Female reproductive tract lecture four Flashcards
What are the female reproductive organs?
Ovaries Uterine tubes Uterus Vagina Mammary gland's
Whats the function of the ovaries?
To produce secondary Oocytes and hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
What is the function of the uterine tubes?
Transport of secondary oocyte to the uterus and is normally the site where fertilisation occurs.
What is the function of the uterus?
Site of implantation of the fertilised ovum, development of the foetus during pregnancy and labour.
What is the function of the vagina?
Receives the penis during sexual intercourse and forms the lower birth canal. + passageway for mensturation
What is the function of the mammary glands?
Synthesise, secrete and eject milk for nourishment of the newborn
Describe the human ovary?
Small paired organs located near the lateral wall of the pelvic cavity. Flattened oval that weighs 5-10g
Describe the structure of the ovary:
Divided into there distinct regions:
1) Outer ovarian cortex
2) Central ovarian medulla
3) Inner hilum.
What is the function of the outer ovarian cortex?
Contains developing follicles
What is the function of the central ovarian medulla?
Consists of ovarian stroma and cells with steroid producing characteristics.
What is the function of the ovarian inner hilum?
Acts as a point of entry for the nerves and blood vessels.
What covers the ovary?
A single layer of cuboidal epithelium called the germinal (surface) epithelium.
The entire ovary is also covered by a dense connective tissue called the tunica albuginea
What holds the ovaries in place?
The ovary is suspended by ligaments in the pelvic girdle.
What are the ligaments of the ovary?
Broad ligament
Ovarian ligament
Suspensory ligament
What is the dual function of the suspensory ligament?
The major blood vessels of the ovary travel within the suspensory ligament.
Why must the ovary be suspended by ligaments?
To keep the ovary in place so that the uterine tubes fimbriae can collect the released follicles.
Describe the uterine tube:
Hollow muscular tube made up of three distinct regions. Measuring 13cm.
What are the regions of the uterine tube:
The infundibulum
The ampulla
The isthmus
What is the function of the uterine tube infundibulum?
- The end closest to the ovary, forms an expanded funnel.
- Numerous projections (fimbriae), that have cilia which beat and sweep the ejected follicle into the uterine tube.
What is the function of the uterine tube ampulla?
The intermediate part of tube with increasing muscular thickness. (a combination of cilia beating and peristaltic contractions to move the follicle)
Fertilisation typically occurs here.
What is the function of the uterine tube isthmus?
Continuous with the intramural portion of the uterus. No real function of note.