Write the functions of the following in human female reproductive system: Ovary, oviduct, uterus. How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother's body? Explain in brief.

Functions of Parts in the Human Female Reproductive System

1. Ovary:

• Production of Gametes: It produces the female germ-cells or gametes called eggs (ova).
• Hormone Secretion: It secretes essential female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, which regulate secondary sexual characteristics and the menstrual cycle.

1. Oviduct (Fallopian Tube):

• Egg Transport: It receives the mature egg released by the ovary and carries it towards the uterus.
• Site of Fertilization: It is the specific site where the sperm fertilizes the egg to form a zygote.

1. Uterus (Womb):

• Implantation: It provides the site for the attachment and implantation of the developing embryo.
• Development of Fetus: Its muscular walls expand to accommodate, protect, and support the growing fetus throughout the gestation period.

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Nourishment of the Embryo Inside the Mother's Body

• The Placenta: The embryo receives nourishment from the mother's blood through a specialized disc-like tissue called the placenta, which is embedded in the uterine wall.
• Structure:
• On the embryo's side of the placenta, there are numerous finger-like projections called villi.
• On the mother's side, there are blood spaces that surround these villi.
• Mechanism of Exchange:
• This structural arrangement provides a very large surface area for the exchange of materials.
• Nutrients and Oxygen: Glucose, oxygen, and other essential nutrients diffuse from the mother's blood spaces across the villi into the embryo's blood.
• Waste Removal: Carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products generated by the developing embryo diffuse back across the placenta into the mother's blood to be excreted by her system.