Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the anatomical position of the ovaries in relation to the uterus
Lateral to the uterus
Function of the Mammary glands
Production, secretion and ejection of milk
What are the 2 functions of ovaries?
- Produce & expel the secondary oocyte
- Produce & secrete oestrogen & progesterone
What are the 2 functions of Uterine (Fallopian) tubes?
- Transport the oocyte
- Provide a place for fertilisation to occur
What are the 3 functions of the uterus?
- Receives, retains & nourishes the fertilised ovum
- Muscular wall contracts to expel the fetus
- Route for transport of sperm to the oocyte
What are the 3 functions of the cervix?
- Produces cervical mucus which impedes the entry of sperm except during mid cycle
- Supplements the sperm during mid cycle (contains proteins, lipids & enzymes)
- Blocks the entry of microorganisms into the uterus
What are the 3 functions of the vagina?
- Receptacle for penis during intercourse
- Outlet for menstrual flow
- Passageway for childbirth
Function of the Labia (major and minor)
Outer folds that protect the vaginal opening
Function of the mons pubis
Cushions & protects the symphysis pubis
Function of the clitoris
Erectile tissue for female sexual pleasure
What are the two areas of the ovaries?
- Medulla
- Cortex
What does the medulla of the ovaries mostly contain?
- Blood vessels
- Lymphatics
- Nerves
What does the cortex of the ovaries mostly contain?
Ovarian follicles/oocytes
How many chromosomes does a mature oocyte contain? What is this known as?
23 - Haploid
What is menstruation?
Shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium
How does the functional layer regenerates each month? Describe what happens to this layer during menstruation include the hormones responsible for this
If pregnancy does not occur, oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease which trigger menstruation. Once the lining is completely shed, a new menstrual cycle begins
Name the correct path of a sperm to fertilisation
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Body of the uterus
- Isthmus of the uterine (fallopian) tube
- Ampulla of the uterine (fallopian) tube
Name the correct path of the secondary oocyte to fertilisation
- Mature follicle
- Pelvic cavity
- Ampulla of the uterine (fallopian) tube
State the usual location of fertilisation
Ampulla of uterine (fallopian) tube
Name the 2 sections of the Uterine (fallopian) tubes and which is widest and which is the narrowest
- Ampulla (widest)
- Isthmus (Narrowest)
Name the hormone secreted from the follicles of the ovaries
Oestrogen
Describe two factors that may impede the movement of the oocyte (or ovum if fertilised) in the uterine tubes
- Infection in the uterine tubes due to pelvic inflammatory disease like chlamydia may lead to scar tissue in the uterine tube, this may narrow or block the uterine tubes causing sterility
- Ectopic pregnancy may also result from cigarette smoking which reduces activity of cilia. This slows transport of the fertilised ovum to the uterus so it starts implant into the uterine tube
Name the three layers of the uterus
- Endometrium
- Myometrium
- Perimetrium
Function of the endometrium
Innermost functional layer is shed during menstruation
Function of the myometrium
Three layers of smooth muscle which expel the fetus during labour