Female reproductive System Flashcards
At what point in development of a foetus is there differentiation between males and females?
8-10 weeks
The female reproductive tract develops from the…..
Paramesonephric duct
The female reproductive system develops because of the….
Lack of testosterone and the mullerian-inhibiting factor (MIF)
What are the primary sex organs in females?
The ovaries
The internal female genitalia include….
The ovaries, the uterine tubes, the uterus and the vagina
The external female genitalia includes…
The clitoris, the labia minora and labia majora
What do the ovaries produce?
Egg cells (ova) and sex hormones
The capsule of the ovaries is called l??
The tunica albuginea
What is the interior of the ovary divided into?
A central medulla and an outer cortex
What makes up the central medulla of the ovaries?
A core of fibrous connective tissue occupied by the principal arteries and veins of the ovary
The cortex of the ovary is?
The site of the ovarian follicles, each of which contains one developing ovum surrounded by numerous small follicular cells
How are eggs released from the ovaries?
One at a time and by the bursting of the follicles.
What happens to the ovaries during the reproductive years?
They become more corrugated because growing follicles produce bulges in the surface
What happens to ovaries after menopause?
They are shrunken and composed mostly of scar tissue
What the 3 main functions of the ovaries?
1-Production of immature female gametes or oocytes.
2-Secretion of female sex hormones
3-Secretion of inhibin
What is inhibin involved in?
The feedback control of pituitary FSH production
Where in the ovary are gametes produced?
Cortex
What surrounds the primary oocyte in the outer cortex?
A single squamous layer of follicle cells
What part of the uterine tubes are next to ovary?
Infundibulum with feathery projections (fimbrae)
What part of the ovary is the ampulla?
The middle part
What cells are present in the epithelial lining of the uterine tubes?
Ciliated columnar cells with Scattered mucin-secreting cells
How are oocytes transported through uterine tubes?
By ciliary movement and peristaltic contractions of walls
What does the uterus provide for the foetus?
Protection, nutrition, removes waste from foetus and expels it at end of development
What is the structure at the top of the uterus called?
Fundus
What is found at the bottom of The uterus?
The cervix
What is the structure between the uterus and vagina?
Cervical canal
What do the cervical glands secrete?
Mucus
What are the three layers of cells in the uterus?
Perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium on the inside
Where does cervical cancer begin?
Lower cervix epithelial cells