BIOL 1260: female reproduction Flashcards
organs of the female reproductive system
ovaries x2, uterine tubes x2, uterus, vagina, pudendum, and mammary glands
mammary glands
are part of the female reproductive system and also the integumentary system
function of ovaries
to produce gametes/oocytes and to produce hormones
what are the female gametes called?
oocytes
what hormones do the ovaries produce?
progesterone, estrogen, inhibin, and relaxin
broad ligament
is a fold of the parietal peritoneum and it attaches the lateral walls of the uterus to the ovaries via the mesovarium; looks like bat wings
mesovarium
double fold of the parietal peritoneum which is located superior to the ovaries
ovarian ligament
connects the ovaries to the uterus more directly
suspensory ligament
attaches the ovaries to the pelvic wall
ligaments holding the ovaries in place
the broad ligament (and its associated mesovarium), the suspensory ligament, and the ovarian ligament
all hormones of the female reproductive system
estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, inhibin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone
layers of the ovaries
germinal epithelium, tunica albuginea, ovarian cortex, and ovarian medulla
germinal epithelium
simple cuboidal to simple squamous; outer layer of the ovaries
where do germ cells for the female reproductive cells come from?
migrate from the yolk sac during embryonic development
tunica albuginea
a whitish capsule of dense irregular CT that offers protection in the ovaries; deep to the germinal epithelium
ovarian cortex
consists of ovarian follicles and is rich in collagen and fibroblast-like cells; deep to the tunica albuginea
name of fibroblast-like cells in the ovarian cortex
stromal cells
order of developing follicles
oogonium > primordial follicle > primary follicle > secondary follicle > mature follicle (then ovulation) > corpus luteum > corpus albican
follicles
consist of oocyte in various stages of development along with the various cells surrounding them
follicular cells
oocytes when surrounded by a single layer of cells
granulosa cells
oocytes when they are surrounded by many layers
purpose of cells surrounding oocytes
to nourish the oocyte and to secrete estrogens
what happens as the follicle increases in size?
the amount of estrogen being secreted also increases; this is a positive feedback loop
mature follicle
is fluid filled and ready to rupture and release secondary oocytes into the fallopian tubes (ovulation)
ovulation process meaning
is the process of shooting the secondary oocyte into the uterine tube
corpus luteum
aka yellow body; the remnants of the follicle after ovulation; is also an endocrine structure
what does the corpus luteum produce?
estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin
what happens to the corpus luteum a few weeks after ovulation?
it degenerates into fibrous scar tissue and becomes the corpus albicans
corpus albicans
the degeneration of the corpus luteum that is nonfunctional
ovarian medulla
contains vessels, lymphatics and nerves; anatomy is similar to cortex but the CT is more loosely arranged here
oogenesis
is the formation of an ovum (egg) and this process begins prenatally
what does oogenesis start with?
primordial germ cells (PGCs)
primordial germ cells
precursor to ovum that migrates from the yolk sac to the ovaries during the embryonic stage; here is goes through a series of cell division to generate oocytes
oogonia
are diploid (2n), divide by mitosis, and produce millions of germ cells
what do most oogonia degenerate by?
atresia
what do remaining oogonia develop into?
large, primary oocytes and these enter prophase I of meiosis where they arrest until puberty
primordial follicle
first stage of follicular development and are present in the arrested stage of development (before puberty) and contain the primary oocyte
what is each primordial follicle surrounded by?
a single flat layer of follicular cells and a basement membrane; this is embedded within the ovarian medulla which contains collagen fibres and stromal cells
where are FSH and LH secreted from?
the anterior pituitary gland
what stimulates the development of the primordial follicles into primary follicles?
FSH and LH
primary follicles
contains the primary oocyte that is surrounded the zona pellucida, granulosa cells, and a basement membrane; this is further surrounded by theca folliculi which is part of the ovarian medulla
theca folliculi
surrounds the primary follicle and are stromal cells that have formed a more organized layer
zona pellucida
surrounds the primary oocyte in the primary follicle; this is a glycoprotein layer
secondary follicle
contains primary oocyte surrounded by the zona pellucida, the corona radiata, the antrum, the basement membrane, and the theca folliculi (now has two layers)
antrum
begins in the secondary follicle and is formed by granulosa cells that secrete a follicular fluid
when does the theca folliculi separate into two layers?
at the secondary follicle stage
theca externa
consists of stromal cells and collagen fibres, and helps the secondary follicle to blend in with the surrounding cortex
theca interna
clear layer present in the secondary follicle
another name for mature follicles
graafian
mature follicles
contains a secondary oocyte surrounded by zona pellucida, corona radiata, a much larger antrum (filled with follicular fluid), a basement membrane, and the two layers of the theca folliculi
what follicle is the one that ovulates?
the mature follicle
when does the primary oocyte finish meiosis?
after puberty and just before ovulation, com
result of completed meiosis I
2 haploid cells; one secondary oocyte and the first polar body
what begins meiosis II?
the secondary oocyte and the first polar body
what stage is the secondary oocyte arrested in?
metaphase II; this will complete after fertilization
what occurs to the secondary oocyte after fertilization?
meiosis II resumes, the oocyte splits into an ovum and a second polar body, and then the diploid zygote forms
what happens as you get further from the germinal epithelium?
the oocytes are becoming more developed
what stage of development are primordial follicles in?
arrested meiosis I (prophase I) before puberty
what does the primordial follicle develop into the primary follicle?
after puberty and the primary oocyte will be surrounded by a follicle
when does the secondary follicle develop to the mature follicle?
after meiosis I is completed and haploid cells are formed
when is meiosis II completed?
when fertilization occurs
uterine tubes
aka fallopian tubes or oviducts; extend laterally from the ovaries to the uterus; function to be a road for sperm to reach the secondary oocyte and also help the zygote travel to the uterus
what is the name of the terminal end of the uterine tube?
the fundibulum of the uterine tube
the fundibulum of the uterine tube
helps to transport the ovulated oocyte to the tube
fimbriae of the uterine tube
are finger-like projections of the tube; once attaches to the ovary but the rest are free floating
what are the ends of the infundibulum of the uterine tube called?
fimbriae
what is the main passageway of the uterine tube called?
the ampulla; this is the longest and widest part
what part of the uterine tube drains into the uterus?
the isthmus; thinner area and thick-walled
parts of the uterine tube
infundibulum, fimbriae, ampulla, and isthmus
3 layers of the uterine tube
mucosa, muscularis, and serosa
mucosa of the uterine tube
simple columnar epithelium containing ciliated cells and peg cells and is surrounded by a lamina propria
peg cells
found in the uterine tube and are non-ciliated cells that have microvilli and secrete fluid that provides nutrition to the ovum while in the tube
function of cilia in uterine tube
function to move oocytes and eventually the zygote into the uterus
muscularis of the uterine tube
inner thick layer of circular smooth muscle and outer thin layer of longitudinal smooth muscle; these create peristaltic contractions to help move the zygote or oocyte
serosa of the uterine tube
is the visceral peritoneum
the uterus
is a pathway for sperm to reach the uterine tubes and also is the site where the embryo and fetus develop
where is the uterus positioned?
between the bladder and the rectum
size and shape of uterus
similar to an upside down pear; size varies based on if fetus is present
3 divisions of the uterus
fundus, body, and cervix
fundus of the uterus
dome shaped and it located at the superior region above the tubes
body of the uterus
the central region
cervix
inferior narrow region of the uterus that empties into the vagina
what connects the body of the uterus to the cervix?
the isthmus
uterine cavity
interior area of the body
cervical canal
the interior of the cervix
external os
is where the cervical canal opens up into the vagina
internal os
is when the cervical canal opens into the uterine cavty
anteflexion position meaning
refers to the uterus projecting anteriorly and superiorly over the bladder
position of the cervix
projects inferior and posterior and enters the vagina almost at 90 degrees
uterine ligaments
these are double folds of the parietal peritoneum and include the broad ligament, uterosacral ligaments, round ligaments, and cardinal ligaments
uterosacral ligaments
lie on either side of the rectum and connects the uterus to the pelvic floor
cardinal ligaments
located inferior to the broad ligament and extend from the pelvic wall to the cervix and vagina
round ligaments
are bands of fibrous CT between the layer of the broad ligament; these extend from the inferior portion of the uterine tubes to a portion of the labia majora
retroflexion
occurs when the uterus is positioned posteriorly rather than anteriorly; this is common after childbirth
uterine prolpase
results from weakening of ligaments and the musculature of the pelvis and is when the cervix drops down into the vagina
3 layers of the uterus
perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium
perimetrium
is the outer layer of the uterus or and also the visceral peritoneum and is simple squamous epithelium combined with areolar tissue
what gives rise to the broad ligaments?
the perimetrium
myometrium
the middle layer of the uterus that is 3 layers of smooth muscle and function for childbirth; inner longitudinal layer, middle circular layer, and outer oblique layer
endometrium
the inner layer of the uterus and is highly vascularized, contains glands, and lamina propria; 3 layers are mucosa, stratum functionalis and stratum basalis
mucosa of the endometrium
simple columnar epithelium with cilia, secretory cells, and glands; deep to this is the lamina propria
stratum functionalis
is a layer of the endometrium that falls off during menstruation and is constantly replaced
stratum basalis
is part of the endometrium and is a permanent layer that gives rise to a new stratum functionalis via stem cells
endometiral gland
goes deep into the uterus (as far as the stratum basalis) and secretes nourishing substances to the fetus
perimetrial pouches
are formed by the outer layer of the uterus and includes the rectouterine pouch and the vesicouterine pouch
vesicouterine pouch
is a pouch of the perimetrium that is formed right above the bladder
rectouterine pouch
is a pouch of the perimetrium formed near the rectum
vasculature of the uterus
internal iliac artery > arcuate arteries > radial arteries > straight or spiral arterioles
arcuate arteries
are arranged circular around the myometrium
radial arteries
penetrate deep into the myometrium
straight arterioles
are permanent and supply the stratum basalis
spiral arterioles
supply the stratum functionalis and change during the cycle
what produces cervical mucus?
the secretory cells of the mucosa of the cervix
what does cervical mucus consist of?
water, glycoproteins, lipids, enzymes, and salts
what is cervical mucus like during mid/late ovulation and why?
less viscous and more alkaline; this makes it sperm friendly due to high pH
cervical mucus not during or after ovulation?
is viscous and forms a cervical plug that prevents sperm from entering the uterus
what is the source of energy for sperm?
cervical mucus
the vagina
extends from exterior of body to the cervix; 3 functions, to be an area for the penis, to be an outlet for menstrual flow, and to be a passageway for childbirth
position of the vagina
between the rectum and bladder; it extends superiorly and posteriorly until it meets the cervix
mucosa of the vagina
epithelium is non-keratinized stratified squamous, surrounded by a lamina propria; epithelium also makes rugae
what does the mucosa of the vagina produce?
glycogen; this decomposes into organic acid, creating a low pH
low pH of the vagina
makes an inhospitable space for microorganisms and sperm (semun is alkaline)
muscularis of the vagina
inner layer of longitudinal smooth muscle and outer layer of circular smooth muscle
adventitia of the vagina
consists of areolar CT and anchors the vagina to adjacent organs (urethra, bladder, rectum, and anal canal)
3 layers of the vagina
mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
hymen
is a thin fold of vascularized mucus membrane that covers the inferior end of the vagina orfice during development
vulva other name
pedenunum
vulva
is the external genitalia of the female
mons pubis
is an elevation of adipose tissue that is covered by skin and pubic hair; functions for protection
labia majora
two longitudinal folds of skin that are rich in adipose tissue, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, and are also covered by pubic hair
labia minora
is two smaller folds of skin that lack pubic hair and sweat glands but still have sebaceous glands
sebaceous glands in the vulva
produce an antimicrobial substance via an oily material that also provides lubrication during sex
clitoris
has two erectile bodies that become enlarged during sex and have a large number of nerves and blood vessels and is covered by a thin layer of skin called the prepuce
prepcuce
thin layer of skin that covers the clitoris
exposed portion of the clitoris
the glans
the vestibule
is the area between the labia minora; contains the hymen, the vaginal orifice, external urethral orifice, and a number of ducts and glands
paraurethral glands
aka skene’s glands; are found on either side of the external vaginal orifice and produce mucus
greater vestibular glands
on either side of the external vaginal orifice; aka bartholin’s gland; secrete mucus
bulb of the vestibule
contains two elongated masses of erectile tissue deep to the labia; these become engorged with blood during arousal and put pressure on the penis
the perineum
is a diamond shaped region that is medial to the thighs and contains the external genitals and anus; bounded anteriorly by the pubic symphysis, laterally by the hips, and posteriorly by the coccyx
seperations of the perineum
divides it into the anterior urogenital triangle (contains external genitals) and the. posterior anal triangle (contains the anus)
estrogen function
development of female reproductive structures and secondary sex characteristics (adipose tissue in breast, hips, mons pubis, etc.), increases protein anabolism, lowers blood cholesterol, regenerates the stratum functionalis, and regulates GnFH/FSH/LH only at moderate levels! (not high levels)
moderate levels of estrogen
inhibits LH/FSH (due to corpus luteum and other hormones, mainly inhibin)
high levels of estrogen
activates LH
progesterone
secreted by the cells of the corpus luteum, functions for endometrium repair, preparation of mammary glands, and at high levels it inhibits GnRH/LH
what is progesterone secreted by?
cells of the corpus luteum
relaxin
produced in small amounts by the corpus luteum, it relaxes the uterus by inhibiting contractions of the myometrium, and is associated with pregnancy
how does relaxin work in pregnancy?
lots is secreted in pregnancy by the placenta and functions to dilate the uterine cervix and increase the flexibility of the pubic symphysis
inhibin
is secreted by granulosa cells of growing follicles and the corpus luteum after ovulation and its job is to inhibit the secretion of FSH and LH
3 phases of the uterine cycle
menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase
menstrual phase of the uterine cycle
during this phase the stratum functionalis is shed off, causes the endometrium to shrink
why does the shedding of the stratum functionalis occur?
because there is no estrogen or progesterone being produced once the corpus luteum dies
proliferative phase
this is due to high amounts of estrogens that are coming from the growing follicle and in this phase the stratum functionalis is growing lots; short and straight endometrial glands are forming and the arterioles are also going to start coiling
what hormone(s) are present during the menstrual phase?
none
what hormone(s) are present during the proliferative phase?
estrogen
what hormone(s) are present during the secretory phase?
estrogen and progesterone
secretory phase
involves more growth of the endometrium, coiling of the glands, and vascularization of the endometrium; the glands begin to become active and secrete glycogen into the lumen
what is secreted during the secretory phase?
glycogen
3 phases of the ovarian cycle
menstrual phase, pre-ovulatory phase, and post-ovulatory phase
pre-ovulatory phase
initiates the development of primary follicles into the secondary follicles via LH and FSH; one follicle becomes dominant and then secretes a lot of estrogen
what hormones are high during the preovulatory phase?
estrogen
what hormones are high during the postovulatory phase?
estrogen, progesterone, inhibin, and relaxin due to the corpus luteum
what occurs when high levels of estrogen are produced by the follicle?
this goes to the hypothalamus which releases GnRH (this activates the anterior pituitary) and also goes directly to the anterior pituitary, causing it to make more FSH and LH
result of FSH and LH action
causes the follicle to grow more
positive feedback loop of estrogen, LH, and FSH
growing follicle produces estrogen, which goes to the brain and causes LH and FSH to be produced, causing the follicle to grow and so on until it ruptures
medium amount of estrogen via production of the corpus luteum
the medium amount of estrogen will inhibit the anterior pituitary to produce LH and FSH and the hypothalamus to produce GnRH; this occurs in the post-ovulatory phase
when is GnRH produced?
around puberty
FSH
follicle stimulating hormone; stimulates follicles to develop
LH
luteinizing hormone; triggers ovulation and the production of the luteus corpus
what stimulates the repair of the endometrium?
the estrogen in the bloodstream provided by the growing follicles
what does the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle correspond to in the ovarian cycle?
pre-ovulatory phase (high estrogen levels)
what occurs to the corpus luteum is fertilization occurs?
its function is recused for a few more weeks until the placenta can supply these hormones
what does menstrual flow consist of?
blood, mucus, dead epithelium, and tissue fluid that all come from the endometrium
what causes menstrual flow?
the absence of hormones due to the absence of the corpus luteum
what inhibits other follicles from developing?
estrogen released by the mature follicle
what surrounds the oocyte during ovulation?
the zona pellucida and corona radiata
another name for the postovulatory phase
luteal phase
corpus hemorrhagium
is the mature follicle after it collapses; this is a mixture of theca interna cells with granulosa cells that get clumped together and give rise to the corpus luteum
hormones right before ovulation
there is a spike in FSH and LH, as well as estrogen all due to the growing follicle
is what part of the cycle is progesterone high?
post-ovulation
what does the postovulatory phase correspond to in the uterine phase?
the secretory phase
how is the new stratum functionalis produced?
via mitosis of the basalis layer