c) Corpus spongiosum(d) Corpus albicans
›Reveal solutionSolution
Without fertilization, the corpus luteum regresses into the corpus albicans and progesterone secretion stops, triggering menstruation.
After ovulation, the ruptured Graafian follicle is transformed by LH into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine endometrium for a possible pregnancy. If the released ovum is not fertilized, the corpus luteum has a limited lifespan (about 10-14 days); it degenerates into a small, fibrous, whitish mass of scar tissue called the corpus albicans. As the corpus luteum regresses, progesterone levels fall sharply, which cau …
- CBSE 2024Set ZOOLOGY1 markQ.Fill in the blank: Graafian follicles are found in ______ organ of human body.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Graafian follicles - the mature, fluid-filled ovarian follicles that release the ovum at ovulation - are located in the ovary.
Inside each ovary, primary follicles present at birth develop, under hormonal (FSH/LH) stimulation beginning at puberty, into secondary and then tertiary follicles. The tertiary follicle further matures into the Graafian follicle, a large, fluid-filled follicle in which the secondary oocyte is surrounded by the zona pe …
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markQ.________ help in collection of the ovum after ovulation.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The fringe-like fimbriae at the oviduct's open end sweep the ovulated egg into the fallopian tube.
Each fallopian tube (oviduct) begins near the ovary with a funnel-shaped infundibulum, whose margin bears finger-like projections called fimbriae. The fimbriae help collect the ovum release …
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Which of the following structures is characterised by the presence of a fluid filled cavity called antrum?(a) Primary follicle(b) Secondary follicle(c) Tertiary follicle(d) Corpus luteum
›Reveal solutionSolution
As a primary follicle matures into a secondary and then a tertiary follicle, a fluid-filled cavity called the antrum develops within it, and it is fully formed by the tertiary follicle stage.
Follicular development in the ovary proceeds: primordial follicle -> primary follicle -> secondary follicle -> tertiary follicle -> Graafian follicle. The tertiary follicle is distinguished by a well-developed, fluid-filled cavity called the antrum, along with a thecal layer differentiated into theca inte …
- CBSE 2023Set A1 markQ.Fill in the blank: The inner glandular layer of uterus is called ______.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The endometrium is the inner, glandular, highly vascular lining of the uterus that undergoes cyclic changes and is where the embryo implants.
The wall of the uterus has three layers: the outer perimetrium, the middle thick muscular myometrium (responsible for uterine contractions during parturition), and the innermost endometrium, which is glandular and richly supplied with blood vessels. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes th …
- CBSE 2023Set ZOOLOGY1 markMCQQ.If fertilization does not occur, Graafian follicle is converted to which endocrine gland?(a) Corpus luteum(b) Corpus albicans(c) Corpus spongiosum(d) Corpus cavernosum
›Reveal solutionSolution
After ovulation, the ruptured Graafian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland that secretes progesterone; if fertilisation/implantation does not occur, the corpus luteum itself later degenerates into a non-functional scar tissue called the corpus albicans.
During the ovarian cycle, after ovulation (release of the secondary oocyte), the remaining follicular tissue of the ruptured Graafian follicle in the ovary is reorganised into a solid, glandular structure called the corpus luteum ('yellow body'). The corpus luteum is a true (though temporary) endocrine gland - it secretes large amounts of progesterone, which is essential for maintaining the endometrium (uterine lining) in a receptive state for implantation.
- If fertilisation and implantation do occur, the corpus luteum is maintained (initially under hCG signalling from the developing embryo) and continues secreting progesterone throughout early pregnancy. …
- CBSE 2023Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Menstrual cycle also known as Ovarian cycle lasts for about ______ days.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The human menstrual cycle (ovarian cycle) has an average length of about 28 days, running from the start of one menstruation to the start of the next.
The menstrual cycle, also called the ovarian cycle, is the recurring reproductive cycle in human females that lasts, on average, about 28 days. It comprises the menstrual phase (shedding of the uterine lining), the follicular/proliferative phase (follicle maturation, rising oestrogen, endometrial thickening), ovulation (release of the ovum around day 14), and the luteal/secretory phase (cor …
- CBSE 2022Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.After ovulation, the ruptured Graafian follicle changes into(a) Corpus striatum(b) Corpus luteum(c) Corpus albicans(d) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
The ruptured Graafian follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone.
After ovulation (release of the ovum from the mature Graafian follicle), the remaining part of the follicle in the ovary transforms into a solid, glandular structure called the corpus luteum, which secretes large amounts of progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining the endometrium (uterine lining) in a state suitable for implantation and for the maintenance of pregnancy. If fertilization does not occ …
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