Female - Tutorial 7

Question 1

State two functions of the ovaries

Answer 1

• Produce oestrogen and progesterone
• Produce the secondary oocyte and expel it into abdominopelvic cavity (ovulation)

Question 2

Name the structures located in the ovarian cortex and the ovarian medulla

Answer 2

• Ovarian cortex - contains ovarian follicles/oocytes

Ovarian medulla - contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves

Question 3

Name the two sections of the uterine (fallopian) tubes

Answer 3

Ampulla

Isthmus

Question 4

Describe the function of the uterine tubes

Answer 4

To transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus

Question 5

State the usual location in the uterine tubes where fertilisation occurs

Answer 5

• Ampulla

Question 6

State three functions of the uterus

Answer 6

• Route for transport of sperm
• Receives, retains and nourishes the fertilized ovum (now called a blastocyst)
• Muscular wall contracts during labour to expel the foetus

Question 7

Name the three layers of the uterus and describe the function of each layer (state which layer is shed during menstruation and which layer contracts during labour and delivery)

Answer 7

Endometrium
- Innermost functional layer is shed during menstruation
- Basal layer replaces functional layer each month

Myometrium
- 3 layers of smooth muscle which expel the foetus during labour

Perimetrium
External layer that forms part of the visceral peritoneum

Question 8

Describe three functions of the cervix

Answer 8

• When thick forms a cervical plug that physically impedes sperm penetration
• It becomes thin under the influence of oestrogen in mid-cycle allowing sperm to pass through the cervix

Blocks the entry of microorganisms from the vagina

Question 9

Name the hormone that causes the cervical mucus to become thinner
and explain why this happens.

Answer 9

Oestrogen, in mid-cycle allowing sperm to pass through the cervix

Question 10

Explain how cervical cancer can be prevented

Answer 10

• Gardasil, a three dose vaccine, protects against

HPV-induced cancer
The cervical smear test scrapes some of these cells and examines them for abnormalities

Question 11

Describe the location and function of the vagina

Answer 11

Location: lies between urinary bladder and rectum

Function: receptacle for penis, outlet for menstrual flow, passageway for childbirth

Question 12

Name the structures of the vulva (don’t need to label)

Answer 12

• Mons pubis
• Labia Majora
• Labia Minora
  Vestibule

Question 13

State the functions of the Mammary glands

Answer 13

Synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk (lactation)

Question 14

Name the two hormones involved in milk production and secretion

Answer 14

• Prolactin
• Oxytocin

Question 15

Describe the effects of (functions of) these two hormones

Answer 15

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): initiates growth of follicles including: nurture of the developing oocyte, secrete oestrogen from the cells lining the follicle

Luteinizing Hormone (LH): stimulates ovulation and promotes formation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone and some oestrogen

Question 16

There are four phases of the female reproductive cycle (there is an excellent overview table in the textbook and this is also a tutorial exercise)
o Name the four phases and for each phase:

Answer 16

1. Menstruation
   - Occurs from days 1-5, day 1 begins the 28 day cycle
   - Uterus: Low levels of progesterone cause the spiral arteries to constrict, the functional layer of the endometrium dies and causes the bleeding
2. Pre-ovulatory Phase
   • Occurs on days 16-13

• Ovary: development of mature follicle, that enlarges and is ready for release from the ovary, production and release of oestrogen occurs
• Uterus (proliferative phase): creation of new functional layer to develop into the endometrium (with glands and spiral arteries growing into it

3. Ovulation
   
   • Occurs on day 14
   • Surge in LH causes ovulation which is the rupture of the mature follicle and release of the secondary oocyte into the peritoneal cavity.
   • Signs:
   • Increase in basal body temperature
   • Cervical mucus thins and forms channels to allow sperm to pass through it (caused by rising oestrogen levels)
   • Cervix softens
   • Discomfort/pain
   • Once ovulation has occurred the ovarian follicle collapses and forms the corpus luteum (effect of LH), the corpus luteum then secretes progesterone and oestrogen
4. Post ovulatory phase
   
   • Occurs on days 15-28 (most constant timeline which lasts 14 days)
   • Ovary - Corpus luteum secretes oestrogen and progesterone. If secondary oocyte is not fertilized the corpus luteum becomes a corpus albicans (non-functional)
   • Uterus - Oestrogen and progesterone promote thickening of the endometrium (in preparation for receiving the fertilized ovum). If fertilization does not occur menstruation will begin a new cycle

Question 17

Describe the age related changes that occur during puberty and at
menopause

Answer 17

• Menarche - first menstruation
• From late 20’s the ovaries become increasingly responsive to hormonal stimulation and ovarian function gradually declines
• Menopause - cessation of ovulation and menstruation. Occurs over a varying age gap (46-64 years).
  Gradual process of cessation of oestrogen results in the signs and symptoms associated with menopause. Reproductive organs and breasts atrophy, vagina becomes dry, weight gain occurs, loss of bone mass, increase in total blood cholesterol, hot flushes, sweating, irritability and depression.