Female reproductive system Flashcards
what are the layers within the ovaries?
Medulla
Cortex
Tunica albuginea
what does the inner medulla of the ovaries contain?
blood vessels and lymphatic vessels
what does the cortex within the ovaries contain?
oocytes (eggs)
what are oocytes/ eggs enclosed with?
follicle
what hormones do ovarian follicular cells secrete?
Granulosa cells secrete oestrogen
Theca cells secrete progesterone
what is the function of the fallopian tubes?
They connect the ovary to the uterus
They capture the egg after its released from ovaries and move it along to the uterus
Why do the fallopian tubes have smooth muscle and peristalsis?
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
What is the mucosa layer of the fallopian tubes like?
It is highly folded with ciliated and secretory cells
key properties of endometrium lining in uterus
-composed of simple columnar epithelial cells with leukocytes and macrophages
-lamina propria- cell rich connective tissue
-compound tubular glands
-spiral arteries
what is the cervix?
canal that links uterus to vagina
What is the HPGA?
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
It’s a feedback system that regulates the reproductive system in both males and females.
what do hypothalamic neurones release?
GnRH
Gonadotropin releasing hormone
Describe the main phases of the ovarian cycle and what occurs in each phase.
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
what 2 hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?
FSH
LH
what do FSH and LH stimulate in ovarian follicular cells?
They stimulate the release of 2 steroid hormones- progesterone and oestrogen
How does the fallopian tube transport eggs?
Through peristalsis of smooth muscle walls and movement of cilia in the folded mucosa
What is the primary function of cervical glands?
Secrete mucus that prevents microbes from reaching the uterus
What are the phases of the endometrial cycle and their characteristics?
*menstrual cycle
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
How do changes in the ovarian cycle affect the endometrium?
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
how is the cervical mucus different in follicular and secretory phase?
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)
how do hormonal contraceptive pills work?
They alter hormone balance to prevent pregnancy
