Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Where are the ovaries located?
Inside the pelvis suspended on either side of the uterus
What are oocytes?
The reproductive cells of a female
How are oocytes produced?
Process called oogenesis
How does oogenesis start?
With oogonia and these cells are produced prior to birth
- 5-10 oogonia are produced one each ovary
- up to 1million oogonia progress to the primary oo yet stage around the time of birth
What happens to primary oocytes when puberty occurs?
Undergo a recruitment process which is stimulated by hormones
-small pool of oocytes will continue to develop to produce a secondary oocyte that eventually will be ovulated
Describe the whole process of oogenesis
Millions of oogonia are produced via mitosis before brith. The oogonia are converted to primary oocytes before brith via meiosis 1 but it is paused. When puberty occurs, completion of meiosis 1 for one primary oocyte to 1 secondary oocyte occurs every month. The secondary oocyte is termed the ovum when it is released during ovulation as it travels through the Fallopian tubes. Meiosis 2 only occurs when there is fertilization. if fertilization occurs, a zygote is produced
What is a polar body?
Secondary cell after primary oocyte converts to secondary oocyte.
-Not a functional cell but a garbage can for DNA ignorer to get rid of access chromosomes so the oocyte can be haploid
What are supporting cells?
Cells that promote the maturation of the oocyte.
Are all supporting cells the same?
No, the cells undergo different patterns of cell division depending on the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the monthly cycle
What is a follicle?
Secondary oocyte with its surrounding support cells
What are the 2 kins of supporting cells?
Theca and Granulose cells
What is a corpus leutem?
Structure remaining after oocytes bursts through the ovary
What is a Graafin follicle?
Contains the the secondary oocyte to be ovulated
-can be up 2cm
At menopaus do women still have primordial follicles?
Yes
Describe the process in which the follicle is released
Primodial follicle starts out pre birth can continues to be primordial until stimulated and turns into a primary follicular cell post puberty. A number of primary follicular cells are made and only a handful go onto become a secondary follicular cell. After that only one becomes a Graafian follicle and then proceeded to come out of the ovary to create the corpus luted structure on the ovary
What are characteristics of a primordial follicular?
Primary oocyte Granulosa cells (squamous=square)
What are characteristics of Primary follicular cells?
Primary oocytes
Granulose cells (cubocidal)
Zona Pellucida
What is a zone pellucida?
Layer surrounding the oocyte
Where the sperm will bind eventually (has sperm receptors)