Female Reproduction Cycle Flashcards
ovaries location
- lateral wall of abdominopelvic cavity
- approx at level of anterior superior iliac spine
ovaries function
- production of mature ova
- endocrine gland produces estrogen & progesterone
ovary medulla
-contains nerves and blood vessels
ovary cortex
-contains follicles
ovary structure: primordial/primary follicles
-immature follicles (ova & surrounding capsule)
ovary structure: secondary follicles
-second maturational stage
ovary structure: graafian follicles
-mature ova which rupture from surrounding follicle during ovulation
ovary structure: corpus luteum
- glandular structure which develops from follicle after ova has been extruded
- secretes estrogen & progesterone
ovary structure: corpus albicans
-degenerated corpus luteum
uterine tube
-includes fallopian tubes & oviducts
uterine tubes location
-extends laterally from the upper portion of the uterus
uterine tubes structure
- muscular tube made of smooth muscle
- terminal (lateral) end is funnel-shaped & has finger-like
- ampulla: wide portion located close to uterus
uterine tubes function
- communicate w the uterus
- rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle helps transport ova to the uterus
- site of fertilization
uterus location
- btwn bladder & rectum within the pelvic cavity
- generally anteflexed, tilted slightly anteriorly
uterus function
- provides a site for implantation of fertilization
- houses developing fetus
- capable of contraction during delivery to aid in the birthing process
uterus structure
- hollow, pear-shaped organ
- thick, muscular walls
uterus structure: regions
- fundus
- body
- cervix
uterus support
-four paired ligaments support the uterus in the position within the pelvic cavity
uterus structure: uterine wall layers
- perimetrium
- myometrium
- endometrium
uterus structure: uterine wall: perimetrium
-thin, outer CT covering
uterus structure: uterine wall: myometrium
-middle layer composed of smooth muscle
uterus structure: uterine wall: endometrium: stratum functionale
-superficial layer which is shed during menstruation
uterus structure: uterine wall endometrium: stratum basale
- deep to above
- very vascular
- regenerates to rebuild layer above which is shed during menstruation
vagina location
- extends from uterus to external orifice (opening)
- posterior to bladder and urethra and anterior to rectum
vagina fornices
- spaces or recesses formed by the protrusion of the cervix to the vagina
- i.e. posterior fornix, anterior fornix, and lateral fornices
vagina structure: vaginal orifice
-located btwn the urethral orifice and the anus
vagina structure: hymen
-membrane which may partially cover the vaginal orifice
vagina structure: vaginal wall: mucosal layer
- innermost layer
- composed of stratified squamous epithelium
- mucous glands present which secrete acidic environment
vagina structure: vaginal wall: muscular layer
-composed of smooth muscle
vagina structure: vaginal wall: fibrous layer
-outermost CT
mons pubis
- pad of adipose tissue
- covers symphysis pubis
labia majora
-thickened, longitudinal folds of skin which protect genitalia
clitoris
- small, rounded projection composed of erectile tissue
- located anterior to urethral orifice
vestibule
- region enclosed by labia majora
- contains vaginal and urethral orifices
vestibular glands
- aka bartholin’s glands
- secrete mucous into vestibule to lubricate vaginal orifice
mammary glands
-modified sweat glands & adipose tissue
mammary glands location
- overlies pectoralis major
- extends from rib 2 to rib 6
mammary glands: lobes
-glandular tissue separated by adipose tissue
mammary glands: lobules: alveoli
-glandular sacs which secrete milk
mammary glands: lobules: suspensory ligaments of cooper
-CT which support breast
mammary glands: lobules: lactiferous duct
-carries milk from gland to nipple
mammary glands: nipple
- level T4
- areolar: dark pigmented region
mammary glands: lymphatic drainage
- 75% of lymph drains towards axillary nodes
- lactation influenced by prolactin
lactation
milk production
