Carpels are the female reproductive structures found in flowering plants, also known as angiosperms. Each carpel consists of three main parts: the ovary, which contains the ovules; the style, a slender stalk that connects the ovary to the stigma; and the stigma, the part that receives pollen during fertilization. Carpels can exist as single units or be fused together to form a compound structure. In many plants, carpels are grouped together to form a pistil, which is the complete female reproductive organ. The number of carpels in a pistil can vary, influencing the plant's reproductive strategy. Understanding carpels is essential for studying plant reproduction and the development of fruits and seeds.