Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the primary functions of the female reproductive system.
The female reproductive system is responsible for producing gametes and hormones, as well as preparing to nurture a developing embryo.
Define the internal genitalia of the female reproductive system.
The internal genitalia include the ovaries, uterine tubes (oviducts), uterus, and vagina.
Explain the role of ligaments in the anatomy of the ovaries.
The ovaries are anchored by ligaments, including the ovarian ligament, suspensory ligament, and mesovarium, which is part of the broad ligament supporting the ovaries, oviducts, and uterus.
Describe the blood supply to the ovaries.
The ovaries are supplied by the ovarian arteries, which are branches of the abdominal aorta, and the ovarian branch of the uterine arteries.
What is the tunica albuginea in relation to the ovaries?
The tunica albuginea is the external surface covering of the ovary.
Identify the components found in the ovarian cortex.
The ovarian cortex contains follicles at various stages of development, including oocytes, granulosa cells, theca cells, and the corpus luteum formed from the ovulated follicle.
Describe the anatomy and function of the oviducts.
The oviducts, also known as uterine tubes or fallopian tubes, are approximately 10 cm long and receive the egg, providing the site for fertilization.
Explain the structure of the oviducts and its role in oocyte movement.
The wall structure of the oviducts aids in moving the oocyte toward the uterus, with specific regions such as the ampulla, infundibulum, and fimbriae facilitating this process.
What is the function of fimbriae in the female reproductive system?
Fimbriae are finger-like projections that help direct the released oocyte into the ampulla of the oviduct after it is released into the peritoneal cavity.
Describe the corpus luteum and its significance in the ovarian cycle.
The corpus luteum is formed from the ovulated follicle each month and plays a crucial role in hormone production during the menstrual cycle.
Describe the external covering of the uterus.
The external covering of the uterus is known as the visceral peritoneum, which is supported by the mesosalpinx.
Explain the anatomical position of the uterus in relation to other organs.
The uterus is located anterior to the rectum and postero-superior to the bladder.
Define the primary functions of the uterus.
The uterus receives, retains, and nourishes the embryo.
How does the shape of the uterus differ in nulliparous women?
In nulliparous women, the uterus has the shape of an inverted pear.
What are the internal and external os of the uterus?
The internal os is the opening from the uterus to the cervix, while the external os is the opening from the cervix to the vagina.
Describe the role of cervical glands in the uterus.
Cervical glands produce mucus that fills the cervical canal and covers the external os, preventing infection. The mucus becomes less viscous at midcycle.
Identify the supports of the uterus and their locations.
The supports of the uterus include the mesometrium (laterally, as part of the broad ligament), cardinal ligaments (from cervix and upper vagina to lateral pelvic walls), uterosacral ligaments (to the sacrum), and round ligaments (to the anterior body wall).
Explain the three layers of the uterine wall.
The uterine wall consists of three layers: the perimetrium (visceral peritoneum), the myometrium (middle layer of interlacing smooth muscle), and the endometrium (inner layer with simple columnar epithelium and thick lamina propria).
What are the two distinct layers of the endometrium?
The two distinct layers of the endometrium are the stratum functionalis and the stratum basalis.
Describe the vascular supply to the uterus.
The vascular supply to the uterus comes from the uterine arteries, which branch from the internal iliacs, leading to arcuate arteries and then to radial arteries within the myometrium.
Differentiate between straight arteries and spiral arteries in the uterus.
Straight arteries supply the stratum basalis, while spiral arteries supply the stratum functionalis.
Describe the anatomy of the vagina.
The vagina is a thin-walled tube that is 8-10 cm long and serves as a passageway for the entry of sperm, exit of menstrual flow, and delivery of an infant.
What is the relationship between the urethra and the vagina?
The urethra is located anterior to the vagina and runs parallel to it.
Identify the three layers of the vagina.
The three layers of the vagina are the adventitia (outer fibroelastic layer), muscularis (smooth muscle layer), and mucosa (inner layer with transverse rugae).
