Female reproductive Flashcards by Kahn Charles

Outline the pathway which sperm would take to reach the oocyte for fertilization

Vagina, cervix, body of cervix, isthmus, ampulla.

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Where are the ovarires located in relation to the uterus

Lateral in the pelvic cavity

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Two functions of the Ovaries

Produce and secrete oestrogen and progesterone & the second oocyte

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What are the two divisions of the ovaries

Ovarian cortex & ovarian medulla

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What structures are located within the ovarian cortex

ovarian follicles

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What structures are located within the ovarian medulla

Blood vessels, Lymphatics & nerves

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What hormones are secreted by the ovarian follicles

Oestrogen & progesterone

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What are the two sections of the uterine tubes

Isthmus & Ampulla

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What are the main functions of the uterine tubes

transport of oocyte & site for fertilization

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How does the oocyte move from the ovaries into the uterine tube

Fimbriae stiffen and sweep the surface of the ovaries.
Fimbriae have cillia on their surface to create currents in the peritoneal fluid.

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How does the oocyte move within the uterine tubes

Further movement by currents from cillia & peristalisis from muscle contraction in uterine tube walls.

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Outline the pathway of development of an oocyte to blastocyst

Oocyte - ovum - zygote - blastocyst

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Where does fertilization typically occur

The ampulla of the uterine tubes

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State two factors that affect the movement of the oocyte in the uterine tubes

Scar tissue which narrows the tube - can arise from infection such as STI’s
Decreased activity of cillia - can occur due to cigarette smoking

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State three functions of the Uterus

Transport of sperm
Recieves, noursishes and retains the fertilized ovum (blastocyst)
Muscular wall contractions occur during labour to expel the fetus

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Name the three layers of the uterus

endometrium
myometrium
perimetrium

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State a function of each layer

Endo: functional layer
Myo: contraction
Peri: visceral peritoneum

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Which layer is shed during menstruation

The endometrium

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Outline how the endometrium regenerates

The basal layer replaces the shed layer as oestrogen produced by the new growing follicle causes a new layer (4-10mm) to develop

Outline why the endometrium is shed

Decreased levels of progesterone cause the spiral arterioles to spasm and constrict: decreasing blood flow and causing the layer to die.

Describe the location of the cervix

Is the narrow neck of the uterus located,
Superior to the vagina
Inferior to the uterus.

Describe three functions of the cervix

-Production of cervical mucus which thickens to form a plug that impedes the movement of sperm - mucus also prevents the entry of microorganisms.
-Mucus contains proteins, lipids and enzymes which supplement the energy needs of sperm.
-Dilate to allow childbirth,
-Passage for fluid from uterus to vagina and vice versa

What hormone causes the cervical mucus to thin? and why?

Oestrogen causes the mucus to thin mid cycle to allow sperm to pass for fertilization

How can cervical cancer be avoided

Vaccination

Where is the vagina located

Extends from the cervix to the bodies exterior

What are the main functions of the vagina

-recepticle for penis -passageway for sperm -outlet for menstrual flow

state the different structures of the vagina

Mons pubis labia (majora and minora) Clitoris Vestibule

What is the function of the mammory glands

synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk

What two hormomes are involved in milk production/ejection

Prolactin & oxytocin

What is the stimulus for production of prolactin and oxytocin

Suckling from the baby

State the type of feedback mechanism for prolactin and oxytocin

Pro: negative oxy: positive

What is the stimulus for the secretion of FSH & LH

GnRH from the hypothalamus

Where are FSH & LH produced & secreted

Anterior pituitary

What is the main effect of LH & FSH

Sexual characteristic growth & development, menstrual cycle regulation

State the four stages of reproductive cycle and their respective days

Menstrual: 0-5 Pre-ovulation: 6-13 Ovulation: 14 Post-ovulation: 15-28

state the hormones responsible for each stage of the reproductive cycle

Menstrual: dec progesterone Pre-ovulatory: inc oestrogen Ovulation: inc LH Post-ovulatory: inc oestrogen & progesterone

State four signs of ovulation

Increased basal body temp, discomfort, mood changes, Softened cervix - cervical mucus thins

What is the difference between the corpus luteum and corpus albicans

Luteum is functional and secretes progesterone and oestrogen. Albicans is unfunctional and occurs when the ovum is not fertilized

Describe some age related changes that occur to the female reproductive system

Menarche: first menstrual cycle Menopause: cease of menstruation and ovulation -Bone density loss, -dry vagina, -organ and breast atrophy. Most fertile around late 20's.

What happens in the ovaries during pre ovulation

development of a mature egg within a follicle. getting ready to be released at ovulation; this process is stimulated by FSH, and right before ovulation.

what happens in the uterus during pre ovulation

the endometrium thickens significantly due to rising levels of estrogen, preparing it to potentially receive a fertilized egg

what occurs in the ovaries and uterus during menstruation

development of the ovarian follicle & shedding of the endometrium

what happens in the ovaries and uterus during ovulation

continued development of the endometrium in preparation for receiving a fertilised egg. a surge in LH triggers the follicle to rupture and release the egg into the fallopian tube.

what happens in the ovaries during post ovulation

the follicle that released the egg in the ovary transforms into corpus luteum which produces progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg; if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down

what happens in the uterus during post ovulation

endometrium continues to thicken in preparation for potential pregnancy, primarily due to the hormone progesterone produced by the corpus luteum; if fertilization doesn't occur, the lining is shed during menstruation, but if pregnancy happens, the thickened lining provides a suitable environment for the fertilized egg to implant and develop