<i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> female reproductive tract.

Abstract

<p>Mature oocytes leave the ovary and move through the oviducts to reach the uterus, where they can be fertilized prior to being laid. Sperm are stored in specialized organs (spermathecae, seminal receptacle; see inset for higher magnification) that open into the uterus near the site where fertilization will occur. Activity of the spermathecal secretory cells (SSCs) plays important roles in gamete dynamics within the female <a href="http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001191#pbio.1001191-Schnakenberg1" target="_blank">[14]</a>. The inset also shows the female accessory glands (also called parovaria), which are believed to have a secretory function but are not sites of sperm storage. Drawing by J. L. Sitnik.</p