(a) Write the functions of the following parts in human female reproductive system:
- Ovary
- Oviduct
- Uterus.
(b) Describe the structure and function of placenta.
(a)
- Ovary: It produces ova and estrogen hormones.
- Oviduct: Fertilization of ovum takes place here.
- Uterus: Fertilized egg grows here after implantation into baby.
(b)
Structure and function of placenta : Embryonic development of a zygote begins soon in the fallopian tube and pregnancy begins. Embryo moves down to reach uterus and gets attached to its thickened inner wall. Close attachment of the embryo with the uterus is called implantation. The embryo starts dividing uterus and prepares itself to nurture growing embryo. The lining thickens and is richly supplied with blood to nourish the growing embryo. Embryo gets nutrition for the mother’s blood with the help of a special tissue called placenta. Placenta is a disc that is embedded in uterine wall. It contains villi on embryo’s side of the tissue. On mother’s side are blood spaces, which surround the villi. This provides a large surface area for glucose and oxygen to pass from mother to embryo. Developing embryo will generate waste substances that can be removed by transferring them into mother’s blood through the placenta. The development of child inside mother’s body takes approximately nine months.