The female reproductive tract includes the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina and the external genitalia.  The ovaries produce gametes and a variety of hormones that act upon other parts of the reproductive tract.  The oviducts provide the optimal environment for fertilization and preattachment development of the embryo.  The uterus provides the environment for sperm transport, early embryogenesis and the site for attachment of the conceptus.  The cervix is a barrier that secretes mucus during estrus and produces a cervical seal during pregnancy.  The vagina is the copulatory organ and produces lubricating mucus during the time of estrus.  Each tubular part of the tract has an outer serosal layer that is continuous with the peritoneum, a muscularis consisting of a longitudinal and circular layer of smooth muscle, a submucosal layer and a mucosal layer lining the lumen of each organ, that secretes substances vital to the function of each region.