Female Reproductive System (Ch. 28)

Question 1

What functions must the female reproductive system carry out?

Answer 1

Produce gametes

Support developing embryo

Question 2

Ovaries: Location and Ligaments

Answer 2

Lateral to uterus

Held in place by mesenteries and ligaments: mesovarium, suspensory ligament, and ovarian ligament.

All within broad ligament (peritoneum that hangs over uterus)

Suspensory ligament attaches ovary to pelvic wall; ovarian ligament attaches ovary to uterus

Question 3

What does the ovary subdivide into?

Answer 3

Ovary subdivides into cortex and medulla

Question 4

Ovary: Cortex and Medulla

Answer 4

Cortex holds gametes (oocytes). Each oocyte is held w/in a follicle.

Medulla is loose CT filled w/ blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels.

Question 5

Oogenesis

Answer 5

1. Primary oocytes begin to mature w/in growing fascicles.
2. A primary oocyte completes Meiosis I to become a secondary oocyte.
3. The secondary oocyte begins Meiosis II and is released during ovulation when the follicle ruptures.
4. A corpus luteum develops from the remnants of the follicle.
5. The corpus luteum degenerates if secondary oocyte is not fertilized

Question 6

Uterine Tubes

Answer 6

aka Fallopian tubes

Begin at the infundibulum (receives the egg) and end at the uterus.

Ciliated fimbriae surround infundibulum and help egg to pass into oviduct.

Just medial to infundibulum is expansion called ampulla.

Medial portion of oviduct (next to uterus) is the isthmus.

Question 7

Ovulation and Uterine Tubes

Answer 7

Ovulated egg is released into peritoneal cavity, close to but NOT directly into infundibulum.

Infundibulum bends over ovary and fimbriae sweep ovarian surface. This produces currents in peritoneal fluid that help bring egg into uterine tube.

Cilia and smooth muscle assist movement towards uterus.

Question 8

Ectopic Pregnancy (or Tubal)

Answer 8

Fertilized egg implants in uterine tube.

Question 9

Uterus

Answer 9

Located in pelvic cavity, anterior to rectum. Held in place by broad ligament and round ligament.

Hollow, thick walled, pear-shaped

Question 10

The main portion of the uterus is known as the ____ while the rounded top is the ____. The narrow region inferior to the body of the uterus is the ____.

Answer 10

Body; Fundus; Isthmus

Question 11

What is the neck of the uterus? What is it’s function?

Answer 11

Cervix; holds uterus closed during pregnancy

Question 12

What is inferiorly located to the cervix?

Answer 12

Vagina

Question 13

What are the 3 layers of the uterus (from superficial to deep)?

Answer 13

Perimetrium
Myometrium
Endometrium

Question 14

Perimetrium

Answer 14

Outer serous membrane of the uterus

Question 15

Myometrium

Answer 15

Smooth muscle layer of the uterus - pushes fetus out during childbirth

Question 16

Endometrium

Answer 16

Lining of uterus
–composed of simple columnar epithelium + cilia and secretory cells. Nourishes fetus during development or is shed during menstruation.

Question 17

External Genitalia: Clitoris

Answer 17

Clitoris of female is homologous to penis in male, contains erectile tissue including the corpora cavernosa.

Question 18

External Genitalia: Labia Majora

Answer 18

Homologous to scrotum

Question 19

External Genitalia: Labia Minora

Answer 19

Encloses vestibule which houses urethra and vaginal openings

Question 20

External Genitalia: Vestibular Glands

Answer 20

Secrete mucus when sexually aroused (facilitates entry of penis)

Question 21

Mammary Glands: Areola

Answer 21

Pigmented skin around nipple

Question 22

Mammary Glands

Answer 22

Technically part of integument: modified sweat glands

Present in males and females (functional only in females)

Question 23

Mammary glands are divided into?

Answer 23

Lobes and smaller lobules

Question 24

Lobules have alveoli that produce ____.

Answer 24

Milk

Question 25

Lobules and alveoli do not develop until ____.

Answer 25

Pregnancy

Question 26

Mammary Glands: Milk Secretion

Answer 26

Milk is secreted into larger and larger ducts - eventually reaches the lactiferous ducts at nipples.

Enlarged region where milk accumulates during nursing is lactiferous sinus.

Duct development and breast enlargement happen at puberty.

Question 27

The labia majora is homologous to the ____.

Answer 27

Scrotum

Question 28

The labia minora is homologous to the ____ ____.

Answer 28

Scrotal midline

Question 29

The glans clitoris is homologous to the ____ ____.

Answer 29

Glans penis

Question 30

The bulb of vestibule is homologous to the ____ ____.

Answer 30

Corpus spongiosum

Question 31

The corpora cavernosa is homologous to the ____ ____.

Answer 31

Corpora Cavernosa

Question 32

The ovaries are homologous to the ____.

Answer 32

Testes