Female Reproductive System

Question 1

Labia majora

Answer 1

Large folds of fibrous tissue and fat covered in skin, containing sebaceous and sweat glands

Question 2

Labia minora

Answer 2

Smaller folds of skin (between labia majora) containing sebaceous and sweat glands

Question 3

Clitoris

Answer 3

Corresponds to the penis; contains sensory nerve endings and erectile tissue

Question 4

Vestibular glands (bartholins)

Answer 4

Pea-sized glands situated on each side near vaginal opening- secrete mucus to keep vulva moist

Question 5

Perineum

Answer 5

Triangular area extending from base of labia minora to the anal canal – consists of connective tissue, muscle and fat
Gives attachment of the muscles to the pelvic floor

Question 6

Vagina

Answer 6

Fibromuscular 7.5-9cm long tube lined with epithelium Surface kept moist by cervical secretions; bacterium maintains pH between 4.9 and 3.5; acidity prohibits micro organism growth.

Question 7

Uterine (fallopian) tubes

Answer 7

Approx. 10 cm long extending from sides of uterus.
Smooth muscle middle layer and lined with ciliated epithelium.
After ovulation the ovum is propelled to uterus by cilia action and peristalsis. Fertilisation occurs in the tube.

Question 8

Ovaries

Answer 8

Female gonads attached to upper part of uterus
2 layers of tissue, and contains follicles.
Females have primordial (immature) follicles from birth

Question 9

How is milk produced in the breast?

Answer 9

Milk production is stimulated by prolactin from the anterior pituitary, esstrogens, and progesterone

Question 10

Milk production (continued)

Answer 10

Oxytocin, from the posterior pituitary, stimulates milk release in response to stimulation of the nipple via suckling (positive feedback mechanism)

Question 11

Tumours

Answer 11

Benign breast tumours (90%)
•Fibroadenomas – most common; occur anytime after puberty, peaking in the 3rd decade
•Other tumours may be cystic or solid; usually around the menopause

Question 12

Tumours

Answer 12

Benign breast tumours (90%)
•Fibroadenomas – most common; occur anytime after puberty, peaking in the 3rd decade
•Other tumours may be cystic or solid; usually around the menopause

Question 13

Breast cancer risk factors

Answer 13

Most common cancer worldwide in women; incidence increasing

•Risk factors
•increasing age (up to 70yrs), alcohol consumption, obesity, early menarche, late menopause, no pregnancies because they have more oestrogen surges in menstrual cycles
•Genetic element – familial link; 5-10% linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 (80-90% chance of developing cancer, including ovarian and bowel cancer)