Female Reproductive System Flashcards
components of the female reproductive tract (6)
- ovary
- oviduct
- uterus
- cervix
- vagina
- vulva
ovary functions (2)
- gametogenesis of oocytes
- steroidogenesis
what hormones/proteins produced in the ovaries (2)
- hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
- proteins: relaxin, inhibin
oviduct functions (2)
- gamete transport
- site of fertilization
uterus functions (5)
- storage
- gestation: retains and nourishes the embryo and fetus
- produces prostaglandin for luteolysis of CL
- expels the fetus by promoting contractions
- decides whether to continue cycle (pregnancy) or start new cycle
cervix function (4)
- prevents microbial contamination of uterus
- physical protection
- reservoir for semen and transport of spermatozoa
- site of semen deposition normal mating
vagina function (2)
- organ of copulation
- site of semen deposition during natural mating
ovary components (4)
- medulla
- cortex
- superficial epithelium
- tunica albuginea
ovary medulla (3)
- inner core of ovary
- supportive functions
- contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue
ovary cortex
- area where follicle and corpus luteum develops
ovary superficial epithelium
- rise to follicular cells
ovary tunica albuginea
- connective tissue membrane that keeps ovary together
corpus luteum stages of development (3)
- corpora hemorrhagica
- corpora lutea
- corpora albicantia
follicle developmental stages (4)
- primary follicle
- secondary follicle
- growing follicle
- mature/graafian follicle
size of follicle vs oocyte during development
- oocyte remains the same size, but the follicle frows in size
primary follicle (2)
- a set number of developing oocytes that we are born with
- one layer of follicular cells
how many primary follicles are animals generally born with
40,000 - 100,000
secondary follicle
- 2 layers of follicular cells
growing follicle
- antrum develops
antrum
- fluid filled area that contains hormones, growth factors, etc
mature/graafian follicle components (5)
- antrum
- theca interna
- theca externa
- basement membrane
- granulosa cells
theca interna (2)
- capillary network
- LH receptors and androstenedione
theca externa (2)
- protective function
- fibrous collagen and muscle; myoid cells
follicle basement membrane (2)
- separates theca interna from granulosa
- prevents entry of vascular system into granulosa layer
granulosa cells (2)
- surrounds antrum
- consists of cumulus oophorus and corona radiata which surround and make direct contact with the oocyte and stay with egg during ovulation
what molecule do all steroids originate from
- cholesterol molecule