Question

The below diagram represents the vertical view of the human female reproductive system.

(i) Label the parts indicated by the guidelines 1 to 8.
(ii) How does the uterus prepare for the reception of a zygote?
(iii) What happens to the uterus if fertilization takes place?
(iv) What happens to the uterus if fertilization has failed to take place?

Answer 1

 (i)
1. Oviduct
2. Funnel of oviduct
3. Ureter
4. Vagina
5. Ovary
6. Uterus
7. Bladder
8. Urethra

(ii) The endometrium lining and glands of the uterine wall grow to prepare the uterus for the reception of a zygote.

(iii) If fertilization takes place, the embryo is implanted in the uterus. The uterus wall develops a placenta which attaches the embryo to the uterus and the uterine wall expands to accommodate the growing embryo.

(iv) If fertilization fails to take place, menstruation takes place during which endometrium of the uterus is cast off. The capillaries and cells of this layer rupture and disappear.