Female reproductive system Flashcards

1
Q

components of vulva

A

mons pubis - fat layer in front of pubic symphysis

labia majora - larger, more lateral

labia minora - smaller and more medial

vestibule = between labia

clitoris

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2
Q

structure of clitoris

A

complex erectile organ

Glans, body, crura (x2), bulbs (x2)

Bulbs of vestibule are part of erectile tissue in clitoris of females

Developmentally homologous to the penis

Urethra does not pass through the clitoris, has separate opening

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3
Q

functions of female reproductive tract

A

Allows transport of sperm and ova to the site of fertilization

Provides a site for the developing embryo and fetus to grow – protection, nourishment

Delivery of fetus

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4
Q

structures in female reproductive tract

A

Ovary

Uterine tubes

Uterus (top end = fundus, rest = body)

Cervix

Vagina

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5
Q

structure of uterus

A

Anteverted - leans forward over urinary bladder

3 major components: fundus, body and cervix

Uterine wall has 3 layers: perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium

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6
Q

function of uterus

A

Movement of sperm, implantation of blastocyte

Retain and nourish embryo and fetus through pregnancy

Allow parturition (childbirth)

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7
Q

structure of uterine wall

A

Perimetrium - outer layer (connective tissue)

Myometrium - middle layer (smooth muscle)

Endometrium - inner layer (columnar epithelium, uterine glands and arteries). Layer that grows and sheds during menstrual cycle

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8
Q

3 parts of uterine tube

A
  1. infundibulum - most lateral, has fimbriae (fingerlike projections)
  2. ampulla - midportion, where fertilisation occurs
  3. isthmus - most medial
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9
Q

3 parts of cervix

A

external os

cervical canal

internal os

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10
Q

structure of vagina

A

Lies between the urinary bladder & rectum

Extends from the perineum to the cervix

fibromuscular, distensible female copulatory organ

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11
Q

blood supply to uterus

A

abdominal aorta –> common iliac –> uterine artery

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12
Q

blood supply to vagina

A

abdominal aorta –> vaginal artery

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13
Q

blood supply to ovaries

A

abdominal aorta –> ovarian arteries

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14
Q

types of arteries in uterus

A

Spiral arteries are coiled, for deep blood supply

Straight arteries don’t go as deep

Arcuate artery goes around uterus

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15
Q

structure of ovaries

A

Lateral and posterior side of the uterus in the lateral portion of the true pelvic cavity.

Outer cortex (follicles) and inner medulla (connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics)

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16
Q

function of ovaries

A

Site of oogenesis

Hormone production

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17
Q

4 ligaments

A
  1. broad ligament
  2. ovarian ligament - between uterus and ovaries
  3. suspensory ligament
  4. round ligament - laterally from uterine tubes
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18
Q

subdivisions of broad ligament

A

Mesometrium = over uterus

Mesosalpinx = over tube

Mesovarium = over ovary

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19
Q

vesicouterine pouch

A

Continuous fold of broad ligament (visceral peritoneum) over anteriorly located bladder

20
Q

rectouterine pouch

A

Continuous fold of broad ligament (visceral peritoneum) over posteriorly located rectum

21
Q

what is oogenesis

A

formation and development of oocyte from oogonia

22
Q

oogenesis before birth

A
  1. oogonium (diploid 2n=46) migrate to developing gonad
  2. population of oogonia increase by mitosis
  3. oogonia differentiate to form primary oocytes (diploid 2n=46)
  4. primary oocytes start meiosis
  5. meiosis halts at prophase 1 until puberty
23
Q

oogenesis at puberty

A
  1. primary oocyte completes meiosis 1, forms secondary oocyte and first polar body (both n=23)
  2. secondary oocyte starts meiosis 2
  3. meiosis 2 halts at metaphase 2 until fertilisation
24
Q

end product of one primary oocyte

A

one ovum and 3 polar bodies which undergo atresia (cell death)

25
Q

structure of oocyte within follicle

A

oocyte surrounded by cells called corona radiata

follicle is multilayered, made of granulosa cells (produce estradiol) and theca cells

26
Q

where is GnRH made and what does it do

A

made is hypothalamus, stimulates release of FSH and LH

27
Q

where is FSH released and what does it do

A

released in ant. pit

stimulates growth of ovarian follicles

28
Q

where is LH released and what does it do

A

released from ant pit

surge in LH involved in ovulation, formation of corpus luteum

29
Q

where is estradiol made and what does it do

A

made in developing follicles

Assists follicle growth (w/ FSH); bone and muscle growth; endometrial growth; secondary sex characteristics; feedback to anterior pituitary

30
Q

where is inhibin made and what does it do

A

made in granulosa cells

negatively feed back to ant pit to suppress FSH

31
Q

where is progesterone made and what does it do

A

made in corpus luteum

Negatively feeds back to suppress GnRH (therefore LH and FSH); endometrial maturation; maintains pregnant state

32
Q

2 phases of ovarian cycle

A
  1. follicular phase (day 1-14)
  2. luteal phase (day 15-28)
33
Q

hormonal changes in follicular phase

A
  1. Increased FSH from the anterior pituitary
    • Stimulates follicular growth
  2. Growing follicles secrete estradiol and inhibin
    • Reduces FSH from anterior pituitary (negative feedback)
    • Growing follicles undergo atresia, except dominant follicle.
  3. Dominant follicle secretes large amounts of estradiol
  4. High estradiol stimulates surge of LH (positive feedback)
  5. Follicle ruptures and ovulation occurs
    • Oocyte enters peritoneal space/collected into uterine tube
34
Q

process of luteal phase

A
  1. Ovulated follicle collapses & forms corpus luteum
    • Secretes progesterone, estradiol & inhibin.
  2. These decrease FSH & LH secretion
    • Negative feedback on hypothalamus.
  3. Progesterone stimulates maturation of the endometrium
    • Glands become secretory
  4. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum involutes (luteolysis).
    • Fall in progesterone & estradiol.
    • Endometrium breaks down and bleeds (menstruation)
    • Removes negative feedback on FSH and LH
35
Q

menarche: what, when, why

A

first menstrual period

Occurs at age 12-13 y on average

Part of puberty – orchestrated by increase in sex steroid production (estrogens) by the gonads

36
Q

menopause: what, when, why

A

cessation of menstruation

Typically occurs in early 50s.

Reduction of estradiol and progesterone.

Due to absence of or non responsiveness of follicles.

Anterior pituitary feedback no longer active, therefore FSH/LH high

37
Q

phases in menstrual cycle

A
  1. menstrual phase (day 1-6)
  2. proliferative phase (day 1-15)
  3. secretory phase (day 15-28)
38
Q

process of proliferative phase

A
  1. Estradiol stimulates endometrial growth from approx days 6-14
  2. Rapid tissue growth, including growth of glands and vasculature
39
Q

process of secretory phase

A
  1. After ovulation (day 14) - corpus luteum secrets progesterone.
  2. Progesterone promotes endometrial maturation
    • Glands become secretory
    • Spiral arterioles grow and coil
  3. If pregnancy does not occur:
    • Corpus luteum atrophies
    • Progesterone levels fall
    • Spiral arteries contract
    • Endometrial tissue breaks down and bleeding occurs
    • Shed tissue and blood removed via cervix and vagina (menstruation / menses)
40
Q

function of ovarian cycle

A

To produce ovum each month to regulate the menstrual cycle

41
Q

function of menstrual cycle

A

To ensure lining of uterus suitable for implantation

42
Q

function of breasts

A

milk to nourish infants

43
Q

structure of breasts

A

Lie on pectoralis major muscles.

Lobes ⇒ lobules ⇒ alveoli ⇒ lactiferous ducts ⇒ lactiferous sinuses that open at nipple pores.

Suspensory ligaments support the glands

44
Q

what stimulates development of breast tissue

A

estradiol and progesterone

45
Q

what stimulates lactation (milk production)

A
  • Rapid reduction in circulating estradiol and progesterone after birth allows breasts to respond to prolactin (anterior pituitary).
  • Prolactin stimulates milk production/ secretion/synthesis.
  • Suckling stimulates continued production of prolactin (anterior pituitary).
  • Amount of prolactin determined by strength/duration of nipple stimulation during suckling
46
Q

what stimulates milk ejection

A
  • Suckling also stimulates oxytocin secretion (posterior pituitary).
  • Oxytocin stimulates contraction of smooth muscle around alveoli.
  • Milk goes into lactiferous ducts allowing infant to feed.