Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Where is estrogen secreted from?
Ovary: granulosa cells.
Where is progesterone secreted from?
Ovary: corpus luteum.
What happens in the ovary during days 1-13?
FSH stimulates the follicles to mature.
What happens in the ovary at day 14?
Graafian follicle ruptures to release ovum (egg).
What happens in the ovary during days 15-28?
Corpus luteum develops from remaining granulosa cells.
Why is FSH secretion higher in the first half of the cycle than in the second?
FSH is stimulating the follicle to grow/develop/mature.
What is the significance of the peak in LH secretion on day 13?
It will cause ovulation.
Where is the progesterone produced in the ovary?
From the corpus luteum.
What happens in the uterus during days 1-5?
Menses.
What happens in the uterus at days 5-14?
Endometrium re-builds itself; proliferative phase.
Which hormone is mainly responsible for the events described in “2” above?
Estrogen.
What happens in the uterus during days 14-28 days?
Uterus prepares to receive the fertilised egg; secretory phase.
Why do levels of estrogen and progesterone decline after 28 days?
Corpus luteum degenerates.
What event does the degeneration of the corpus luteum trigger in the uterus?
Menses.
In the area known as the vestibule, which opening is more anterior, the vagina or urethra?
Urethra.
Name the structure that is located at the anterior margin of the vestibule.
The clitoris.
What type of epithelium lines the wall of the vagina?
Non-keratinised stratified squamous.
Vaginal walls release large amounts of glycogen, how does this aid the health of the vagina?
The glycogen is metabolised by local bacteria, producing lactic acid and decreasing pH, making it toxic to foreign pathogens.
What role do the fimbriae of the uterine tubes play in ovulation?
Stroke developing follicle, increasing fluid movement into the Fallopian tube (act like a vacuum to suck egg in).
What type of epithelium lines the uterine tubes?
Simple ciliated columnar.
How is the egg able to make its way along the tube?
The beating action of the cilia of the epithelium lining the walls.
The suspensory ligament attaches the ovary; what is the main function of this ligament?
Ovarian arteries, veins and nerves enter the ovary via this ligament.
What is the name of the white fibrous layer of connective tissue that surrounds the outer surface of the ovary?
Tunica albuginea.
What structures are contained within the region of the ovarian cortex?
Ovarian follicles.