FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE* CH 28 Flashcards
Define ovulation
The bursting of the ovarian follicle and releasing the egg
Identify and describe the ligaments of the female reproductive system
Mesovarium - covers the entire ovary and anchors it in place
Ovarian Ligament - Attaches the ovaries to the uterus
Suspensory Ligament - Contains an artery, vein, and nerves. Attaches to the pelvic wall
Identify the following:
A - Primordial Follicles
B - Primary Follicle
C - Secondary Follicle
D - Tertiary Follicle
E - Mature Follicle
F - Ovum
G - Ovulated Ovum
List the regions of the fallopian tube starting at the uterus and ending at the ovary
Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum
What commonly causes cervical cancer? How can it be detected?
Almost always caused by HPV
- Detected with a papsmear
List the layers of the uterus from outside to inside
Perimetrium - Outermost layer
Myometrium - Middle, muscular layer
Endometrium:
Basal Layer - Deep layer and regenerates a new layer with every menstrual cycle
Functional Layer - Superficial layer shed in every menstrual cycle
What is the name of the arteries that enter the endometrium? How do they relate to the menstrual cycle?
Spiral Arteries; rhythmically constrict and dilate with the menstrual cycle
What is the microbial environment like in the vagina?
Good bacteria ferment glycogen to lactic acid, lowering and creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of pathogens
What is the deadliest cancer in women? What are two causes, which is most common?
Breast Cancer:
- Breast Cancer Genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- Stimulated by estrogen*
*much more common
What is the goal of Leptin
Monitors how much fat you have and if you have enough fat you will start puberty by the release of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
What is the goal of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in females
Stimulates overian follicles causing them to secrete estrogen, progesterone, inhibin, and small amounts of androgen
What is the goal of gonadotropin releasing hormone in females
Stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone
What is the goal of estrogens in females?
Feminizing hormones that have widespread effects on the body
What is the goal of luteinizing hormone in females
Triggers the release of an egg from the ovary
Identify and describe the puberty timeline in females
Thelarche - Breast development, earliest notable sign of puberty
Pubarche - Pubic and axillary hair, sebaceous and axillary glands
Menarche - First menstrual period
Describe the role of progesterone and inhibin in the female reproductive system
Progesterone - Prepares for possible pregnancy
Inhibin - Selectively regulates FSH secretion
What is menopause? What occurs during this phase?
Cessation of menstruation
- Uterus, vagina, and brest tissue atrophy
- Skin becomes thinner
- Vaginal Infections are more common
- Cholesterol levels rise and increases risk for cardiovascular disease
- Bone mass declines and increases risk for osteoporosis
- Blood vessels constrict and dilate in response to shifting hormone balances
Define reproductive cycle
Sequence of events starting at fertilization to giving birth and returning again
Define sexual cycle. What two cycles fall under this sexual cycle category?
Events that recur every month when fertilization does not happen.
- Ovarian Cycle
- Menstrual Cycle
Describe the process of Oogenesis
The process of egg (ova/ovum) production:
Primordial germ cells give rise to oogonia within the first 5 months of pregnancy
Oogonia transform into primary oocytes just before birth
Throughout childhood many of these eggs undergo atresia and breakdown leaving ~200k
The oocytes undergo Meiosis I to form secondary oocytes and a first polar body
Secondary oocyte starts meiosis, if not fertilized the cell dies, but if it is fertilized it completes meiosis and begins development
What is folliculogenesis? Describe the different follicles that form as a result of this process
The development of the follicle as the egg undergoes oogenesis:
Primoridal follicles surround primary oocytes
Primary follicles surround secondary oocytes
Secondary follicles grow layers of cells around the egg
Tertriary follciles build up follicular fluid and develop a structure called the antrum (pools)
Mature follicle - one follicle wins and all others die off. Oocyte begins to float within the follicle
Describe the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis
Hormones of the hypothalamus regulate the pituitary gland
Pituitary hormones regulate the ovaries
Ovaries secrete hormones that regulate the uterus
What occurs during the follicular and luteal phase of the sexual cycle?
Follicular: first two weeks, menstruation occurs within the first 3-5 days. Uterus replaces lost tissue by forming the corpus luteum
Luteal Phase: second two weeks, corpus luteum stimulates endometrial secretion and thickening. If pregnancy does not occur endometrium breaks down
Identify and descirbe the phases of the ovarian cycle
Follicular Phase - days 1-14. follicles grow and the dominant one is chosen
Ovulation - Mature follicle releases the egg
Luteal Phase - days 15-28. ovulated follicle becomes the corpus luteum and hormones prepare for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occure the corpus luteum shrinks and leaves the behind the corpus albicans
