4_6FemaleReproductive Flashcards
What are the layers of the vagina?
1) stratified squamous epithelium / mucosa; 2) lamina propria; 3) muscular layer; 4) adventitia
How thick is the mucosal layer of the vagina?
200-300um
Describe the composition of vaginal mucous.
1) exfoliated cells, 2) local gland secretions; 3) cervical mucous
What is the pH of the vagina?
3.8-4.5
What is the pH of the vagina post-menopause?
6-7.5
What are the pathwyas for absorption in the vagina?
1) transcellular, 2) paracellular, 3) receptor-mediated transport
What are the components of the ovary?
cortex, medulla, stroma
What is the ovarian cortex?
outer, dense layer consisting of follicles and oocytes
What is the ovarian medulla?
inner, looser layer consisting of blood, nerves, and lymph
What is the ovarian stroma?
CT of the ovary
What are the functions of the fallopian tubes?
1) open into peritoneal cavity to receive oocyte; 2) transport oocyte to uterus; 3) provide nutrients for oocyte
What are the layers of the uterus?
perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium
Describe the perimetrium of the uterus
serous membrane
Describe the myometrium of the uterus
smooth muscle
Describe the endometrium of the uterus
mucous membrane
What are the various estrogens in menstruation?
1) 17-beta-estradiol; 2) estrone; 3) estriol
What are the 2 primary progestins?
1) progesterone, 2) 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone
What are the functions of the progestins?
1) promotes secretory endometrium in uterus for implantation; 2) promotes alveoli and lobuli development
What are the uterine phases of the menstrual cycle?
1) proliferative; 2) secretory; 3) menstruation
What is the mean age of menopause?
51.7
What are the symptoms of menopause?
hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, fatigue, anxiety, emotional disturbances
What are the phases of the female sex act?
1) excitement, 2) plateau, 3) orgasmic, 4) resolution
Define female infertility
the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse
What are the forms of female contraception?
1) rhythm method, 2) hormones, 3) IUDs, 4) plan B
What are the functions of estrogens?
1) female sex characteristics; 2) inhibit osteoclasts and long bone epiphyses fusion; 3) weak anabolic; 4) skin, Na/H2O retention
What do estrogens cause in the breasts?
1) stromal tissue, ducts, lipid deposits; 2) growth of milk-producing machinery
What are fimbriae?
the ciliated inner surface of the fallopian tubes
What is the ampulla?
the widest part of the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs
What factors alter vaginal pH?
1) cycle, 2) sex activity, 3) infection, 4) semen
What uterine layer is replaced every month during the cycle?
endometrium; except the deepest (basal) layer
Characterize the cervix.
more rigid and less contractile than rest of uterus
What is the function of the cervical canal?
mucous gland lining creates mucous plug except near ovulation when it changes to seromucous
What prevents meiosis in the child?
MIF (maturation inhibitory factor)
What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?
1) follicular, 2) luteal
What occurs during ovulation?
1) theca externa releases proteases, 2) vascularization of follicular wall; 3) PG-mediated vasodilation
How much does LH surge prior to ovulation?
6-10x
How much does FSH spike during ovulation?
2-3x
When does the LH/FSH spike occur?
16 hours before ovulation
What is the function of the LH surge?
converts granulosa/theca cells to progesterone-secreting
Describe the composition of theca cells?
theca interna = secretory (E2 and P4); theca externa = vascularized CT
What happens during the follicular phase?
1) granulosa proliferation, 2) ovarian cells change to theca cells, 3) FSH recruits 6-12 primary follicles
What is the function of granulosa cells?
secrete estrogen-containing follicular fluid; develop the antrum
What is luteinization?
when granulosa/theca cells enlarge and accumulate lipids
What is the function of granulosa cells in the luteal phase?
secrete progesterones much more than E2
What is the function of theca cells during the luteal phase?
secrete androgens
How long until the corpus luteum forms the corpus albicans?
7 days
What occurs during the proliferative phase of the uterine menstrual cycle?
1) epithelial proliferation (3-5mm), 2) vascularization, 3) development of uterine glands
What occurs during the secretory phase of the uterine menstrual cycle?
1) epithelial thickening (5-6mm), 2) tortuous gland development, 3) lipid and glycogen secretion
What cells secrete inhibin?
granulosa cells
When does puberty begin, and what is the first sign?
11-16 yo with irregular periods
What factors affect puberty onset?
1) genetics, 2) nutrition, 3) body composition, 4) fat deposition, 5) geographic location, 6) exposure to light, 7) exercise
What causes menopause?
1) depletion of primary follicles and insensitivity to FSH/LH
Describe hormone levels during menopause?
low estrogen, hi GnRH and FSH and LH
What conditions have an increased risk postmenopause?
CVD, HTN, osteoporosis
What occurs during the excitement phase?
1) erection (parasympathetic, NOS); 2) lubrication (bilateral barholin’s glands beneath labia minora)
What occurs during the plateau phase?
HR, BP, RR, muscle tension
What occurs during the orgasmic phase?
rhythmic contractions (SNS) help transport sperm
What causes TSS?
Staph A or B
What factors increase risk of TSS?
tampons and barrier contraceptives
What factors may contribute to female infertility?
anovulation, inflammation of fallopian tubes, thick mucous, endometriosis, PCOS, PID, chlamydia, IUD/appendectomy adhesions
What percentages of infertility are male-, female-, and idiopathically caused?
60% female, 25% male, 15% idiopathic
What percentage of women are infertile?
14% of menstruating women
What drives the pulsatile LH spikes?
electrical pulses in the mediobasal HT
What causes menopause?
natural, also surgery and chemo
What are causes of reproductive dysfunction?
hypogonadism and ovarian hypersecretion
What causes hypogonadism?
1) congenital ovary absence, 2) removal of ovaries; 3) irregular menses/amenorrhea
What are the causes of ovarian hypersecretion and what are the symptoms?
rare - normally have negative feedback (tumor); irregular bleeding
What factors of vaginal mucous are variable, and on what do they depend?
release rate, viscosity, volume composition; depends on sex activity and hormones; and age
