| The reproductive system of female mammals consists of the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia. The compact ovary contains thousands of ovarian follicles, of which a few at a time rapidly go through several stages of maturation before ovulation. The ova is transported to the uterus via the oviduct where, if fertilized, it implants, forms a placenta, developes, and is delivered via the vagina. The entire duct system is lined by epithelia with regional specializations. There are a variety of species differences in the shape of the uterus, and the type of placentation that supports the embryo. In contrast to the male, the urinary tract uses separate ducts until reaching the vestibule of the vagina. |
