Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the external organ of the female reproductive system
Vulva
What are the 3 internal organs of the female reproductive system
Vagina
Uterus
Fallopian tubes
What are the five parts of the vulva
Mons Pubis (Pubes)
Labia majora and labia minora
Clitoris
Vestibule
Hymen
What are the 3 functions of the vulva
Acts as sensory tissue during sex
Assists in micturition by directing the flow of urine
Protects the internal female reproductive tract from infection
What is the ‘Hamburger Sign’ when doing an ultrasound on a pregnant lady
Will determine the gender of the baby, hamburger sign positive if its a girl
What are the fornix
There are 2:
An anterior and a posterier one
Posterior fornix is a natural reservoir for semen
What is the entrance to the uterus called
Cervix
What are the functions of the cervix
Facilitates passage of sperm into fallopian tubes
Maintains sterility of the upper female reproductive tract.
Where should embryos implant
The endometrium
What are the functions of the fallopian tubes
Assists in the transport of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus.
The smooth muscle that does this is sensitive to progesterone and oestrogen.
What three structures make up the ovaries
Surface
Cortex
Medulla
What is the surface structure of the ovary formed from
Simple cuboidal epithelium
What is the cortex structure of the ovary made from
Largely compromised of connective tissue supported follicles.
What is the medulla structure of the ovary made from
Contains a rich neuromuscular network which enters the ovary at the hilum.
What are the 3 functions of the ovaries
Produce oocytes
Produce oestrogen and progesterone
Each ovary taking an alternative turn release an egg
What is the ovarian cycle
The preparation of endocrine tissues and release of eggs
What is the menstrual cycle
The preparation and maintenance of the uterine lining.
What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle
(MFOL)
Menstrual phase
Follicular phase
Ovulation phase
Luteal phase
What are the 4 female reproductive cycle organs
(HAOU)
Hypothalamus
Anterior pituitary gland
Ovary
Uterus
What to hormones does the pituitary gland release in female reproductive system
FSH
LH
What happens on the first day of the menstrual cycle
10/20 oocytes start to mature into primary follicles
What allows primary follicles to develop into secondary follicles (menstrual cycle), and what is produced when this happens
FSH
Oestrogen is produced when this happens
What does the Lutenising Hormone do
Weakens the wall of the ovary so the egg is released
What is the process called when an oocyte or developing follicle does not mature.
Atresia
This is when the oocyte/follicle degenerates and is reabsorbed
How long does the egg live for
Around 24 hours
What does high levels of LH cause to release
Progesterone
What goes on in the Luteal phase
The corpus luteum continues releasing progesterone.
If a sperm fertilises an egg, Human Chroioinic Gonadotropin (hCG) is released.
What is human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Released when sperm fertilises an egg.
Travels to brain which tell corpus leuteum to maintain progesterone levels.
What is the menstrual phase
If no fertilisation takes place, the corpus leuteum starts to drop off causing progesterone levels to drop.
This causes menstruation to begin.
What are the two pituitary hormones
FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone
LH - Leutenising Hormone
What are the two sex hormones
Oestrogen
Progesterone
What is menopause
Number of oocytes very depleted
Ovaries lose sensitivity to FSH and LH
Less oestrogen and progesterone is produced as a result
What are mammary glands
Located within the breast
Contain 15-20 lobes of glandular tissue that radiate around the nipple.
Oestrogen causes these to grow in puberty - bigger boobs
