Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Function of the ovary
Produce gametes
Produce steroids, mainly oestrogens and progestogens
Structure of the ovary
Medulla forms the core and contains loose connective tissue, contorted arteries, veins and lymphatics
Cortex has scattered ovarian follicles in a highly cellular connective tissue stroma
Outer shell of cortex is called the tunica albuginea, covered by germinal epithelium
What is oogenesis?
The development of oocytes, the female germ cells, from oogonia
What is folliculogenesis?
The growth of the follicle, which consists of the oocyte and any associated support cells
What happens if the oocyte fails to associate with pregranulosa cells?
It will die
If it enters growth phase, pregranulosa cells change from squamous to cuboidal
What are the largest antral follicles called?
Graafian follicles
What is the cumulus oophorus?
A mound of cells extending from the wall of the follicle surround the oocyte
What is the corona radiata and what happens prior to ovulation?
A halo of surrounding cells which will separate from the rest of the lining granulosa cells prior to ovulation
What happens one day prior to ovulation?
The oocyte in the largest graafian follicle will complete meiosis 1 and produces a secondary oocyte and a polar body that carries the second nucleus to degenerate.
Secondary oocyte begins second phase of meiosis but stops at metaphase 2. It will only complete meiosis to become fully mature after it has been released (ovulation) and fertilised by a sperm.
How are the oocytes released?
Prior to ovulation, follices press against outer margin of the ovary, thinning the tunica albuginea.
Area of the bulge on surface of the ovary is called follicular stigma and it ruptures to release oocyte and corona radiata.
They are then picked up by the fimbriae of the uterine tube.
What happens after ovulation?
Follicle transforms into corpus luteum with theca and granulosa cells secreting oestrogen and progesterone to help prepare uterus for implantation.
No implantation = becomes white connective tissue called corpus albicans
Implantation = placenta secretes HCG preventing degeneration of corpus luteum to mainain progesterone levels, maintaining the pregnancy
What is the fallopian tubes role in ovulation?
Funnel shaped infundibulum moves so that its opening is adjacent to the site where follicle ruptures.
Ovum moves down the tube propelled by gentle peristalsis and currents created by ciliated epithelium.
Secretory epithelium secrete nutrients.
Fertilisation usually occurs in the ampulla and the fertilised ovum is then transported to the uterus for implantation.
Structure of the uterine tube
folded mucosa lined by simple columnar epithelium with ciliated cells and secretory cells then surrounded by smooth muscle
How many layers of smooth muscle in the ampulla and isthmus?
Ampulla - 2 layers
Isthmus - 3 layers
What makes up the uterine wall?
Endometrium - inner secretory mucosa, most shed during menstruation
Myometrium - thick coat of 3 layers of smooth muscle with collagen and elastic tissue
Perimetrium - outer visceral covering of loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium
What is the endometrium divided into?
Stratum functionalis - undergoes monthly growth, degeneration and loss
Stratum basalis - reserve tissue that regenerates the functionalis
What happens to the uterus during the proliferative phase?
Stratum basalis proliferates and glands, stroma and vasculature grow and this increases the thickness of the endometrium by reconstituting the stratum functionalis
What happens to the uterus during the secretory phase?
Glands become coiled with a corkscrew appearance and secrete glycogen
What happens to the uterus during the menstrual phase?
Arterioles in the stratum functionalis undergo constriction, depriving the tissue of blood and causing ischemia, with resultant tissue breakdown, leakage of blood and shedding of tissue
What is the cervix?
A short cylinder with a small lumen that projects into the upper vagina.
Structure of the cervix
Mostly fibrous connective tissue
Covered by stratified squamous epithelium on its vaginal surface
Transitioning to mucous secreting simple columnar epithelium.
Structure of the mucous secreting epithelium
Deeply furrowed
Forms endocervical glands
What do endocervical glands secrete?
Thin and watery secretion in proliferative phase (allowing passage of sperm)
Thick and viscous secretion following ovulation (preventing passage of sperm)
What are the four layers of the vagina?
1 - non keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
2 - lamina propria - connective tissue rich in elastic fibres and blood vessels
3 - fibromuscular layer - inner circular, outer longitudinal smooth muscle
4 - adventitia
What lubricates the wall of the vagina?
Mucous from the cervical glands and fluid from the thin walled blood vessels of lamina propria
What is the mons pubis?
Skin which contains highly oblique hair follicles overlying a substantial subcutaneous fat pad, overlying the pubic symphysis
What is the labia majora?
Extensions of the mons pubis, similar structure and rich in apocrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands with bundles of smooth muscle.
Hair follicles on outer surface but not the inner surface
What is the labia minora?
Thin skin folds that lack subcutaneous fat and hair follicles
Rich in vasculature and sebaceous glands that secrete directly onto the surface of the skin
What epithelial transition is at the hymen?
Keratinized epithelium to non-keratanised stratified squamou epithelium
What is the clitoris?
Two tubes of erectile vascular tissue covered by a fibrocollagenous sheath covered by skin with rich innervation and a thin epidermis
What is found amongst the fibrous connective tissue in a non-lactating breast?
Some larger condensations extending from dermis of skin to deep fascia = suspensory ligaments, support breast tissue
What is the basic functional secretory unit of the breast?
The terminal duct lobular unit
What is the duct system in a non lactating breast?
Terminal ductules lead into an intralobular collecting duct lead into the lactiferous duct leading to the nipple, passing through an expanded duct region - lactiferous sinus
What is the lactiferous duct lined by?
Varying epithelium from a thin stratified squamous near the surface to deeper stratified cuboidal
Structure of the nipple
Wrinkled surface covered by a thin, highly pigmented keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
Core of dense irregular connective tissue with bundles of smooth muscle
What do oestrogen and progesterone stimulate during pregnancy?
Proliferation of secretory tissue and fibro-fatty tissue becomes sparse
What is the composition of human milk?
88% water
1.5% protein (lactalbumin and casein)
7% carbohydrate (lactose)
3.5% lipid
small quantities of ions, vitamins and antibodies also present
How are lipid droplets secreted?
Surrounded by membrane and carry a small amount of cytoplasm
Apocrine secretion
How are proteins secreted?
Via vesicles which merge with apical membrane to release only their contents into the duct system
Merocrine secretion
Where does fertilisation usually occur?
The ampulla of the uterine tube
Fertilised ovum then transported to the uterus for implantation
What does the loose connective tissue surrounding the acini within the mammary lobule allow?
Rapid expansion during pregnancy
