As you study the parts of the female reproductive system in your textbook, pay attention to the position of these organs in the pelvic cavity. The ovary is not attached to the uterus. When the ovary releases a secondary oocyte, the fimbriae of the oviducts guide the cell into their lumen. What type of cells line the lumen of the fallopian tubes?

Understand the stages of the ovarian cycle, the stages of the menstrual cycle, and the hormonal triggers for both. The ovary model in lab is a useful tool to study the ovarian cycle; a photograph of this model is shown below.

Figure legend: Notice the zona pellucida which is represented by the white ring around the secondary oocyte in a follicle. The corona radiata is actually a layer of epithelial cells surrounding the zona pellucida. An atretic follicle is shown on this model: this is a degenerated follicle that was never part of an ovarian cycle. Trace the stages of the ovarian cycle from a primary follicle through the development of the corpus albicans.

Your textbook describes the uterus as positioned between the urinary bladder and rectum. This statement is accurate, but not accurate enough. The main portion of the uterus extends over the superior surface of the urinary bladder when the uterus is not prolapsed.

The top, left drawing showing the uterus in its normal position. The reason pregnant women urinate frequently is quite clear from this drawing. The other three drawings show the uterus in various stages of inversion or prolapse.

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