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ANS 327: Reproductive Physiology > Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology > Flashcards

Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

1
Q

What is the order of the female reproductive tract from anterior to posterior? Please include how many of each structure there are.

A
  1. Ovary (two in mammals, one in avians).
  2. Oviducts (two in mammals, one in avians).
  3. Uterine horns (two w/ exceptions).
  4. Uterine body (one w/ exceptions).
  5. Cervix (one w/exceptions).
  6. Anterior vagina (one).
  7. Posterior vagina/vestibule (one).
  8. Vulva (one).
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2
Q

What is the primordial follicle?

A
  1. A resting oocyte that is surrounded by flattened, simple squamous follicle cells.
  2. Found near the surface of the ovary.
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3
Q

What is a primary follicle?

A

An enlarged oocyte surrounded by a single layer of follicle cells (cuboidal or columnar in the growing follicle, called granulosa cells).

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4
Q

What is a secondary follicle?

A

An oocyte that has attained full size, with a zona pellucida, and 2+ layers of granulosa cells, but without an antrum.

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5
Q

What is a tertiary follicle?

A

Follicle w/ an antrum.

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6
Q

What is the zona pellucida?

A
  1. An acellular layer surrounding the oocyte made of 3 glycoproteins.
  2. Aids in cleavage and fertilization.
  3. Secreted by the oocyte and follicular cells.
  4. Is the target for sterilization and allows the sperm to recognize the oocyte.
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7
Q

What is the corona radiata?

A

A single layer of columnar epithelium that surrounds the oocyte and penetrates the zona pellucida. Aids in providing nutrients for the oocyte and regulating oocyte maturation.

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8
Q

What is the cummulus oophorous?

A
  1. Mass of specialized granulosa cells on which the oocyte sits and is shed with the egg during ovulation.
  2. Aids in fertilization and egg transport.
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9
Q

What is follicular fluid?

A

A fluid secreted by granulosa cells. Similar to blood plasma. Contains elevated levels of steroids, glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), and hyaluronic acid. Aids in ovulation.

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10
Q

What are granulosa cells(membrane granulosa)?

A
  1. These cells multiply rapidly during follicular growth, produce steroids, and secrete follicular fluid.
  2. Produces mostly E2, inhibin, and activin before ovulation.
  3. Forms most of the corpus luteum after ovulation and produces P4.
  4. Former follicular cells.
  5. Analogous to Sertoli cells.
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11
Q

What is the basement membrane?

A

The non-cellular layer that separates the granulosa and the theca interna cells. In normal follicles, the blood vessels do not cross the basement membrane until ovulation.

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12
Q

What is the theca interna?

A

The LH-sensitive endocrine cells that produce androgens (T). Analogous to Leydig cells.

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13
Q

What is the theca externa?

A

The outer layer of connective tissue with doubted endocrine function. Probably plays a role in ovulation. Have blood vessels running through them.

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14
Q

What is the corpus hemorrhagicum?

A

The bloody-appearing structure formed from the freshly ovulated follicle and found for 1-3 days after ovulation. The start of the CL and what is left of the follicle after ovulation.

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15
Q

What is the corpus luteum?

A
  1. The yellow body that acts as an endocrine gland with a limited lifespan that produces P4.
  2. Forms, regardless of pregnancy and stays until either it is signaled to be destroyed or it self destructs (if not destroyed, the animal will not ovulate).
  3. Takes 3-4 cycles to completely regress.
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16
Q

What is the corpus albicans?

A

The pale white-brown-yellow structure that is left when the CL regresses. Is mostly connective tissue with no known function.
Is like a scar.

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17
Q

What is the ovarian bursa?

A
  1. The sac of connective tissue and the ligaments surrounding the ovary.
  2. Poorly developed in the cow and ewe.
  3. Prominent in the sow.
  4. Made up of the mesosalpinx, fimbria, mesovarium, and the infundibulum.
  5. Likely helps ensure that the oviduct picks up the ovulated egg.
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18
Q

What is the infundibulum?

A

The funnel-shaped end of the oviduct that contains fimbria to catch and move an ovulated egg through the ostium and into the ampulla.

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19
Q

What is the ampulla?

A

Comprises about half the length of the oviduct. Is made of highly convoluted and well-developed mucosa with a thin muscularis layer. Has a larger diameter than the isthmus and grades into the isthmus at the ampullary isthmic junction (AIJ).

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20
Q

What is the ampullary isthmic junction(AIJ)?

A

Is the halfway point between the uterus and the ovary where the isthmus and ampulla meet. Where fertilization occurs.

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21
Q

What is the isthmus in mammals?

A
  1. The area between the uterotubal junction and the ampulla that comprises half of the oviduct. Well-developed muscularis.
  2. Transport of sperm to the oocyte or an embryo to the uterus.
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22
Q

What is the uterotubal junction?

A
  1. The transition point between the uterus and the oviduct.
  2. Regulates sperm entering the oviduct.
  3. Opens for embryos only.
  4. Regulates the movement of the embryo to the uterus in mares.
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23
Q

What is the perimetrium?

A
  1. The outermost layer of the uterus/serosa.
  2. Simple squamous epithelium and connective tissue.
  3. Thin and transparent.
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24
Q

What is the myometrium?

A
  1. The layer of the uterus between the peri- and endometrium.
  2. Composed of a thick, circular inner layer and a thin, longitudinal outer layer. Has a noticeable muscular layer.
  3. Functions in all aspects of reproduction.
  4. Contributes to uterine tone or partial contraction.
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25
Q

What is the endometrium?

A
  1. The innermost layer of the uterus or mucosa and submucosa. Contains many simple tubular glands whose secretions create an environment that is conducive to embryo development.
  2. In ewes and cows, this is where the caruncles are found. Caruncles serve as sites of attachments of the cotyledons of the embryo and are the main areas of exchange between the mother and the fetus.
  3. Mucosa (ciliated columnar epithelium for sperm motility).
  4. Secretory cells (columnar and in the tubular glands) secretions increase with increased P4.
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26
Q

What is the mesosalpinx?

A

The mesentery of the oviduct. Support function.

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27
Q

What is the mesovarium?

A

The suspensory ligament of the ovary. Support function.

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28
Q

What is the mesometrium?

A

The suspensory ligament of the uterus. Support function.

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29
Q

What is considered to be the most distinct structure in the uterus?

A

The cervix.

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30
Q

What is the difference between the anterior vagina and the posterior vagina?

A

The tissue type they are made of and the embryonic tissue they are derived from.

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31
Q

What is the only portion of the female reproductive tract that is externally visible?

A

The vulva.

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32
Q

What two structures compose the uterus?

A

The uterine horns and the uterine body.

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33
Q

What is the function of the broad ligament?

A

To hold up all of the reproductive structures, act as a vascular, lymphatic, and nerve supply.

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34
Q

What do well-defined uterine horns and a short uterine body convey?

A

An animal that is multiparous.

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35
Q

What is the structure of the broad ligament?

A

Is a double-layered structure that fuses to the peritoneal cavity.

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36
Q

What is the primary sex organ in females?

A

The ovary. Is also a gland.

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37
Q

What is the endocrine function of the ovary?

A

Release of E2, P4, RXL, Activin, Inhibin, and OT.

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38
Q

What is the exocrine function of the ovary?

A

The release of an oocyte.

39
Q

How big is a ewe’s ovary?

A

About the size of your pinky finger.

40
Q

What is unique about the structure of the mare ovary?

A

It is inverted.

41
Q

Which structure is dominant when a CL and a follicle are on the same ovary?

A

The CL.

42
Q

What is the ovarian medulla?

A

The inner region that contains nerves, lymphatics, vasculature, and dense reg. connective tissue.

43
Q

What is the ovarian cortex/ovarian parenchyma?

A

The outer region that contains endocrine cells, CL, follicles, and CA.

44
Q

What is the ovarian hilus?

A

The base of the ovary that attaches to the mesovarium and serves as a pathway to the ovarian medulla.

45
Q

What is the tunica albuginea in the ovary?

A

A layer of connective tissue surrounding the ovary.

46
Q

What are the parts of the tertiary follicle?

A
  1. Theca externa cells.
  2. Theca interna cells.
  3. Basement membrane.
  4. Granulosa cells.
  5. Cumulus oophorus.
47
Q

What is the cummulus oocyte complex?

A

The combination of the cumulus oophorus and the oocyte. The entire structure is ovulated.

48
Q

What is the antrum?

A

The cavity in the follicle that contains follicular fluid.

49
Q

What is a Graafian follicle?

A

The largest antral follicle and the follicle that will be ovulated.

50
Q

What were large luteal cells previously?

A

Granulosa cells.

51
Q

What were small luteal cells previously?

A

Theca interna cells.

52
Q

True or False: You can superovulate a horse.

A

False.

53
Q

Where do mares ovulate from?

A

The ovulation fossa.

54
Q

Where do cows, sows, ewes, and humans ovulate from?

A

Anywhere on the ovary.

55
Q

What is the function of the oviduct?

A
  1. Gamete transport (sperm and oocyte).
  2. Supports early embryo development.
  3. Transports the embryo to the uterus. The process takes 5+ days in most species.
56
Q

How could the process of ciliation and deciliation in the oviduct be described?

A

Continuous and dependent on the hormone environment.

57
Q

As the levels of E2 and P4 in the oviduct increase and decrease, respectively, what happens to the cilia?

A

More cilia are formed.

58
Q

As the levels of P4 and E2 in the oviduct increase and decrease, respectively, what happens to the cilia?

A

Less cilia are formed.

59
Q

If sperm reach the oviduct before the oocyte, what do the sperm do?

A

The sperm will wait in the cilia.

60
Q

What are the functions of the uterus?

A
  1. Muscular contractions (transport sperm, the expulsion of the fetus and placenta).
  2. Phagocytosis and absorption (Clear away excess sperm and other fluids).
  3. Partially prepares sperm for fertilization (capacitation or changing the membrane to allow for fertility).
  4. Hormone production of PGF2alpha.
  5. Provides an environment for embryo and fetal growth.
61
Q

What are the characteristics of the duplex uterus?

A
  1. 2 Cervices.
  2. Two separate uterine horns.
  3. No uterine body.
    ex: Marsupials and rabbits.
62
Q

What are the characteristics of the bicornuate/bipartite uterus?

A
  1. Primary type found in domestic animals.
  2. The horn-to-body size ratio depends on the degree of fusion during embryonic development.
  3. Mare (Small uterine horns, small uterine body), cow (moderately developed uterine horns, small uterine body), and ewes.
  4. Bitch, queen, and sow all have highly developed uterine horns because they are litter bearers.
63
Q

What are the characteristics of the simplex uterus?

A
  1. Large uterine body.
  2. No uterine horns.
  3. High degree of fusion.
    ex: Primates (human and non-human).
64
Q

What is the perimetrium?

A
  1. The serosa.
  2. Simple squamous epithelium and connective tissue.
  3. Thin and transparent.
65
Q

What are caruncles?

A
  1. Highly vascularized, raised button-like structures in the uterine mucosa of ruminants.
  2. Where the placenta attaches.
66
Q

What is the placentome?

A

The structure that forms when the fetal cotyledon fuses with the maternal caruncle.

67
Q

What is the intercaruncular emdometrium?

A

The smooth area between the caruncles that allows the placenta to slide through.

68
Q

What are the endometrial folds?

A

The folds in the uterus of the sow and mare that swell with fluid during estrus. It looks like a wagon wheel on ultrasound.

69
Q

What are the functions of the cervix?

A
  1. Transport sperm in most species.
  2. Barrier to sperm(species dependent) and sperm selection or separating motile and non-motile sperm.
  3. Reservoir for sperm.
  4. Blocking bacterial invasion during pregnancy (tightens up and generates a mucus plug).
  5. Acts as part of the birth canal (expands/dilates during parturition).
70
Q

What is the composition of the cervix?

A

Some smooth muscle, but mostly cartilage and connective tissue.

71
Q

When is mucus secreted?

A

Near breeding and ovulation.

72
Q

Where does the external cervical os lead?

A

The vagina.

73
Q

Where does the internal cervical os lead?

A

The uterine body.

74
Q

What is the fornix?

A

The part of the vagina that acts as a pocket between the vagina and where the cervix protrudes.

75
Q

Why is the mare easy to AI?

A

The cervix has longitudinal folds.

76
Q

Why is the sow easy to AI?

A

The cervix has no fornix.

77
Q

What are the functions of the vagina?

A
  1. Birth canal (already flexible).
  2. Copulatory organ.
  3. Glands secrete lubricant.
  4. Glands secrete pheromones.
78
Q

What are pheromones?

A

Hormone-like chemicals that are volatile (evaporate) and used to signal to other individuals.

79
Q

What is the structure and function of the anterior vagina?

A
  1. More mucoid, less muscular, and columnar epithelium.
  2. Sperm deposition in most species and sperm transport.
80
Q

What is the structure and function of the posterior vagina?

A
  1. Protective and keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
  2. More defined in the mare.
  3. Copulatory.
  4. Urine.
  5. Barrier against microorganisms
81
Q

What is the labia?

A

Closes the entrance to the vagina.

82
Q

What is the clitoris?

A

Female sensory organ.

83
Q

What is the order of the female avian reproductive tract from inside to outside?

A
  1. Ovary.
  2. Infundibulum.
  3. Magnum.
  4. Isthmus.
  5. Uterus/shell gland.
  6. Vagina.
  7. Cloaca.
84
Q

What does the ovary produce in the female avian reproductive tract?

A

The yolk by hierarchical development of the follicles.

85
Q

How often do female chickens ovulate?

A

Every 24 hours.

86
Q

What oviduct of the chicken is functional?

A

The left.

87
Q

What is the infundibulum’s function in avians?

A

Catch the ovulated yolk.

88
Q

What is the function of the magnum?

A

Adds albumin (a white protein).

89
Q

What does the isthmus do in avians?

A

Adds the shell membrane.

90
Q

What does the uterus/shell gland produce?

A

Adds calcium to the egg membrane and performs water absorption.

91
Q

What is the cloaca?

A

The common opening for the intestinal and reproductive tract.

92
Q

How long does sperm survive in female mammals?

A

Roughly 2-3 days.

93
Q

How long does sperm survive in the female avian?

A

2-15 weeks. Have sperm storage tubules in the uterovaginal junction and infundibulum.

94
Q

What does avian sperm contain more of than mammal sperm?

A

More lipid droplets.

ANS 327: Reproductive Physiology (23 decks)

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