15) Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Female Reproductive System Overview
Components:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian Tubes
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Breast
Characteristics:
Constant change: menstrual cycles, pregnancy
Includes the genital tract and mammary glands
Ovary Anatomy and Functions
Functions:
Exocrine: Produces ova
Endocrine: Secretes estrogen and progesterone
Structure:
Flattened, ovoid, located in the pelvic cavity
Ovary Histology
Surface: Germinal epithelium (simple cuboidal)
Protective Capsule: Tunica albuginea (DICT)
Layers:
Cortex: Contains stroma and follicles
Medulla: LOCT, elastin, blood vessels, nerves; no follicles
What is the female reproductive system composed of?
Highly specialized organs in constant change due to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, including the female genital tract and mammary glands.
Q: What are the functions of the ovary?
Exocrine function: Produces ova.
Endocrine function: Secretes estrogen and progesterone.
Describe the anatomy of the ovary.
A: A flattened, ovoid structure located deep in the pelvic cavity.
What layers cover the ovary?
Germinal epithelium: Simple cuboidal.
Tunica albuginea: Dense irregular connective tissue (DICT) forming a protective capsule.
Q: What is found in the cortex of the ovary?
Stroma (connective tissue) and follicles at various stages of development, providing support for oocyte growth.
Q: What is the function of the medulla in the ovary?
A: Composed of loose connective tissue with elastin, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves; does not contain follicles.
Q: What are the four stages of ovarian follicle development?
Primordial follicle: Thin, simple squamous cells surrounding the oocyte.
Primary follicle: Activated by FSH; has cuboidal granulosa cells and a primary oocyte.
Secondary follicle: Larger, with granulosa cells and organized stromal tissue forming thecal layers.
Mature Graafian follicle: Forms a bump on the ovary, ruptures during ovulation to release the ovum.
Q: What happens during ovulation?
A: The mature follicle ruptures, releasing the ovum into the oviduct.
Q: What happens to the follicle after ovulation?
A: It becomes the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones. If fertilization does not occur, it degenerates into the corpus albicans (a connective tissue scar).
Q: What is the corpus albicans?
A: A fibrous scar tissue formed after the degeneration of the corpus luteum.
Q: What is the function of the fallopian tube?
A: Conducts ova from the ovary to the uterus and is the site of fertilization.
Q: What are the anatomical parts of the fallopian tube?
Infundibulum (with fimbriae).
Ampulla (most common site for fertilization).
Isthmus.
Intramural portion (traverses the uterine wall).
Q: Describe the histology of the fallopian tube.
Mucosa: Ciliated simple columnar epithelium and secretory cells.
Muscularis: Circular and longitudinal smooth muscle for peristalsis.
Serosa: Continuation of the broad ligament with loose connective tissue (LOCT).
Q: What are the three main anatomical parts of the uterus?
A: Fundus (upper), body, and cervix.
Q: What are the three layers of the uterine wall?
–Endometrium: Inner mucosal layer with cyclic changes.
-Stratum functionalis: Shed during menstruation.
-Stratum basalis: Regenerates the functionalis.
–Myometrium: Thick smooth muscle layer, vascularized, and thickens during pregnancy.
–Perimetrium: Outer serosa layer.
Q: What is the function of the cervix?
A: Admits spermatozoa and protects the uterus from bacterial invasion.
Q: What type of epithelium covers the cervix?
Simple columnar epithelium in the lumen (endocervix).
Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium on the external surface (exocervix).
Why is the transition zone of the cervix clinically significant?
A: It is where most cervical abnormalities, including cancer (often HPV-associated), occur.
Q: Describe the histology of the vagina.
Mucosa: Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.
Muscularis: Circular and longitudinal smooth muscles.
Adventitia: Dense irregular connective tissue with elastic fibers.
Q: What is the structure of mammary glands?
Made up of 15-25 secretory lobes embedded in adipose tissue.
Each lobe is a compound tubular acinar gland.
Secretory ducts lined with cuboidal/columnar epithelium empty onto the nipple.
Q: How do mammary glands change during lactation?
A: Secretory units enlarge, and cells produce milk instead of mucus.
What are the functional components of the breast?
Lobules: Contain alveoli where milk is produced.
Ducts: Transport milk to the nipple.
Adipose tissue: Provides structure and insulation.
