Histo- Females Flashcards
what are the 2 main components of the female reproductive system?
Ovaries
Accessory structures
what is the main role of the ovaries?
produce germ cells
what are the accessory structures of the reproductive system
- External organs (labia, clitoris, external orifices)
- Internal organs (vagina, uterus, uterine tubes)
what is the endocrine function of the ovaries?
produce estrogen, progesterone
what effects does estrogen have?
Promotes:
- growth of external sex organs
- promote cyclic changes in uterine mucosa
- develop secondary female sex characteristics
what is the role of progesterone?
prepare internal sex organs (primarily uterus) for pregnancy
what is the exocrine function of the ovaries?
- produce the female gamete
- specifically the ovaries produce and ovulate a secondary oocyte.
what are the 2 main regions of an ovary?
medullary and cortical regions
where are ovarian follicles found?
within the cortex of the ovaries
what are ovarian follicles composed of?
an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells
three basic types of ovarian follicles:
1) Primordial follicles
2) Growing follicles
a) Primary follicles
b) Secondary (Antral) follicles
3) Mature or Graafian follicles
when are ovarian follicles produced?
3rd month of life
when does the primary oocyte go thru another series of mitosis?
3rd month of life
what is the Tunica albuginea?
connective tissue surrounding the ovaries
what releases follicle stimulating hormone?
the pituitary gland
what is the zona pelludica?
- outer covering of primary follicle
- Created by oocyte itself
- It’s a release of glycoprotein’s
what is the stratum granulosum?
thickening of follicular cells
-found immediately exterior to zona pelludica
what is the Theca folliculi (or the follicular theca)?
sheath of connective tissue cells that develop from the stromal cells surrounding the developing follicle.
what are the 2 parts of the theca folliculi?
Theca interna and externa
Theca interna
cuboidal secretory cells; in response to LH
*** these cells synthesize and secrete androgens
theca externa
– fibrous outer portion;
*smooth muscle cells
also have fibroblast, and bundles of collagen
what is the antral?
collection of follicular fluid
where is the corona radials found?
surrounding oocyte in secondary follicles
what is another name for mature follicles?
Graafian follicles