Female Reproductive System

Question 1

Describe the pathway sperm would take to reach the oocyte for fertilisation?

Answer 1

Vagina - Cervix - Body of the uterus - Isthmus of uterine tube - ampulla of the uterine tube

Question 2

Describe the anatomical position of the ovaries in relation to the uterus

Answer 2

Lateral to the uterus. Located in the pelvic cavity

Question 3

State two functions of the ovaries?

Answer 3

• Produce oestrogen and progesterone

- Produce the secondary oocyte and expel it into the abdominal cavity

Question 4

Name the structures located in the ovarian cortex and the ovarian medulla

Answer 4

Ovarian cortex: Contains ovarian follicles/oocyte

Ovarian medulla: Contains blood vessels, lymphatic & nerves

Question 5

Describe the function of the uterine tubes?

Answer 5

To transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus

Question 6

Name the hormone secreted from the follicles of the ovaries?

Answer 6

Luteninizing hormone

Question 7

Explain how the oocyte moves from the ovaries into the uterine tubes and how the oocyte is transported in the tubes

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

State the usual location in the uterine tubes where fertilisation occurs?

Answer 8

Ampulla

Question 9

State three functions of the uterus?

Answer 9

• Route for transport of sperm
• Receives, retains & nourishes the fertilized ovum
• Muscular wall contracts during labour to expel fetus

Question 10

Name the three layers of the uterus and describe the function of each layer?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

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

Answer 11

If pregnancy does not occur oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease which trigger menstruation. Once the lining is completely shed, a new menstrual cycle begins.

Question 11

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

Answer 11

If pregnancy does not occur oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease which trigger menstruation. Once the lining is completely shed, a new menstrual cycle begins.

Question 12

Describe the location of the cervix?

Answer 12

The cervix is located at the lowest most portion of the uterus

Question 13

Describe three functions of the cervix?

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

Name the hormone that causes the cervical mucus to become thinner and explain why this happens.

Answer 14

• Oestrogen causes the cervical mucus to become thinner is mid-cycle allowing sperm to pass through the cervix

Question 15

Explain how cervical cancer can be prevented?

Answer 15

Getting the Gardasil vaccination which protects against HPV-induced cancer

Question 16

• Describe the location and function of the vagina

Answer 16

• Lies between the urinary bladder and rectum
• Receptacle for penis
• Outlet for menstrual flow
• Passageway for childbirth

Question 17

Name the structures of the vulva?

Answer 17

• Mons pubis
• Labia majora
• Clitoris
• Labia minora
• Vestibule

Question 18

State the functions of the Mammary glands

Answer 18

Synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk (lactation)

Question 19

Name the two hormones involved milk production?

Answer 19

Prolactin

Oxytocin

Question 20

What does prolactin do?

Answer 20

It Initiates & maintains milk production. Levels of proactin rise towards the end of pregnancy

Question 21

State the stimulus for the production of oxytocin and the type of feedback involved?

Answer 21

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.

Question 21

• 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

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

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?

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

State four signs of ovulation?

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

Describe the age related changes that occur during puberty and at menopause?

Answer 24

• Become less responsive to hormonal stimulation and ovarian function gradually declines
• Ovulation and menstruation ceases completely
• reproductive organs and breasts atrophy
• sexual desire decreases

Question 25

The open, funnel-shaped portion of a uterine tube is called the?

Answer 25

infundibulum

Question 26

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?

Answer 26

oestrogen