Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Functions of the female reproductive system?
- produce gametes (oocytes)
2. support developing embryo
Ovaries
lateral to uterus
–> where oocytes are produced/released
What are the ovaries help in place by?
mesenteries + ligaments (mesovarium, suspensory, and ovarian ligaments–> all within the broad ligament in the peritoneum that hangs over the uterus)
Where does the suspensory ligament attach?
ovary to the pelvic wall
What does the ovarian ligament attach?
the ovary to the uterus
What are the subdivisions of the ovaries?
- cortex
- medulla
- -> surrounded wholly by tunica albuginea
Ovary: cortex
holds gametes (oocytes) --> each oocyte is held within a follicle
Ovary: medulla
loose CT filled with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels
Oogenesis
- Primary oocytes begin to mature within growing follicles
- primary oocyte completes meiosis I to become secondary oocyte
- Secondary oocyte begins meiosis II and is released during ovulation when follicle ruptures
- A corpus luteum developes from follicle remnants
- The corpus luteum degenerates if secondary oocyte is not fertilized
- -> into fallopian tubes
Uterine Tubes
a. k.a. Fallopian Tubes
- begin at infundibulum (recieves egg) and end at the uterus –> fimbriae
What are the uterine tubes surrounded by?
ciliated fimbria –> help egg pass into oviduct
b/c infundibulum doesn’t touch ovary
What is medial to the infundibulum?
ampulla (expansion)
What is the medial portion of the oviduct?
isthmus (next to uterus)
Ovulation/Uterine Tubes
- ovulated egg released into peritoneal cavity (close to but NOT into infundibulum)
- infundibulum bends over ovary –> fimbriae sweep over ovarian surface which produces a current in peritoneal fluid to help bring the egg into the uterine tube
- -> cilia and smooth muscle assist in movement as well
Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy
fertilized egg implants in uterine tube
*major damage
Uterus
- located in pelvic cavity, anterior to rectum
- -> held in place by broad and round ligament
- hollow, thick-walled, pear shaped
What is the main portion of the uterus called?
body
What is the rounded top of the uterus called?
fundus
What is the narrow region of the uterus inferior to the body called?
isthmus
What is the neck of the uterus called?
cervix
–> holds uterus closed during pregnancy
What is inferior to the cervix?
the vagina
What are the three layers of the uterus?
- Perimetrium
- Myometrium
- Endometrium
Perimetrium
outer serious membrane of the uterus
Myometrium
smooth muscle layer of the uterus that pushes the fetus out
-contracts during labor
Endometrium
lining of the uterus
- simple columnar epithelium + cilia/secretory cells
- nourishes fetus during development or shed during menstruation
Clitoris
Clitoris (female) vs. Penis (male)
-contains erectile tissue including corpora cavernosum
Labia Majora/Minora
labia majora (female) vs. scrotum (male) -labia minora encloses vestibule which houses urethral/vaginal openings
vestibular glands
secrete mucus when sexually aroused
Mammary Glands
- technically part of the integument (modified sweat glands)
- present in males/females but only functional in females
- divided into lobes and smaller lobules
- milk secreted into larger and larger ducts –> eventually reaches lactiferous ducts at nipple
lobules of mammary glands
have alveoli that produce milk
–> lobules/alveoli only develop during pregnancy
lactiferous sinus
where milk accumulates during nursing
areola
pigmented skin around nipple
path of milk out of mammary gland
lobe –> lobule (containing alveoli) –> lactiferous duct –> lactiferous sinus
What layer of the uterus is shed during normal menstruation?
endometrium
Endometriosis
severe abdominal cramps, endometrium in other places than the uterus (fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc) is shed causing pain and possibly scaring
Tubal Ligation
fallopian tubes are tied off and cut apart → oocyte cannot continue on to the uterus
