Question

Explain the female reproductive system with diagram. Also give a brief account on the sex determination in humans.

Answer 1

The female reproductive system mainly consists of two ovaries connected to the uterus via fallopian tubes. This arrangement is situated posterior to the urinary bladder. The uterus opens on the lower end into the vagina via the cervix. The vagina open to the outside and are covered with lip-like folds called labia minora and labia majora. These structures also hide the clitoris which is often referred to as the female pseudo-penis.

Sex determination in humans is based on the Y-chromosome. If an egg containing X chromosome fuses with a sperm containing X chromosome, the resulting zygote has an XX genotype. If an egg containing X chromosome fuses with a sperm containing the Y chromosome, the resulting zygote will have an XY genotype. A zygote with genotype XX will be a female and a zygote with genotype XY will be a male.