Female Reproductive Anatomy

Important structures of the female reproductive system important to artificial insemination include:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian Tube (Uterine Tubes)
• Uterus
• Cervix
• Vagina

Ovaries

The ovaries are found low in the pelvis and contain all of the  follicles that a female will possess during her reproductive life. Within these ovaries, the follicles will mature and from a primary, secondary, and tertiary follicle where they are able to ovulate an egg each month. [1]

Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes are not connected directly to the ovaries themselves, however contain structures call frimbrae, which are finger-like projections capable of collecting the ovulated oocyte from the ovary. The fallopian tubes are important to because this is the structure where fertilization occurs. After fertilization of the oocyte by a sperm, the oocyte will move toward the uterus. [1]

Uterus

There are three main regions  to the uterus, the fundus, the body and the cervix. The uterus is divides into three main layers called the perimetrium, the myometrium and the endometrium.  The endometrium of the uterus can be further divided into the stratum functionalis and the stratum basalis. The stratum functionalis is the layer which the fertilized embryo implants. [1]

Cervix

The cervix is found on the most inferior portion of the uterus and is responsible for regulating what materials are able to enter and leave the cervix. The cervix is able to respond to hormonal changes and allows the sperm to enter the uterus after ovulation. [1]

Vagina

The vagina is where the majority of the sperm is deposited during sexual intercourse. The normal acidic environment of the vagina makes it an inhospitable environment for the sperm. [1]