Oogenesis takes place in the ovary, which is induced by gonadotrophin from the anterior pituitary. The ovaries also serve as an endocrine organ, releasing estrogen and progesterone. The rest of the female reproductive system is made up of fallopian tubes, which transport the ova to the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ with a mucosal lining that changes in response to hormones. The vaginal tube is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside world.

The ovaries are little almond-shaped organs covered by the tunica albuginea, a thick connective tissue capsule. The germinal epithelium is a basic squamous mesothelium that covers this. The ovary has a cortex, which contains the ovarian follicles, and a highly vascular medulla, which contains helicine arteries, which are coiled arteries.

Follicles are formed when oocytes are surrounded by epithelial cells. Many primordial follicles can be identified in the ovary, especially at the cortex’s borders. Different stages of development have fewer follicles.

• 

  Ovary