But though both parents have thus an equal share in the cellular
elements of the new life, it is the female whose reproductive organs
provide for its nourishment and protection until birth takes
place.

_The Human Sex Organs_


In the female these consist of the womb or uterus, the ovaries, and a
canal called the vagina which leads from the lower end of the uterus to
an external opening, the vulva. The ovaries, two in number, are
situated one on each side of the uterus. The uterus, which is
pear-shaped, with the apex downwards, has three openings, one at the
apex and one at each side at the upper part. These two upper openings
are provided with a tubule extension, the Fallopian tubes, whose outer
ends are fringed and lie in close relation to the ovaries. The ova or
egg-cells are developed in the ovaries, and through a complex and
elaborate process a single cell comes to maturity from time to time. It
is then discharged into the open end of the Fallopian tube, reaches
thereby the uterus, and if not fertilized is discharged through the
lower opening of the uterus into the vagina. It is not known exactly
when this discharge of ova takes place, but it is believed to coincide
more or less with the monthly period. If, however, fertilization of the
ovum takes place, it is not discharged, but remains in the uterus. The
lining membrane of the uterus grows round and envelops it, and the
wonderful process of cell division and multiplication proceeds which
results in the growth and development of a child.

These various organs are situated in the lower part of the abdomen,