female reproductive system Flashcards
what are the 4 functions of the reproductive system
- production of gametes
- fertilisation
- development and nourishment of new individual
- production of reproductive hormones
name female external organs (vulva)
- labia majora
- labia minora
- clitoris
- opening of vagina
- opening of urethra
- hymen
name female internal organs
- ovaries
- uterus
- fallopian tubes
- vagina
- cervix
what are the two layers of tissue in the ovaries
medulla: lies in centre and consists of fibrous tissue, blood vessels and nerves
cortex: surrounds medulla and has framework of connective tissue, contains ovarian follicles
what is the maturation of the ovary controlled by?
the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland (FSH + LH)
what hormones does ovaries produce
- oestrogen
- progesterone
how long are the fallopian tubes
10cm
where do the fallopian tubes propel
the ovum from ovary to the uterus by peristalsis and ciliary movement
what does the fallopian tube provide a route for
- provides a route for sperm to reach an ovum
- fertilisation takes place in fallopian tube
4 portions of fallopian tube
- infundibulum
- fimbriae
- ampulla
- isthmus
where does the uterus lie
in the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder and the rectum
HOW does the uterus lie in women
- leans forward (anteversion)
- bent forward (anteflexion) almost right angles to vagina
3 parts of the uterus
- fundus
- body
- cervix
3 layers of tissue in the uterus
- perimetrium; outermost thin membrane layer, protecting and covering uterus
- myometrium; muscular middle layer
- endometrium
further 2 layers of endometrium
- functional layer; upper layer and thickens and become highly vascular in first half of menstrual cycle
- if ovum not fertilised and does not implant = layer shed during menstruation
- basal layer; lies next to myometrium and not lost during menstruation
what are the functions of the uterus
- menstruation and endometrium wall thickening
- pregnancy support
- hormone production (progesterone)
- support of cervix
how is the surface of the cervix kept moist?
- no secretory glands
- kept moist by cervical secretions/ mucus
what is released between puberty and menopause
lactic acid secreted to maintain pH from 4.9 and 3.5
- acidity inhibits growth of other microorganisms that may enter vagina
the follicular phase
- proliferation of endometrium of uterus and development of ovarian follicles
the ovulatory phase
- one follicle fully matured ruptures
- releases an ovum
the luteal phase
- transformation of follicular cells into corpus luteum and further proliferation of endometrium
what happens during the proliferative phase
- endometrium proliferates
- secondary follicles in ovary mature
- developing follicles release oestrogen
what does the release of oestrogen stimulate
causes epithelial cells of endometrium to divide rapidly
- secretion of oestrogen also stimulates GnRH secretion from hypothalamus
- triggers FSH and LH secretion
- ovulation due to surge in LH
what happens during secretory phase
(between ovulation and next menstruation)
- corpus luteum forms
- progesterone secreted by corpus luteum
- endometrium thickens + vascularized
- cervical mucus thickens + forms plug
- uterus prepares for possible implantation of fertilized egg
