Female reproductive tract (2)

Question 1

The reproductive role of the female is far more complex than that of the male. Not only does she produce ____ (ova) and the female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), but her body must also prepare to sustain (look after) a developing ____ for about nine months, i.e. 280 days.

Answer 1

eggs

foetus

Question 2

The female reproductive organs include the: (3)

Answer 2

The female reproductive organs include the:
• ovaries
• accessory organs – fallopian tubes (oviduct), uterus and vagina
• external genitalia (vulva).

Question 3

What is the structure of an ovary? (3)

Answer 3

• A germinal epithelium layer surrounds each ovary.
• Primary follicles, tiny sac-like structures containing an immature egg, are embedded in the outer layer. A girl child is born with these primary follicles so the total number of eggs is determined at birth, i.e. 200 000 – 400 000. Compare this to the testis, where millions of sperm are formed each day.
• A primary follicle develops into a mature follicle (Graafian follicle).
• After ovulation (release of an egg), the Graafian follicle forms the corpus luteum (yellow body)

Question 4

What are ovaries?

Answer 4

The ovaries are two almond shaped organs found in the pelvic cavity and held in position by ligaments.

Question 5

What are the functions are the ovaries? (2)

Answer 5

The ovaries:

1. form and release eggs.
2. produce oestrogen and progesterone.

Question 6

What are the Fallopian tubes (or oviducts)?

Answer 6

The two fallopian tubes are muscular tubes lined with cilia. They stretch from each ovary to the uterus. Each ends in a funnel shaped structure, the infundibulum that has finger-like outgrowths, the fimbria.

Question 7

What is the function of the Fallopian tubes? (3)

Answer 7

The fallopian tubes:

1. provide a pathway between uterus and ovary for eggs, sperm and the zygote.
2. are the site of fertilisation and initial cell division of the zygote.
3. enable the egg or developing zygote to move towards uterus (by the action of muscles and cilia).

Question 8

What is a uterus?

Answer 8

The uterus (womb),a hollow, pear-shaped thick-walled, muscular organ, is situated between the bladder and the rectum.

Question 9

What happens to the uterus during pregnancy?

Answer 9

During pregnancy it enlarges considerably but soon after birth almost returns to its original size.

Question 10

What is the lower part of the uterus?

Answer 10

The lower part, the cervix, projects into the vagina. Normally its opening is only millimetres in diameter allowing menstrual blood to leave the body and sperm to gain access. It must therefore dilate enormously during the birth process. The sphincter muscles of the cervix keep the uterus closed during pregnancy preventing a miscarriage

Question 11

What does the uterine wall consist of?

Answer 11

− myometrium, a thick involuntary muscle layer. Walls need to be thick so that it can stretch when a baby develops inside it.

− endometrium, a lining that is richly supplied with blood vessels.

Question 12

At ovulation ___ causes the endometrium to thicken to prepare for the implantation of the ____.

Answer 12

progesterone

blastocyst

Question 13

What happens if fertilisation does not happen?

Answer 13

If fertilisation does not occur the upper layer of the endometrium becomes detached and is passed out together with the unfertilised egg. This occurs roughly every 28 days and is known as menstruation.

Question 14

What is the function of the uterus? (2)

Answer 14

1. The uterus is the organ in which the blastocyst implants, develops and grows.
2. The contraction of the myometrium enables the baby to be pushed out during birth.

Question 15

What is distinctive about the human uterus?

Answer 15

Human females are higher primates and therefore have a simplex uterus in which there is no separation between the horns and is thus a single cavity.

Question 16

What is the vagina?

Answer 16

The vagina or birth canal is a muscular passage between the uterus and the outside of the body. It has very elastic, folded walls, which allows it to stretch during intercourse and childbirth.

Question 17

Why is the pH of the vagina normally quite acidic?

Answer 17

The pH of the vagina is normally quite acidic which helps keep the vagina healthy and free from infection.

Question 18

What is the function of the vagina? (2)

Answer 18

The vagina:

1. is the place where sperm are deposited during sexual intercourse.
2. forms a birth canal during birth.

Question 19

What is the vulva?

Answer 19

The vulva forms the external genitalia and plays no role in the reproductive process.

Question 20

What is the clitoris?

Answer 20

This is a small mass of erectile tissue, found at the anterior end of the vulva. It is the female counterpart of the male penis and plays a role in sexual excitement of the female.