Female-Male Reproductive system Flashcards
What is Gamete?
A cell that fuses with another during fertilisation
Gametes carry half the genetic information of an individual
Sperm cell
Ovum
The female Reproductive system Consists of…
2 ovaries
2 uterine(fallopian) tubes
The uterus
The cervix
The vagina
The external genitalia
2 breasts
Female Reproductive Functions
The intermittent production of ova (oogenesis)
Reception of sperm
Transport of sperm & ovum to a common site for fertilisation or conception)
Maintenance of the developing fetus until it can survive in the outside world (pregnancy)
Giving birth to the baby (parturition)
Nourishing the infant after birth (lactation)
Ligament attachments for the female reproductive system
Ovarian ligament
Suspensory ligament
Round ligament
broad ligament
The ovaries, structure, appearance, what is near it and ligaments
Dull –white almond shaped bodies.
Approx 4cm long.
Lie posteriorly and laterally relative to the uterus and below the uterine tubes.
Anchored by the ovarian ligaments.
Attached to the posterior layer of the broad ligament.
The function of the ovaries
They produce oocytes (ovum) for fertilisation
They produce the sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
Female Sex Hormones and their function
Oestrogen is involved in puberty:
- Breast growth,
- Accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and will have a growth spurt.
Oestrogen and progesterone are also involved in:
- Regulation of a female’s menstrual cycles
- Pregnancy.
Gonadotropin Hormones and their function
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by anterior pituitary gland.
In women, the release of FSH causes the immature follicles to grow in the ovaries. As the follicle grows, it releases inhibin which shuts off the FSH production.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone released by anterior pituitary gland.
Functions:
LH stimulates the production of sex hormones from the ovaries
a LH surge about halfway through the menstrual cycle triggers the onset of ovulation.
LH also induces the ovulated follicle to become a corpus luteum, which then secretes progesterone.
Fallopian Tubes structure
Approximately 12 cm long
Transport ovum to uterus
Site for fertilisation
Connect to uterus medially but open to peritoneum laterally
From uterus to the end of the fallopian tube
Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum
Fimbriae
mucosa
serosa
Cilia & Secretory cells within Fallopian tubes
Fallopian tube function
Receive and propel (through peristaltic movements) the ovum towards the uterus.
Receive the spermatozoa as they travel upwards.
Provide a site for fertilisation (the ampulla).
Nourish the fertilized ovum on its way to the uterus.
anteverted meaning
A uterus being anteverted simply describes its position within your pelvis. If your uterus is anteverted, the top part of your uterus is aimed at your pubic bone, and your cervix is aimed towards your rectum. An anteverted uterus typically sits on top and slightly behind the bladder and in front of your rectum.
The uterus structure
A hollow muscular organ found in the pelvic cavity.
Size: Approx 7.5cms x 5cms x 2.5cms
Position: Anteverted & anteflexed
Support The broad ligament and 3 pairs of suspensory ligaments
Functions of the uterus
To prepare monthly to receive a fertilised ovum
Provide protection and nourishment for the developing fetus
Aid the expulsion of the fetus, placenta and membranes
To control blood loss following delivery of the placenta
Has the ability to return to the near non pregnant state by the process of involution.
The uterine wall layers, what are they?
Endometrium : a thin, inner, glandular mucosa
Myometrium : a middle muscular layer
Perimetrium: an incomplete serosa continuous with the peritoneum
Myometrium, what layers does it have?
Consists of three layers of muscle which are thickest at the fundus and thinnest at the cervix.
Inner - Circular fibres
Middle - Oblique fibres (Living ligatures)
Outer - Longitudinal fibres