Female reproductive system Flashcards
Describe the anatomical position of the ovaries in relation to the uterus
Lateral to the uterus
State 2 functions of the ovaries
- produce oestrogen and progesterone
2. produce the secondary oocyte and expels it into the abdominopelvic cavity
name the structures located in the ovarian cortex and the ovarian medulla
Cortex - follicles and oocytes
Medulla - blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves
Name the hormone secreted by the follicles of the ovaries
oestrogen
Name 2 sections so the uterine tubes
Ampulla and Isthmus
Describe the function of the uterine tubes
channels for oocyte transport and fertilization
Explain how the oocyte moves from the ovaries into the uterine tubes and how the oocyte is transported in tubes
fimbrae which have cilia create current in the fluid which moves the oocyte towards the tube. Transported through peristalsis
Where does fertilisation occur in the uterine tubes
Ampulla, the lateral 2/3 of the tube where fertilisation takes place
2 factors that may impede the movement of the oocyte
- pelvic inflammatory diseases such as chlamidya if left long enough may block the uterine tubes causing sterility.
- uterine tubes are narrowed therefore tiny sperm can help form a zygote but larger zygote can leave = ectopic pregnancy
3 functions of the uterus
- route for transport of sperm
- receives, retains and nourishes fertilised ovum
- muscular wall contracts during labor
What is the innermost layer of the uterus and what is its function?
Endometrium
- Innermost functional layer sheds during mensuration
- basal layer replaces functional layer each month
What is the middle layer of the uterus and what is its function?
3 layers of smooth muscle expel the foetus during labour
What is the outer layer of the uterus and what is its function?
external layer that forms part of the visceral peritoneum
what hormone is responsible for the changes in the endometrium
a decrease in progesterone causes the changes
Describe the location of the cervix
Narrow neck of the uterus
Describe three functions of the cervix
- produces cervical mucus
- opens during labour to allow baby to pass through birth canal
- protect uterus from bacteria and other objects
The hormone that causes cervical mucus to become thinner. Why does this happen?
oestrogen thins musucs mid cycle to allow for sperm to pass through cervix
How can cervical cancer be prevented
Gardasil - 3 dose HPV vaccine
Cervical smear tests
Describe the location and function of vagina
Location: 10cm long fibro-muscular canal that extends from cervix to exterior of body
Function: receptacle for penis, passageway for childbirth, outlet for menstrul flow
Name the structures of the vulva
Mons pubis Labia majora clitoris Labia minora vestibule
State functions of mammary glands
modified sweat glands which synthesise, secrete and eject milk
What hormones involved in milk production and secretion
Prolactin and oxytocin
State the stimulus from prolactin
initiates and maintain milk production with levels rises dramatically near the end of pregnancy
State the stimulus for Oxytocin and the feedback type
when a baby breast feeds it stimulates positive feedback causing the secretion of more oxytocin to stimulate more milk production
