female reproductive system

Question 1

what are the 4 functions of the reproductive system

Answer 1

1. production of gametes
2. fertilisation
3. development and nourishment of new individual
4. production of reproductive hormones

Question 2

name female external organs (vulva)

Answer 2

• labia majora
• labia minora
• clitoris
• opening of vagina
• opening of urethra
• hymen

Question 3

name female internal organs

Answer 3

• ovaries
• uterus
• fallopian tubes
• vagina
• cervix

Question 4

what are the two layers of tissue in the ovaries

Answer 4

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

Question 5

what is the maturation of the ovary controlled by?

Answer 5

the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland (FSH + LH)

Question 6

what hormones does ovaries produce

Answer 6

• oestrogen
• progesterone

Question 7

how long are the fallopian tubes

Answer 7

10cm

Question 8

where do the fallopian tubes propel

Answer 8

the ovum from ovary to the uterus by peristalsis and ciliary movement

Question 9

what does the fallopian tube provide a route for

Answer 9

• provides a route for sperm to reach an ovum
• fertilisation takes place in fallopian tube

Question 10

4 portions of fallopian tube

Answer 10

• infundibulum
• fimbriae
• ampulla
• isthmus

Question 11

where does the uterus lie

Answer 11

in the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder and the rectum

Question 12

HOW does the uterus lie in women

Answer 12

• leans forward (anteversion)
• bent forward (anteflexion) almost right angles to vagina

Question 13

3 parts of the uterus

Answer 13

• fundus
• body
• cervix

Question 14

3 layers of tissue in the uterus

Answer 14

• perimetrium; outermost thin membrane layer, protecting and covering uterus
• myometrium; muscular middle layer
• endometrium

Question 15

further 2 layers of endometrium

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

what are the functions of the uterus

Answer 16

• menstruation and endometrium wall thickening
• pregnancy support
• hormone production (progesterone)
• support of cervix

Question 17

how is the surface of the cervix kept moist?

Answer 17

• no secretory glands
• kept moist by cervical secretions/ mucus

Question 18

what is released between puberty and menopause

Answer 18

lactic acid secreted to maintain pH from 4.9 and 3.5
- acidity inhibits growth of other microorganisms that may enter vagina

Question 19

the follicular phase

Answer 19

• proliferation of endometrium of uterus and development of ovarian follicles

Question 20

the ovulatory phase

Answer 20

• one follicle fully matured ruptures
• releases an ovum

Question 21

the luteal phase

Answer 21

• transformation of follicular cells into corpus luteum and further proliferation of endometrium

Question 22

what happens during the proliferative phase

Answer 22

• endometrium proliferates
• secondary follicles in ovary mature
• developing follicles release oestrogen

Question 23

what does the release of oestrogen stimulate

Answer 23

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

Question 24

what happens during secretory phase

Answer 24

(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

Question 25

what happens of fertilization occurs during secretory phase

Answer 25

• embryo implants into thickened endometrium
• corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone to support developing embryo

Question 26

what happens if fertilization doesn’t occur

Answer 26

corpus luteum degenerates and menstruation begins