Female Reproductive System - Exam 4 Flashcards
Describe the duct work of the female genitalia
separate
What is the default sex?
female
The testes in a male would have been what in a female, and the clitoris has similar internal structure to what?
ovaries
penis
Many of the glands in the female reproductive system are used for what?
lubrication
The ovaries connect to the uterus via
fallopian tubes
What is the main purpose of the vagina?
passageway for childbirth and menstrual discharge
Describe the environment of the vagina
acidic environment
What is the purpose of the vagina’s acidic environment?
keeps it free of infection
not a sterile environment, there is some bacteria
What secretes mucus for lubrication?
cervical mucous glands
Describe the make up of the uterus
hollow, thick-walled muscular structure supported by ligaments
What is the size and shape of the uterus?
size and shape of inverted pear and anteverted in the abdomen
What are the three layers of the uterine wall?
perimetrium - outside
myometrium - muscle
endometrium - inside
Stratum basalis
-layer of proliferation (cell division)
What is responsible for proliferation?
estrogen
Stratum functionalis
layer that fluctuates
layer shed during menstruation
Fimbrae
finger-like projections over the ovaries that move the ovum into and down the fallopian tube
What are the 4 types of follicles?
- primordial
- primary
- secondary
- vesicular
What are the two types of vesicular follicles?
tertiary
Graafian
Oogenesis
formation of oocytes
Primary oocytes form from what?
oogonia
At birth, how many primary oocytes are there, and where are they located?
two million primary oocytes that are in the cortex of the ovary and remain until puberty
At puberty, how many oocytes are there and how many are released?
250,000 primary oocytes survive and only 500 are released
What does the first division of oogonia produce?
two eggs, one functional and one polar body
Where are oocytes halted until puberty?
prophase of meiosis I
Explain monthly egg release
- one oocyte per month completes meiosis I
- this is in response to LH
- this oocyte halts at meiosis II (at metaphase)
When do oocytes complete meiosis II?
fertilization
What are the three things that aid the movement of an oocyte?
- fallopian tubes bend and drape over the pvary
- fimbrae
- cilia of the fimbrae
How can smooth muscle within the wall of the fallopian tube aid in moving the oocyte?
peristaltic waves
What is the average ovarian cycle length?
28-40 days
What are the two phases of the ovarian cycle?
follicular phase
luteal phase
Describe the follicular phase
- days 1-14 of the ovarian cycle
- follicular development takes place here
Describe the luteal phase
- days 14-28 of ovarian cycle
- follicle transforms to corpus luteum here
When does ovulation occur in the ovarian cycle?
mid-cycle
What occurs in the luteal phase?
- granulosa cells enlarge
- granulosa cells join with thecal cells to form a corpus luteum
What two cells make up the corpus luteum?
granulosa and thecal cells
What does the corpus luteum secrete?
progesterone
The transformation of granulosa cells to the corpus luteum is stimulated by what?
LH
The surge of LH causes what?
ovulation
What are the three phases of the mentrual/uterine cycle?
- menstrual phase
- proliferative phase
- secretory phase
Describe the menstrual phase
- days 1-5
- shedding of endometrium
Describe the proliferative phase
- days 6-14
- replacing the endometrium
Describe the secretory phase
- days 15-28
- prepares for implantation
- occurs because of presence of corpus luteum
- increases secretion and vascularization
What are the events if fertilization/implantation doesn’t occur?
- breakdown of corpus luteum
- progesterone production
During sexual excitement, what is the body’s response?
- clitoris, vaginal mucosa, labia, and breasts engorge with blood
- vestibular glands lubricate vagina
What is unique about the female orgasm?
not followed by a refractory period
At what age does menopause typically occur?
between 46-54
What happens to estrogen during menopause?
estrogen production declines with age
The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to what?
- atrophy of reproductive organs and breasts
- decrease in vaginal secretions
- irritability and depression
- vasodilation of blood vessels of skin and sweating
- thinning of skin
- loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
What is the SRY?
sex determining region Y
What is erectile dysfunction and what can be used to treat it?
- inability to get an erection
- increase effect of nitric oxide to dilate blood vessels (viagra)
What is PMS and what does it cause?
-progesterone deficiency
cramps, mood swings, bloating
What disorders and diseases could affect both sexes?
STDs - viral more complicated, bacterial are treated
Infertility
Why does infertility increase with age predominantly in females?
eggs that have been sitting around since birth may have accumulated damage
What could cause infertility in females?
- hormone imbalances
- damaged ovaries
- fallopian/uterine problems
What causes Ectopic pregnancy?
narrowing of fallopian tube can cause egg implantation in wall
What can cause infertility in men?
- sperm count problems
- genetic contributions
What cultural/societal changes are occuring that could influence infertility?
women are waiting until older age to have children
What are some fertility treatments?
removal and freezing of eggs to lessen change of accumulated damage
birth control
What does GnRH do?
stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH
What does Inhibin do?
selectively suppresses FSH secretion
What does estrogen do?
stimulates feminizing effects associated with puberty
What does LH do?
stimulates ovulation
What does FSH do?
stimulates development of ovarian follicle
What does progesterone do?
prepares uterus for pergnancy
Describe a primordial follicle
primary oocyte surrounded by single layer of flattened epithelial cells
Describe a primary follicle
secondary oocyte surrounded by layer of cuboidal cells
Describe a secondary follicle
secondary oocyte surrounded by two or more layers of granulosa cells
Describe a tertiary follicle
follicle contains antrum, and the cumulus oophorus covers the secondary oocyte and secures it to the follicle wall
Describe a mature follicle
follicle that undergoes ovulation
grows to 30 mm in size
secondary oocyte and cumulus break away and float freely in antrum
