Chapter 4: Female Reproductive System

Question 1

When does the bony pelvis complete ossification?

Answer 1

around 20 years of age

Question 2

What are 3 the purposes of the bony pelvis?

Answer 2

1. protects pelvic structures
2. accommodates growing fetus during pregnancy
3. anchors pelvic support structures

Question 3

What is the difference between a false pelvis and a true pelvis?

Answer 3

• false pelvis: upper part of pelvis, above the pelvic brim/inlet
• true pelvis: lower part of pelvis; below the pelvic brim/inlet

Question 4

Describe the general structures of the breast and their functions.

Answer 4

• mammary glands are composed of lobes
• lobes are divided into lobules
• lobules are clusters of acini
• acini are lined with epithelial cells
• epithelial cells secrete colostrum and milk
• myoepithelium contracts to expel milk

Question 5

How do the first few periods of a woman’s life differ from later periods?

Answer 5

• starts off anovulatory and irregular
• cramps are usually worse first few periods until uterine muscle gets stronger and stretched out more
• after a few cycles, estrogen becomes adequate and cycle regulates
• eventually ova release with each cycle

Question 6

When in a woman’s cycle does ovulation occur?

Answer 6

• about halfway through cycle
• after the pituitary releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and a small peak of estrogen
• ovum only stays viable for 24 hours

Question 7

What is climacteric?

Answer 7

transitional phase during which ovarian function and hormone production decline