During coitus between a male and female, the female egg (ovum) and the male sperm come
together in the uterus, and unite to form the embryo. This process is known as fertilization. The
embryo grows and gets embedded in the uterus forming the fetus surrounded by the waters
called as the amniotic fluid. The fetus contains qualities of both the parents, in the form of genes
present on the egg as well as the sperm; and the prakriti or nature inherited from both the
parents.

Female Repodructive System

Uterus
It is a hollow bag situated in the lower part of the abdomen in-between the large intestine and the
urinary bladder. It sheds its old cells every month in the form of menses so as to prepare the base
for the fertilization and formation of the fetus. It accepts the entry of the sperms at the time of
fertilization. It also becomes the womb in which the fetus grows for the nine months of pregnancy.

These are the female reproductive organs that form the female egg or the ovum. There are two
ovaries (approx size as that of an almond) in a woman and are situated on either side of the
uterus and connected to it by the help of tubes known as the fallopian tubes. Each ovary forms an
egg every month about 14 days before the next menstrual period. This egg is transported to the
uterus by the fallopian tube to unite with the sperm during coitus and so to produce an embryo.
The ovaries also secrete the female reproductive hormones i.e. the estrogen, which play a very
important role in a woman's life right from puberty till menopause.

Fallopian tubes
These are tubes that connect the ovaries with the uterus. Each fallopian tube connects the
ipsilateral ovary with the uterus and transports the ovum to the uterine cavity for fertilization with
the sperm.

Vagina
This is a channel that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. It has an external opening in
the external genitalia, through which menstrual blood oozes out. It is also the passage for
conception whereby the male organ deposits the sperm in the lower part of the uterus. The
vagina acts as a path for delivery of the full-grown fetus.

Breasts
These are the milk secreting glands on the chest wall that supply nourishment to the infant in the
form of milk.

Last created on 07-05-2004
Last updated on 18-11-2006