10. Female Reproductive system Flashcards
How many follicles are present in the newborn ovary? How many mature to adulthood?
400K. Only 450 reach to maturity in adults.
Describe Primordial follicles.
The primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened follicular cells.
Describe Primary follicles.
The primary oocyte and one or more layers of cuboidal-like follicular cells.
Describe Secondary follicles.
The follicular cavity (antrum), cumulus oophorus, and corona radiata develop CT surrounding the follicle. The CT develops into the theca interna and externa.
What does the theca interna produce?
It produces androgens, which are converted into estradiol by granulosa cells.
What is the zona pellucida rich in?
It is rich in polysaccharides (periodic acid-Schiff [PAS] - positive).
What is a Graafian follicle?
It is the mature follicle that extends through the entire cortex.
What is ovulation?
The Graafian follicle rupturing and releasing the ovum. It is caused by an increase of antral fluid.
What do the granulosa lutein cells produce?
Progesterone.
After the 40th day after fertilization, who produces the necessary progesterone to maintain pregnancy?
The placenta. The corpus luteum did it before it died off.
How long are the fallopina tubes?
They are 12 cm long.
What are the parts of the fallopian tube?
From proximal to distal: Isthmus, Ampulla, Infundibulum, Fimbria [IAIF].
In which part of the fallopian tube does fertilization take place?
In the ampulla.
In which part of the fallopian tube does ectopic pregnancy most likely take place?
In the ampulla.
What are the 2 layers of the endometrium and which one is shed off during each cycle?
It has a deep basal layer and the functional layer, which is shed off in menstruation.
What is the average duration of a menstrual cycle?
28 days.
What does the onset of menstruation coincide with?
The involution of the corpus lutem.
What is the proliferative phase and which hormone does it depend on?
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.
What is the secretory phase and which hormone does it depend on?
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.
What are the fetal components of the placenta?
The chorionic plate and villi. It lies adjacent to the spaces near the endometrial decidua through which the maternal blood circulates.
What are the maternal components of the placenta?
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.
What are the components of the placental barrier?
Maternal blood is separated from fetal blood by cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, a basement membrane, and fetal capillary endothelium.
What type of epithelium lines the vagina?
It is lined by stratified squamous eptithelium that is rich in glycogen.
Why does the vagina become more basic in the postestrogenic phase?
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.
