A&P400 (Female reproductive system) Flashcards
overall function of female reprodutiv esystem
Produces sex hormones
Produces functional gametes
Protects and supports developing embryo
Maintains growing fetus
Nourishes newborn infant
female external genitalia
Vulva (outer genitals)
and urethra
Female internal genitalia
Ovaries,
uterine (Fallopian) tubes,
uterus,
vagina
Mammary gland of breast
Produces milk to nourish infant
female gonads are
OVARIES
ovaries produce
gametes
(oocytes that mature into ova)
ovaries also produce
Produce hormones
female reproductive tract
uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)
uterus
vagina
uterine tubes
(deliver oocyte or embryo to the uterus)
—> Normal sites of fertilization (endometrium)
site of fertiization
“a fertilized egg usually attaches to (implants in) the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
“
uterus
(site of embryonic and fetal development)
—> Also site of exchange between maternal and embryonic/fetal bloodstream
vagina
Birth canal during delivery
Passageway for fluids during menstruation
external genitalia
Mons pubis
clitoris
labia (majora/minora)
Mons pubis
Pad of fatty tissue overlapping symphysis pubis
clitoris
Contains erectile tissue
labia
Contain glands that lubricate the entrance to the vagina
—> E.g. Greater vestibular glands (analogous to bulbourethral glands of males)
mammary glands
Produce milk to nourish newborn infant
ovaries
Paired almond-shaped organs near the lateral wall of the pelvic cavity
three main functions of ovaries
1) oogenesis
2) secretion of hormones
3) secretion of inhibin
1) oogenesis
production of immature female gametes (oocytes)
2) Secretion of female sex hormones
(estrogens and progesterone)
secretion of inhibin
(inhibits FSH production in the anterior pituitary gland)
ovary is held in place by
ligaments
AKA
proper ovarian ligament
other ligaments stabilizing ovaries
1) Ovarian ligament
2) Mesovarium
3) Suspensory ligament
4) Broad ligament