10. Female Reproductive system

Question 1

How many follicles are present in the newborn ovary? How many mature to adulthood?

Answer 1

400K. Only 450 reach to maturity in adults.

Question 2

Describe Primordial follicles.

Answer 2

The primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened follicular cells.

Question 3

Describe Primary follicles.

Answer 3

The primary oocyte and one or more layers of cuboidal-like follicular cells.

Question 4

Describe Secondary follicles.

Answer 4

The follicular cavity (antrum), cumulus oophorus, and corona radiata develop CT surrounding the follicle. The CT develops into the theca interna and externa.

Question 5

What does the theca interna produce?

Answer 5

It produces androgens, which are converted into estradiol by granulosa cells.

Question 6

What is the zona pellucida rich in?

Answer 6

It is rich in polysaccharides (periodic acid-Schiff [PAS] - positive).

Question 7

What is a Graafian follicle?

Answer 7

It is the mature follicle that extends through the entire cortex.

Question 8

What is ovulation?

Answer 8

The Graafian follicle rupturing and releasing the ovum. It is caused by an increase of antral fluid.

Question 9

What do the granulosa lutein cells produce?

Answer 9

Progesterone.

Question 10

After the 40th day after fertilization, who produces the necessary progesterone to maintain pregnancy?

Answer 10

The placenta. The corpus luteum did it before it died off.

Question 11

How long are the fallopina tubes?

Answer 11

They are 12 cm long.

Question 12

What are the parts of the fallopian tube?

Answer 12

From proximal to distal: Isthmus, Ampulla, Infundibulum, Fimbria [IAIF].

Question 13

In which part of the fallopian tube does fertilization take place?

Answer 13

In the ampulla.

Question 14

In which part of the fallopian tube does ectopic pregnancy most likely take place?

Answer 14

In the ampulla.

Question 15

What are the 2 layers of the endometrium and which one is shed off during each cycle?

Answer 15

It has a deep basal layer and the functional layer, which is shed off in menstruation.

Question 16

What is the average duration of a menstrual cycle?

Answer 16

28 days.

Question 17

What does the onset of menstruation coincide with?

Answer 17

The involution of the corpus lutem.

Question 18

What is the proliferative phase and which hormone does it depend on?

Answer 18

It is marked by regrowth of the endometrium, including epithelial cell proliferation and growth of the spiral arteries; it corresponds to the preovulatory period of follicular maturation. It is estrogen dependent.

Question 19

What is the secretory phase and which hormone does it depend on?

Answer 19

It is the continuation of the hypertrophy of the endometrium (no mitosis) and there is an increase of vascularity and edema. It is progesterone dependent.

Question 20

What are the fetal components of the placenta?

Answer 20

The chorionic plate and villi. It lies adjacent to the spaces near the endometrial decidua through which the maternal blood circulates.

Question 21

What are the maternal components of the placenta?

Answer 21

It is composed of the decidua basalis. Maternal blood vessels from the decidua conduct blood into the intetervillois spaces of the placenta, where floating villi are present.

Question 22

What are the components of the placental barrier?

Answer 22

Maternal blood is separated from fetal blood by cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, a basement membrane, and fetal capillary endothelium.

Question 23

What type of epithelium lines the vagina?

Answer 23

It is lined by stratified squamous eptithelium that is rich in glycogen.

Question 24

Why does the vagina become more basic in the postestrogenic phase?

Answer 24

The drop in estrogen levels induces a decrease in glycogen levels, which in turn causes an increase in vaginal pH, and thus, an increase in the likelihood of infection.