Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Name the 5 key structures in the female reproductive system.
- Ovaries
- Uterine tubes
- Uterus
- Vagina and vestibule
- Vulva
Purpose of the Ovarian Artery?
A blood supply for the ovary, uterine tube and uterine horn.
How many ovaries are there?
Two
Describe the two main functions of the ovaries.
- To produce ova ready for fertilisation
- Act as an endocrine gland and secrete hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
The ovaries are held close to the kidneys by the ovarian ____________ _______________?
Suspensory ligament
What is the ovarian bursa?
Pocket which completely covers the ovary.
What is the issue with the small opening in the ovarium bursa?
Can lead to infection.
What are the ovaries made of?
Connective tissues, smooth muscle, and blood capillaries.
Define: Visceral peritoneum
Protective abdominal membrane
Ova starts out as what?
Developing follicles
What is the role of progesterone?
Maintains the pregnancy
Define: Oogenesis
Creation of ova… occurs in ovarian follicles
Simplify the term ‘germ cell’.
Sex cell
What do the Graafian follicles produce?
Estrogen
Purpose of the uterine tube?
- To collect ova
- To convey ova
- To provide a good environment for ova
What is the opening end to the ovary called?
The infundibulum
What is the peritoneum?
A membrane of connective tissue found throughout the abdomen.
What are the three different names for peritoneum and the area?
- Mesosalpinx - around the uterine tubes
- Mesovarium - around the ovaries
- Mesometrium - around the uterus
Meso = ?
Peritoneum
Describe the shape of the uterus.
- Y-Shaped structure
- Consists of the uterine horns and uterine body
What is the function of the uterus?
- Provide a receptacle in which embryos can develop
- Provide the correct environment for the embryos
- Allow embryos to get nutrients from placenta (mother)
The Uterine ___________ contain the embryos during pregnancy.
Horns
State the layers of the uterine body:
- Perimetrium (outer layer)
- Myometrium (middle layer)
- Endometrium (inner layer)
Define: Oestrus
‘In’ Season