Chapter 3: A&P Of Reproductive Systems Flashcards
External female reproductive organs are collectively called what?
Vulva
What components make up the vulva?
The structures that make up the vulva include the mons pubis, the labia majora and minora, the clitoris and prepuce, the structures within the vestibule, and the perineum
What is the Mons Pubis and what purpose does it serve?
The mons pubis is the elevated, rounded, fleshy prominence made up of fatty tissue that overlays the symphysis pubis
It helps protect the pubic symphysis during sexual intercourse
There are two parts to the labia, what are they?
Labia majora and labia minora
What purpose does the labia majora serve?
Their function is to protect the vaginal opening and provide cushioning during sexual activity.
What purpose does the labia minora serve?
They lubricate the vulva, swell in response to stimulation, and are highly sensitive.
What make sex organ is similar to the clitoris?
The head of the penis
What is the purpose of the clitoris?
Sexual simulation
What is the opening to the vagina called?
Introitus
Bartholin glands excrete what and what does this help with?
Excrete mucous that help lubricate during intercourse
What do the Skene Glands excrete?
Mucous and this helps lubricate the passage of urine
Describe the way the ovum is moved from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes
Through ciliary action and peristaltic contraction
What important role does colostrum have in the development of the baby?
Colostrum is a thick yellow fluid that contains maternal antibodies. Especially immunoglobulin A
What are the 3 phases of the ovarian cycle?
Follicular
Ovulation
Luteal Phase
Purpose of the Follicular phase?
To grow and mature follicles and to produce an ovum for fertilization
What are the days when follicular phase takes place?
Day 1 - Day 14
What structure starts the follicular phase?
The hypothalamus
What does the hypothalamus release?
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
What does GnRH do?
Influences the anterior pituitary gland to release Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) + Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
What is the Ovulation phase?
This is where the mature follicle releases the mature oocyte
What causes the mature follicle to rupture to release the mature oocyte?
A surge in LH from the pituitary gland
How does the cervix prepare itself while ovulation is happening?
The cervix produces thin, clear, stretchy mucus that can help capture the sperm and nourish it so that it can travel up to meet the ovum for fertilization
Ovulation always takes place at what day in the menstruation cycle?
Day 14
What days does the Luteal Phase take place in?
Day 15-28
What happens to the follicle after it ruptures and release the egg?
It closes and forms a corpus luteum
What is the corpus luteum?
A structure that releases estrogen and progesterone
Why does the corpus luteum release progesterone and estrogen?
To help the endometrium beef up and get ready to receive the fertilized egg in hopes of implantation. Also acts a as a negative feedback loop to inhibit more release of FSH and LH to stop the menstruation cycle
If no fertilization happens, the corpus luteum destroys itself. What happens after this?
The levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, causing the endometrium to go involution and in addition FSH and LH start to surge
What does the proliferative phase correspond to and why?
Proliferative phase correpsonds to the follicular phase. This happens because the as the follicles start to mature, they release estrogen + progesterone and this helps the endometrium increase in thickness
What days does the proliferative phase start and last until?
Day 5 up until ovulation (think about just the uterus getting ready to catch the egg)
What is the secretory phase?
Under the influence of the corpus luteum, the endometrium becomes thickened and more vascular (growth of spiral arteries)
What does the secretory phase align with from the ovarian cycle?
The luteal phase (day 15-28)
What is the ischemic phase and how does it get started?
If fertilization does not happen, then the corpus luteum will start to degenerate causing a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. This causes the endometrium’s arterioles to spasm and the basal layer goes through ischemia
Ischemia leads to …
Shedding of the endometrium
How does the menstrual phase begins
Since no fertilization happened, the ischemia phase begins and the spiral arteries rupture and this releases blood into the uterus and the sloughing of the endometrium lining begins
What role do prostglandins play in the menstruation cycle?
Although not hormones, the play a role in helping the mature follicle (called the graafian follicle) in freeing the ovum inside of it
What does the vestibule contain?
The vestibule is an oval area enclosed by the labia minora laterally. It is inside the labia minora and outside of the hymen and is perforated by six openings. Opening into the vestibule are the urethra from the urinary bladder, the vagina, and two sets of glands, the Bartholin and Skene glands.
How long is the lifespan of the ovum
Only about 24 hours
At what age does menopause occur?
47-55
During pregnancy, placental hormones stimulate the development of the breasts. What are the two hormones responsible for this?
Estrogen + progesterone
What tissue replaces the adipose tissue of the breasts during preparation for milk production
Glandular tissue
