Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What are the general functions of the female repro system?
- Produce gametes
- Support developing embryo during pregnancy
- Monthly menstrual cycle that affects female reproductive organs
What is the tunica albuginea?
Fibrous capsule surrounding ovary
What is the germinal epithelium?
- Simple cuboidal epithelium that covers tunica albuginea
2. Does NOT germinate ova
What is the ovarian cortex? What is the function?
- Outer portion of ovary
2. Houses developing gametes (oocytes) & follicles (sac like structures containing oocytes)
What is the ovarian medulla?
Connective tissue that holds vessels
What is the function of estrogens?
- Promote proliferation and growth of specific sex related cells in body
- Responsible for most of secondary sex characteristics of female
What is the function of progestins?
Responsible for final preparation of uterus for pregnancy and breasts for lactation
What are the effects of estrogen on fat?
- Fat Deposition
A. Cause increased quantities fat deposition in SQ tissues
What are the effects of estrogen on uterus and sex organs?
1. Uterus & External Sex Organs A. External genitalia, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina increase in size during puberty B. Vaginal epithelium changes C. Marked proliferation of endometrium D. Development of endometrial glands
What are the effects of estrogen on breasts?
- Increase breast development
- Fat deposition, stromal tissue, ductal system
- Initiate milk producing apparatus
What are the effects of estrogen on the skeleton?
- Increase osteoblastic activity
2. Causes uniting of epiphyseal plates
What are the effects of progestin on the uterus?
- Promote secretory changes in endometrium
2. Prepares uterus for implantation
What are the effects of progestin on the fallopian tubes?
Important for implantation of fertilized ovum
What are the effects of progestin on the fallopian breasts?
- Proliferation and enlargement of lobules and alveoli in breasts
- Causes breast tissue to become secretory
What are the three phases of the ovarian cycle?
Related to menstrual cycle Three phases: A. Follicular phase (Preovulatory phase) B. Ovulation C. Luteal phase (Postovulatory phase)
When does the follicular phase occur? How long does it last?
- First half of cycle
2. This stage lasts about 2 weeks
What stimulates the follicular stage?
Stimulated by FSH from anterior pituitary
What occurs during the follicular stage?
- Begins when 6-12 primordial follicles begin to grow
- Only one follicle completes maturation process & expels its oocyte from an ovary
- Flat follicular cells become cuboidal
- Oocyte grows larger
- Follicle now called primary follicle
- Epithelial cells now multiply to form stratified epithelium, called granulosa cells
A. Secondary follicle - Oocyte now develops glycoprotein coat called zona pellucida
8.
What is the zona pellucida?
- Protective coat that sperm must penetrate to fertilize ovum
How does the theca folliculi develop?
As granulosa cells continue to divide, layer of connective tissue (theca folliculi) condenses around exterior of secondary follicle
What is the function of the theca folliculi and granulosa cells?
Theca folliculi & granulosa cells work together to produce estrogen which stimulates female sex organs
What hormone stimulates the theca folliculi?
LH