Ch. 12 Female Reproductive System Flashcards
The female reproductive system (function):
produce and transport ova
discharge unfertilized ova
OR
nourish/provide place for developing fetus throughout pregnancy (fertilization)
The female reproductive system produces:
ova
female sex hormones
Female sex hormones and their function:
estrogen and progesterone
responsible for development of secondary sex characteristics (breast development and regulation of menstrual cycle)
external genitalia (define)
genitals
sex/reproductive organs visible on outside of body
gestation
Length of time from conception to birth
lactation
Production and release of milk by mammary glands
orifice
Mouth; entrance, or outlet of any anatomical structure
The female reproductive system is composed of:
internal organs of reproduction
external genitalia
The internal organs include:
ovaries
fallopian tubes
uterus
vagina
The external genitalia are collectively known as:
the vulva
external genitalia components:
labia minora labia majora clitoris Bartholin glands mons pubis
mons pubis:
an elevation of adipose tissue covered by skin and coarse pubic hair that cushions the pubis (pubic bone).
The area between the vaginal orifice and the anus is known as
the perineum
The female reproductive organs include:
ovaries
fallopian tubes
uterus
vagina
The female reproductive organs are designed to:
- produce reproductive cells (ova) & sex hormones
- transport ova to fertilization site
- provide favorable environment for developing fetus through pregnancy/childbirth
Hormones play an important role in:
the reproductive process, providing their influence at critical times during preconception, fertilization, and gestation.
Review Figure 12-1
pg 397
ovaries (anatomically)
almond-shaped glands located in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus.
Each ovary contains:
thousands of tiny, saclike structures called graafian follicles, each containing an ovum.
graafian follicle
saclike structures in the ovaries that contain a ovum
mature follicle
moves to surface of ovary, ruptures, and releases the ripened ovum (ovulation)
corpus luteum
empty follicle that transformed into small yellow mass that secretes estrogen and progesterone
degenerates at end of a nonfertile cycle
Estrogen and progesterone (function):
- regulate menstrual cycle/ menopause
- prepare uterus for implantation of fertilized egg
- help maintain pregnancy
- promote growth of placenta
- development of secondary sex characteristics
Review Figure 12-2
pg 398