Anatomy and pattern recognition of the Female reproductive system and embryology

Question 1

Functions of the female reproductive system

Answer 1

. Produces secondary oocytes and hormones
. Provides sites offertilisation, implantation and
development and delivery of the fetus

Question 2

The uterus

Answer 2

Functions
• Pathway for sperm to reach the fallopian
tubes
• To receive, retain, protect and nourish the
fertilised ovum and developing embryo / fetus
• To expel the mature fetus at the end of
pregnancy

Question 3

Blood supply to the uterus

Answer 3

Arterial blood passes into the internal iliac artery
and then into the uterine arteries

The uterus has an extensive blood supple
which is essential to support regrowth of the
endometrium and implantation of the ovum
and development of the placenta

Question 4

Functions of the cervix

Answer 4

. Acts as a mechanical barrier to infectious microorganisms present in the vagina
. The external os is a very small opening with thick sticky mucous – plug
. During ovulation, the plug becomes watery to facilitate sperm travel under the influence of oestrogen

Question 5

Fallopian tubes

Answer 5

Function
• Transport the mature ova from the ovaries to the uterus
• The site where fertilisation commonly takes place if spermatozoa are present

Question 6

Blood supply to the fallopian tubes

Answer 6

• Blood supply is from branches of the
ovarian and uterine arteries
• Blood drainage is via the ovarian and uterine veins

Question 7

The ovaries – functions

Answer 7

Oogenesis = Production and release of mature ova (egg)
Endocrine function = • Secretion of hormones
• Oestrogen
• Progesterone

Question 8

The menstrual cycle

Answer 8

• The menstrual cycle is regulated by the complex interaction of hormones:
Pituitary hormones
• Follicle stimulating hormones (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Ovarian hormones
• Oestrogen
• progesterone

Question 9

The menstrual cycle

Answer 9

• It consists of 2 cycles
• The uterine cycle
- The menstrual, proliferative and secretory phases
• The ovarian cycle
- The follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal
phase
release of hormones = support pregnancy

Question 10

purpose of ovarian hormones

Answer 10

The purpose of ovarian hormones are to
• Produce a mature ovum for fertilisation
• Prepare the endometrium for the fertilised ovum
• Support an early pregnancy

Question 11

Summary – normal ovarian cyclical changes

Answer 11

• Normal ovary develops follicles every 28 days
• The dominant follicle develops (follicular phase)
• The dominant follicle ruptures mid cycle at ovulation as LH reaches a peak and oestrogen
levels are high (ovulatory phase).
• After ovulation the corpus luteum forms (early luteal phase)
• Without fertilisation the corpus luteum regresse (late luteal)

Question 12

Postmenopausal ovaries

Answer 12

• Decrease in size with age – often hard to see on US

Question 13

reproductive age ovaries

Answer 13

• Changes occur due to hormone fluctuations