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Physiology And Pharmacology > Female reproductive system > Flashcards

Female reproductive system Flashcards

1
Q

what are the layers within the ovaries?

A

Medulla
Cortex
Tunica albuginea

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2
Q

what does the inner medulla of the ovaries contain?

A

blood vessels and lymphatic vessels

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3
Q

what does the cortex within the ovaries contain?

A

oocytes (eggs)

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4
Q

what are oocytes/ eggs enclosed with?

A

follicle

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5
Q

what hormones do ovarian follicular cells secrete?

A

Granulosa cells secrete oestrogen
Theca cells secrete progesterone

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6
Q

what is the function of the fallopian tubes?

A

They connect the ovary to the uterus
They capture the egg after its released from ovaries and move it along to the uterus

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7
Q

Why do the fallopian tubes have smooth muscle and peristalsis?

A

Fallopian tubes have smooth muscle and exhibit peristalsis to facilitate the crucial process of egg transportation and potential fertilization

*peristalsis is seen in any tube with movement

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8
Q

What is the mucosa layer of the fallopian tubes like?

A

It is highly folded with ciliated and secretory cells

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9
Q

key properties of endometrium lining in uterus

A

-composed of simple columnar epithelial cells with leukocytes and macrophages
-lamina propria- cell rich connective tissue
-compound tubular glands
-spiral arteries

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10
Q

what is the cervix?

A

canal that links uterus to vagina

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11
Q

What is the HPGA?
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

A

It’s a feedback system that regulates the reproductive system in both males and females.

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12
Q

what do hypothalamic neurones release?

A

GnRH
Gonadotropin releasing hormone

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13
Q

Describe the main phases of the ovarian cycle and what occurs in each phase.

A

The ovarian cycle consists of:

Follicular phase:
Follicular cells proliferate
17β-oestradiol levels rise
Negative feedback on hypothalamus (except prior to ovulation)

Ovulation (midcycle):
Oestradiol reaches critical level
Switches to positive feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Triggers LH surge and release of mature oocyte

Luteal phase:
Corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone
Progesterone provides negative feedback
If no pregnancy, corpus luteum degenerates

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14
Q

what 2 hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?

A

FSH
LH

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15
Q

what do FSH and LH stimulate in ovarian follicular cells?

A

They stimulate the release of 2 steroid hormones- progesterone and oestrogen

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16
Q

How does the fallopian tube transport eggs?

A

Through peristalsis of smooth muscle walls and movement of cilia in the folded mucosa

17
Q

What is the primary function of cervical glands?

A

Secrete mucus that prevents microbes from reaching the uterus

18
Q

What are the phases of the endometrial cycle and their characteristics?
*menstrual cycle

A

The endometrial cycle consists of:

Menses phase

Proliferative phase:
Dominated by 17β-oestradiol
Growth of endometrium, glands, and stroma
Spiral arteries elongate

Secretory phase:
Dominated by progesterone
Endometrial proliferation slows
Glands become tortuous with glycogen vacuoles
Increased mucus production
Stroma becomes oedematous
Spiral arteries elongate and coil

Menstrual phase:
Occurs if no implantation
Degeneration and loss of functional endometrial layer

19
Q

How do changes in the ovarian cycle affect the endometrium?

A

The ovarian cycle affects the endometrium through hormones:

17β-oestradiol during follicular phase:
Stimulates endometrial growth
Promotes gland development
Causes spiral arteries to elongate

Progesterone during luteal phase:
Slows endometrial proliferation
Makes glands tortuous and increases mucus
Causes stromal edema
If levels drop (no pregnancy), triggers menstruation

20
Q

how is the cervical mucus different in follicular and secretory phase?

A

follicular- mucus is watery + elastic, forms channels to propel sperm

secretory phase- decreased progesterone so mucus becomes thick (no longer elastic, no channel SO sperm has no chance of getting through the cervical mucus)

21
Q

how do hormonal contraceptive pills work?

A

They alter hormone balance to prevent pregnancy

Physiology And Pharmacology (26 decks)

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