Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe structure of the ovary
Paired almond-shaped streuctures
In a shallow depression (ovarian fossa) on the lateral wall of the pelvis
What are the functions of the ovary ?
- Production of ova by the process of oogenesis
- Synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones which regulate the maturation of developing oocyte’s and maintain secondary sex organs
Describe the outer cortex of the ovary
Contains connective tissue & ovarian follicles at different stages
describe the inner medulla of the ovary
Contains blood vessels and nerves
Describe the surface of the ovary
Covered by single layer of cuboidal cells called germinal epithelium
Describe the tunica albugenia
The thick connective tissue layer under germinal epithelium.
When does oogenesis begin?
Oogenesis begins during fetal life mitotic division of primordial germ cells produce oogenia
At birth there are about 600,000-800,000
Summarize oogonia
-oogonia transforms to primary oocyte
Primary oocyte is arrested at Prophase of meiosis 1 till puberty
Approximately 400 mature ova ovulated during the reproductive years
Describe uterine(fallopian) tubes
- Paired fibromuscular tubes, extend bilaterally from the uterus
- Connect the uterine cavity to the peritoneal cavity
- Transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus
- Provides nourishment for the ovum
Describe the histology of the uterine tubes
- 3 layers
- epithelium: simple cuboidal with peg cells
- muscularis
- serosa
What is the function of the uterus?
- site of implantation of a fertilized ovum
- Provides a protective and nutritive environment for the developing fetus
- Serves as part of the route through which sperm deposited in the vagina reaches the uterine tubes
- Source of menstrual flow when implantation doesn’t occur
What are the ligaments of the uterus?
- broad
- uterosacral
- transverse cervical (cardinal)
- pubocervical
What is the vesicouterine pouch?
Peritoneum covering the bladder and uterus
What is the recto-uterine pouch “pouch of Douglas”?
Peritoneum covering the rectum and uterus
What is the function of the broad ligament of the uterus?
-peritoneal fold over the uterus and uterine tubes
What is the function of the round ligament?
-Remnant of the gubernaculum, attaches to the labia majora
What is the function of uterosacral ligament?
-pelvic fascia condensation
What is the function of the suspension ligament of the female pelvis ?
Ovarian vessels with peritoneal covering
What is the function of the ovarian ligament?
Proper ligament attaching the ovary to the posterior side of the uterine fundus
What is function of transverse cervical ligament(cardinal ligament)?
-pelvic fascia condensation
Describe the broad ligament
Double fold of peritoneum that “drapes” over the uterus and tubes (like a rain poncho)
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
- A pregnancy that implants outside the uterine cavity
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),tubal surgery, intrauterine surgery are risk factors
What is pelvic inflammatory disease(PID)?
An infection of the female reproductive organs
- Bacterial infection of the cervix and vagina ascends into the uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes
- Risk factors is sexually transmitted disease (STD) by chlamydia and gonorrhea
What are the histological layers of the uterus?
Perimetrium: outer layer (serosa)
Myometrium: middle smooth muscle layer
Endometrium: inner layer consisting of endometrial glands, connective tissue stroma and blood vessels, undergoes continual change
- Stratum functionalis: shed during menstruation
- Stratum basalis: retained during menstruation to serve as stem cells for the functionalism during the next cycle
