15) Female Reproductive System

Question 1

Female Reproductive System Overview

Answer 1

Components:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian Tubes
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Breast

Characteristics:

Constant change: menstrual cycles, pregnancy

Includes the genital tract and mammary glands

Question 2

Ovary Anatomy and Functions

Answer 2

Functions:
Exocrine: Produces ova

Endocrine: Secretes estrogen and progesterone

Structure:
Flattened, ovoid, located in the pelvic cavity

Question 3

Ovary Histology

Answer 3

Surface: Germinal epithelium (simple cuboidal)

Protective Capsule: Tunica albuginea (DICT)

Layers:
Cortex: Contains stroma and follicles

Medulla: LOCT, elastin, blood vessels, nerves; no follicles

Question 4

What is the female reproductive system composed of?

Answer 4

Highly specialized organs in constant change due to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, including the female genital tract and mammary glands.

Question 5

Q: What are the functions of the ovary?

Answer 5

Exocrine function: Produces ova.

Endocrine function: Secretes estrogen and progesterone.

Question 6

Describe the anatomy of the ovary.

Answer 6

A: A flattened, ovoid structure located deep in the pelvic cavity.

Question 7

What layers cover the ovary?

Answer 7

Germinal epithelium: Simple cuboidal.

Tunica albuginea: Dense irregular connective tissue (DICT) forming a protective capsule.

Question 8

Q: What is found in the cortex of the ovary?

Answer 8

Stroma (connective tissue) and follicles at various stages of development, providing support for oocyte growth.

Question 9

Q: What is the function of the medulla in the ovary?

Answer 9

A: Composed of loose connective tissue with elastin, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves; does not contain follicles.

Question 10

Q: What are the four stages of ovarian follicle development?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Q: What happens during ovulation?

Answer 11

A: The mature follicle ruptures, releasing the ovum into the oviduct.

Question 12

Q: What happens to the follicle after ovulation?

Answer 12

A: It becomes the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones. If fertilization does not occur, it degenerates into the corpus albicans (a connective tissue scar).

Question 13

Q: What is the corpus albicans?

Answer 13

A: A fibrous scar tissue formed after the degeneration of the corpus luteum.

Question 14

Q: What is the function of the fallopian tube?

Answer 14

A: Conducts ova from the ovary to the uterus and is the site of fertilization.

Question 15

Q: What are the anatomical parts of the fallopian tube?

Answer 15

Infundibulum (with fimbriae).

Ampulla (most common site for fertilization).

Isthmus.

Intramural portion (traverses the uterine wall).

Question 16

Q: Describe the histology of the fallopian tube.

Answer 16

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).

Question 17

Q: What are the three main anatomical parts of the uterus?

Answer 17

A: Fundus (upper), body, and cervix.

Question 18

Q: What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

Answer 18

–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.

Question 19

Q: What is the function of the cervix?

Answer 19

A: Admits spermatozoa and protects the uterus from bacterial invasion.

Question 20

Q: What type of epithelium covers the cervix?

Answer 20

Simple columnar epithelium in the lumen (endocervix).

Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium on the external surface (exocervix).

Question 21

Why is the transition zone of the cervix clinically significant?

Answer 21

A: It is where most cervical abnormalities, including cancer (often HPV-associated), occur.

Question 22

Q: Describe the histology of the vagina.

Answer 22

Mucosa: Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.

Muscularis: Circular and longitudinal smooth muscles.

Adventitia: Dense irregular connective tissue with elastic fibers.

Question 23

Q: What is the structure of mammary glands?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Q: How do mammary glands change during lactation?

Answer 24

A: Secretory units enlarge, and cells produce milk instead of mucus.

Question 25

What are the functional components of the breast?

Answer 25

Lobules: Contain alveoli where milk is produced.

Ducts: Transport milk to the nipple.

Adipose tissue: Provides structure and insulation.