Female Reproductive System

Question 1

Functions of the female reproductive system?

Answer 1

1. produce gametes (oocytes)

2. support developing embryo

Question 2

Ovaries

Answer 2

lateral to uterus

–> where oocytes are produced/released

Question 3

What are the ovaries help in place by?

Answer 3

mesenteries + ligaments (mesovarium, suspensory, and ovarian ligaments–> all within the broad ligament in the peritoneum that hangs over the uterus)

Question 4

Where does the suspensory ligament attach?

Answer 4

ovary to the pelvic wall

Question 5

What does the ovarian ligament attach?

Answer 5

the ovary to the uterus

Question 6

What are the subdivisions of the ovaries?

Answer 6

1. cortex
2. medulla
   - -> surrounded wholly by tunica albuginea

Question 7

Ovary: cortex

Answer 7

holds gametes (oocytes)
--> each oocyte is held within a follicle

Question 8

Ovary: medulla

Answer 8

loose CT filled with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels

Question 9

Oogenesis

Answer 9

1. Primary oocytes begin to mature within growing follicles
2. primary oocyte completes meiosis I to become secondary oocyte
3. Secondary oocyte begins meiosis II and is released during ovulation when follicle ruptures
4. A corpus luteum developes from follicle remnants
5. The corpus luteum degenerates if secondary oocyte is not fertilized
   - -> into fallopian tubes

Question 10

Uterine Tubes

Answer 10

a. k.a. Fallopian Tubes

- begin at infundibulum (recieves egg) and end at the uterus –> fimbriae

Question 11

What are the uterine tubes surrounded by?

Answer 11

ciliated fimbria –> help egg pass into oviduct

b/c infundibulum doesn’t touch ovary

Question 12

What is medial to the infundibulum?

Answer 12

ampulla (expansion)

Question 13

What is the medial portion of the oviduct?

Answer 13

isthmus (next to uterus)

Question 14

Ovulation/Uterine Tubes

Answer 14

1. ovulated egg released into peritoneal cavity (close to but NOT into infundibulum)
2. 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

Question 15

Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy

Answer 15

fertilized egg implants in uterine tube

*major damage

Question 16

Uterus

Answer 16

• located in pelvic cavity, anterior to rectum
• -> held in place by broad and round ligament
• hollow, thick-walled, pear shaped

Question 17

What is the main portion of the uterus called?

Answer 17

body

Question 18

What is the rounded top of the uterus called?

Answer 18

fundus

Question 19

What is the narrow region of the uterus inferior to the body called?

Answer 19

isthmus

Question 20

What is the neck of the uterus called?

Answer 20

cervix

–> holds uterus closed during pregnancy

Question 21

What is inferior to the cervix?

Answer 21

the vagina

Question 22

What are the three layers of the uterus?

Answer 22

1. Perimetrium
2. Myometrium
3. Endometrium

Question 23

Perimetrium

Answer 23

outer serious membrane of the uterus

Question 24

Myometrium

Answer 24

smooth muscle layer of the uterus that pushes the fetus out

-contracts during labor

Question 25

Endometrium

Answer 25

lining of the uterus - simple columnar epithelium + cilia/secretory cells - nourishes fetus during development or shed during menstruation

Question 26

Clitoris

Answer 26

Clitoris (female) vs. Penis (male) | -contains erectile tissue including corpora cavernosum

Question 27

Labia Majora/Minora

Answer 27

``` labia majora (female) vs. scrotum (male) -labia minora encloses vestibule which houses urethral/vaginal openings ```

Question 28

vestibular glands

Answer 28

secrete mucus when sexually aroused

Question 29

Mammary Glands

Answer 29

* 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

Question 30

lobules of mammary glands

Answer 30

have alveoli that produce milk | --> lobules/alveoli only develop during pregnancy

Question 31

lactiferous sinus

Answer 31

where milk accumulates during nursing

Question 32

areola

Answer 32

pigmented skin around nipple

Question 33

path of milk out of mammary gland

Answer 33

lobe --> lobule (containing alveoli) --> lactiferous duct --> lactiferous sinus

Question 34

What layer of the uterus is shed during normal menstruation?

Answer 34

endometrium

Question 35

Endometriosis

Answer 35

severe abdominal cramps, endometrium in other places than the uterus (fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc) is shed causing pain and possibly scaring

Question 36

Tubal Ligation

Answer 36

fallopian tubes are tied off and cut apart → oocyte cannot continue on to the uterus