REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF THE FEMALE 



61 



ing the vascular system of the ovary (figs. 30, 32). Some of the general 

 cells form the so-called interstitial tissue of the ovary. 



The germ cells differ from the general cells in that each of them has a 

 latent potency for developing a new individual. This latent condition is con- 

 verted into active potentiality during the differentiation of the primitive germ 

 cell into the mature egg or ovum. 



2. General Structure of the Accessory Reproductive Organs 



The accessory reproductive structures of the female vertebrate may be 

 separated into three general types, viz.: 



( 1 ) the total absence of or the presence of a pair of short funnel-like 

 structures which convey the eggs from the peritoneal cavity through 



MESOVARIUM 



STALK (PEDIC 

 OP FOLLIC 



VASCULAR AREA 

 OF FOLLICLE 



COLLAPSED EG 

 FOLLICLE FROM 

 WHICH EGG H 

 BEEN OVULATE 



CONNECTIV E 

 INTERSTITIAL T I 



RUPT URED CIC 



CONNECTIVE 

 INTERSTITIAL 



Fig. 31. Three-dimensional representation of the bird ovary together with the funnel 

 portion (infundibulum) of the oviduct. Recently ovulated egg is shown in the process of 

 engulfment by the infundibulum. Various stages of developing eggs are shown. 



