01-12: Prep for Pregnancy Flashcards
What are the layers of the uterus wall?
- Myometrium
- Endometrium
What is the structure of the uterine endometrium?
- Columnar surface epithelium
- Uterine glands (secrete glycogen)
- Connective tissue stroma (support framework)
- Spiral arterioles
What are the 2 layers of the uterine endometrium?
- Functional layer
- Basal layer
What are the characteristics of the functional layer of the uterine endometrium?
- Undergoes most profound changes during the menstrual cycle
- Swept off during menstruation
What is the mucosal surface of the cervix characterized by?
numerous crypts (pockets that provide space for the sperm passing through the uterus)
What does the cervix epithelium produce?
glycoprotein-rich cervical mucous
Cervix mucous composition features
- mucous composition varies throughout uterine cycle
- thinnest (most watery) mucous composition is around time of ovulation
What kind of epithelium lines the vagina?
Stratified, Non-keratinized squamous epithelium
What does the vaginal epithelium secrete?
glycogen (throughout the menstrual cycle)
What does the glycogen (secreted by the vaginal epithelium) do?
breaks down products that contribute to the vaginal fluid low pH
What is the pH of vaginal fluid?
4.3-4.4
What 4 hormones control the menstrual cycle?
- FSH
- LH
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
How many days is each menstrual cycle?
28 days
What controls the hormones of the menstrual cycle?
hypothalamus»_space; anterior pituitary
What areas of the reproductive system are affected by the menstrual cycle hormones?
- ovarian follicle
- uterine endometrium/myometrium
What are the 2 sub-cycles of the menstrual cycle?
- Ovarian cycle
- Endometrial cycle
During which days does the follicular phase (ovarian cycle) occur?
Days 1-14
During which phase is there development of the mature Graafian follicle and secondary oocyte in the ovary?
Follicular phase of ovarian cycle
How does the Graafian follicle develop?
Hypothalamus»_space; FSH-releasing factor»_space; anterior pituitary»_space; FSH production
Which hormone is responsible for the proliferation phase of the endometrium?
estradiol
What secretes estradiol?
granulosa cells of the developing follicle
On which day does ovulation occur?
day 14
What are the stimuli for ovulation?
- Rise in FSH
- Sharp rise in LH
In what stage of the ovarian cycle is an egg released from the Graafian follicle?
ovulation
What surround the egg at ovulation?
the corona radiata (layer of follicle cells)
When is the egg arrested?
meiosis II (metaphase II)
When will the egg complete meiosis II?
fertilization
What accompanies the egg during the ovarian cycle?
polar body
- very small
- nucleated sister cell
- product of meiosis I
What part of the follicle remains behind during ovulation?
the outer part of the Graafian follicle
What is the outer part of the Graafian follicle made of?
thecal cells
What cells secrete progesterone?
thecal cells
During which phase of the ovarian cycle do the residual theca and granulosa cells of the follicle (left over after ovulation) secrete estrogen and progesterone?
luteal phase
What forms the corpus luteum?
the residual theca and granulosa cells