Female reproductive system. Animation showing the female reproductive organs and ovulation. The uterus (womb, pink) is seen in the lower centre of the abdomen. The vagina, the muscular birth canal, is below it. Either side of the uterus are the fallopian tubes (oviducts, curved), which terminate at the ovaries (yellow). Once sexual maturity is reached up to 20 oocytes start developing into eggs (ova) every menstrual cycle. Only one will reach full maturity as a Graafian follicle (small yellow sphere) and release its egg at ovulation. The egg travels from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. Cilia (hair-like) in the lining of the fallopian tube beat in wave-like motions to aid the egg's movement along the fallopian tube. HD supplied with alpha, or for a flat version on a black background, see clip K003 3654.