Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the pathway sperm would take to reach the oocyte for fertilisation?
Vagina - Cervix - Body of the uterus - Isthmus of uterine tube - ampulla of the uterine tube
Describe the anatomical position of the ovaries in relation to the uterus
Lateral to the uterus. Located in the pelvic cavity
State two functions of the ovaries?
- Produce oestrogen and progesterone
- Produce the secondary oocyte and expel it into the abdominal cavity
Name the structures located in the ovarian cortex and the ovarian medulla
Ovarian cortex: Contains ovarian follicles/oocyte
Ovarian medulla: Contains blood vessels, lymphatic & nerves
Describe the function of the uterine tubes?
To transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus
Name the hormone secreted from the follicles of the ovaries?
Luteninizing hormone
Explain how the oocyte moves from the ovaries into the uterine tubes and how the oocyte is transported in the tubes
- At the time of ovulation the uterine tubes bends to drape over the ovary
- Fimbriae stiffen and sweep the ovarian surface
- Fimbriae have cilia which create currents in the peritoneal fluid to carry the ovum into the tubes
State the usual location in the uterine tubes where fertilisation occurs?
Ampulla
State three functions of the uterus?
- Route for transport of sperm
- Receives, retains & nourishes the fertilized ovum
- Muscular wall contracts during labour to expel fetus
Name the three layers of the uterus and describe the function of each layer?
Endometrium: innermost layer. The functioning layer is shed during mensuration?
Myometrium: The basal layer replaces the function layer each month
Perimetrium: External layer the forms part of the visceral peritoneum
Explain how the functional layer of the endometrium regenerates, describe what happens to this layer during menstruation, and name the hormone responsible for these changes
If pregnancy does not occur oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease which trigger menstruation. Once the lining is completely shed, a new menstrual cycle begins.
Explain how the functional layer of the endometrium regenerates, describe what happens to this layer during menstruation, and name the hormone responsible for these changes
If pregnancy does not occur oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease which trigger menstruation. Once the lining is completely shed, a new menstrual cycle begins.
Describe the location of the cervix?
The cervix is located at the lowest most portion of the uterus
Describe three functions of the cervix?
- Producing cervical mucus during the most fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, which helps sperm travel from the vagina into the uterus.
- Opening during labor to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
- Protecting the uterus from bacteria and other foreign objects
Name the hormone that causes the cervical mucus to become thinner and explain why this happens.
- Oestrogen causes the cervical mucus to become thinner is mid-cycle allowing sperm to pass through the cervix
Explain how cervical cancer can be prevented?
Getting the Gardasil vaccination which protects against HPV-induced cancer
- Describe the location and function of the vagina
- Lies between the urinary bladder and rectum
- Receptacle for penis
- Outlet for menstrual flow
- Passageway for childbirth
Name the structures of the vulva?
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Clitoris
- Labia minora
- Vestibule
State the functions of the Mammary glands
Synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk (lactation)
Name the two hormones involved milk production?
Prolactin
Oxytocin
What does prolactin do?
It Initiates & maintains milk production. Levels of proactin rise towards the end of pregnancy
State the stimulus for the production of oxytocin and the type of feedback involved?
When a baby breast-feeds it stimulates positive feedback causing the secretion of more oxytocin to stimulate more milk production. Oxytocin Stimulates the release of milk from the ducts of the breast.
- State the stimulus for the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH)
- Name the gland where these hormones are made and secreted from
- Describe the effects of (functions of) these two hormones
- Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.
- FSH: Initiates the growth of follicles including: nurture of the developing oocyte, secrete oestrogen from the cells lining the follicle
- LH: Stimulates ovulation & promotes formation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone & oestrogen
There are four phases of the female reproductive cycle. State which days of the cycle the phase occurs. Name the hormones that are dominant for each phase?
- The menstrual phase. Day 1-5. Low levels of progesterone
- Pre-ovulation phase. Day 6-13. Oestrogen
- Ovulation. Day 14. Luteinising hormone
- Post-ovulation phase. Day 15-28. Progesterone and some oestergen
State four signs of ovulation?
- Increase in basal body temperature
- Cervical mucus thins & forms channels to allow sperm to pass through it (caused by rising oestrogen levels).
- Cervix softens - Discomfort/pain
Describe the age related changes that occur during puberty and at menopause?
- Become less responsive to hormonal stimulation and ovarian function gradually declines
- Ovulation and menstruation ceases completely
- reproductive organs and breasts atrophy
- sexual desire decreases
The open, funnel-shaped portion of a uterine tube is called the?
infundibulum
Which hormone has effects on general metabolism to increase protein production and reduce cholesterol production as well as controlling the reproductive cycle in the female?
oestrogen
