Reproduction and Early Development
Your body has an amazing system for creating new life! In females, reproduction involves several specialized organs working together. The ovaries produce eggs, which when mature are released and collected by the fallopian tubes. These eggs are haploid gametes, containing just one set of chromosomes from the mother.
The menstrual cycle controls this entire process, typically lasting about 28 days. Around day 14, ovulation occurs when a mature egg releases from the ovary into the fallopian tube. During this time, the uterus lining thickens in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
If sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization can happen! The fertilized egg then implants in the uterus (womb) where it will grow and develop. If no fertilization occurs, the egg and thickened uterine lining are shed during menstruation at the end of the cycle.
Did you know? The female reproductive system is already prepared for pregnancy each month, even though most cycles don't result in fertilization. Your body is constantly going through this cycle from puberty until menopause!