Female Reproductive Anatomy and Function (Lec 2)

Question 1

Female Duct System

Answer 1

Uterine tube system does not have direct contact with ovaries. Tube system includes:
o 1 vagina
o 1 uterus
o 2 uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)

Question 2

Key Events in Female Repro. Tract

Answer 2

1. Ovarian Cycle

2. Menstrual Cycle

Question 3

The Ovarian Cycle

Answer 3

Monthly series of events associated with maturation of the ovum. 2 consecutive phases:

1. Follicular Phase (days 1-14): period of vesicular follicle growth
   - OVULATION (mid-cycle) -
2. Luteal Phase (days 14-28): period of corpus luteum activity

Question 4

Female HPG Axis

Answer 4

Hypothalamus -> GnRH -> Anterior Pituitary -> FSH + LH -> Follicle + Corpus Luteum + Estrogen + Progesterone

Question 5

The Ovaries

Answer 5

House and nurture developing Ovarian Follicles (oocytes/immature eggs). Rising levels of LH cause ovary wall to rupture and expel secondary oocyte, remaining follicle turns into Corpus Luteum and and degrades

Question 6

Corpus Luteum

Answer 6

Follicle becomes a gland after secretion of the oocyte and secretes Progesterone, Estradiol and Inhibin.

Question 7

Corpus Luteum (If Pregnancy occurs)

Answer 7

Corpus Luteum supported by hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) and produces Progesterone and Estrogen

Question 8

Corpus Luteum (If Pregnancy does not occur)

Answer 8

Regresses after 10-11 days if no pregnancy occurs (Corpus Albicans)

Question 9

Ovarian Cycle Hormones

Answer 9

Gonadotrophins:

• Leutenizing hormone (LH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Ovarian Steroids:

• Progesterone
• Estrogen

Question 10

FSH > LH causes…

Answer 10

Follicle growth

Question 11

LH surge causes…

Answer 11

Ovulation

Question 12

Oogenesis

Answer 12

Production of gametes (ova/oocytes) in the female that begins during fetal development and ceases after birth

Question 13

Ovarian Reserve

Answer 13

Reserve of immature oocytes within a female that stops production at birth. Approx. 2 million Primordial Follicles

Question 14

The Menstrual Cycle

Answer 14

Monthly preparation of the uterus for pregnancy

Question 15

Menstrual Cycle: Hormones

Answer 15

Estrogen (secreted by developing follicle): builds endometrial lining, makes mucus fluid
Progesterone (secreted from CL): maintains endometrial lining, menstrual bleeding due to Progesterone withdrawal

Question 16

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle:

Answer 16

1. Menstrual phase
2. Proliferative phase
3. Secretory phase
4. Pre-menstrual phase

Question 17

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Menstrual Phase

Answer 17

Days 1-4: Progesterone withdrawal facilitates endometrial breakdown, loss of blood due to breakdown of superficial uterine endometrium

Question 18

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Proliferative Phase

Answer 18

Days 5-14: Endometrial thickening facilitated by FSH, uterine glands small, cross section shows rounded ovals

Question 19

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Secretory Phase

Answer 19

Days 15-26: Endometrium glands elongated and coiled, facilitated by LH, uterine glands secrete uterine milk, cross section shows squiggly glands

Question 20

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Premenstrual Phase

Answer 20

Days 27-28: Beginning of gland breakdown (not as squiggly on cross section) as progesterone levels decrease

Question 21

Endometrium of Cervix

Answer 21

Simple columnar epithelial: mucus secreting on luminal surface
Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium: moist layer that covers the external surface of cervix
Transformation (transitional) zone: area between columnar and squamous zones

Question 22

Changes in Cervical Mucus: Follicular Phase

Answer 22

Copious amounts of watery, thin and alkaline mucus due to dominant influence of Estrogen. Produces fern-like pattern on dried slide

Question 23

Changes in Cervical Mucus: Ovulatory Period

Answer 23

Mucus becomes thinnest at time of ovulation, produces fern-like pattern on dried slide

Question 24

Changes in Cervical Mucus: Luteal Phase

Answer 24

Minimal amounts of thick, viscous, cellular mucus due to dominant influence of Progesterone. Produces NO fern-like pattern on dried slide