Female Reproduction Flashcards
Antrum space
Space that appears in prophase II. Characteristic of a secondary follicle.
Theca interna
Layer that forms around a developing oocyte. Contains blood vessels, smooth ER (steroid hormones), lipid droplets, and mitochondria. Appears in a secondary follicle.
Germinal epithelium
Simple cuboidal
Medulla
Layer of connective tissue and blood vessels within an ovary
Ovaries
Endocrine and exocrine function. Production/storage of gametes. Hormone production
Theca externa
Layer of connective tissue in prophase II
Tunica albuginea
Layer of connective tissue underneath the germinal epithelium within an ovary
Corona radiata
Tightly packed layer of granulosa cells that surround an oocyte. Appears within a Graafian follicle and is present upon release of the secondary oocyte into the oviduct
Unilaminar vs. Multilaminar
In primary follicles, there can be a single layer or granulosa cells or multiple
Zona pellucida
Layer of connective tissue adjacent to the oocyte in the antrum space
Atretic follicle
Follicle in the process of dying. These follicles will not be used for fertilization. It contains apoptotic oocytes.
Fimbriae
fingerlike projections that bring the ovum into the oviduct
Infundibulum
first area of oviduct
Corpus luteum
Formed after the oocyte is released into the oviduct. Maintains high levels of progesterone until the placenta fully forms
Pars interstitialis
where the ovum passes into the uterus
Ectopic pregnancy
Occurs occasionally when the egg is implanted into a wall in the oviduct. The egg doesn’t get enough nutrients so it starts to break down.
Layers of the oviduct
Mucosa -> Muscularis -> Serosa
Epithelial cells of the oviduct
Secretory and ciliated cells
Corpus
Site of implantation in the uterus
Cervix
Opening of the uterus into the vagina
Layers of the uterus
Endometrium -> Myometrium -> Perimetrium
Basalis
Small layer of the endometrium that remains beyond menstruation
Uterine glands (proliferative phase)
Located in the endometrium. Simple tubular in the first half of the cycle and coiled in the second half.
Cervix
Opening of the uterus into the vagina. Contains 2 different layers of epithelium. Simple columnar cells on the inside that secretes fluid for protection from bacteria. Stratified squamous non-keratinized layer around the outside.
Progesterone
Released by the corpus luteum to Inhibit ovulation. Reduces ciliary motion and increases cervical viscosity
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Enters the maternal circulation upon implantation. It “rescues” the corpus luteum and prevents it from breaking down.
Placenta
When fully formed, it takes over the production of maternal hormones needed to maintain pregnancy
Layers of the vagina
Vaginal mucosa -> muscularis -> serosa
Vaginal mucosa
Stratified, squamous non-keratinized epithelium and underlying lamina propria that undergoes cyclic changes with menstrual cycle
Vaginal muscularis
smooth muscle layer beneath the lamina propria. Muscle loosely arranged in circular and longitudinal muscle layers
Vaginal serosa
Outer layer of vagina that consists of dense connective tissue and elastic fibers
Skene glands
Secrete lubricating fluid within the vagina
Bartholin’s gland
Secretes mucous for lubrication within the vagina
Labia majora
abundance of sebaceous and sweat glands, stratified squamous keratinized tissue
Labia minora
Doesn’t have as many glands as the majora, stratified squamous keratinized tissue
Primordial follicle
Oocyte surrounded by a layer of follicular cells within the ovary
Corpus albicans
Formed from the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur. Filled with fibrous tissue
Urethra
Pseudostratified columnar
