L33. Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Internal genitalia
- ovaries
- uterine tubes
- uterus
- cervix
- vagina
External genitalia
Vulva:
- clitoris
- labia majora
- labia minora
- mammary glands
Ovaries
- female gonads, primary sex organs
- a pair of almond-shaped structures, flank the uterus bilaterally
FUNCTION:
- produce sex hormones and gametes (egg, oocyte, ovem)
- OVARIAN FOLLICLES
> enclose oocytes
- CORPUS LUTEUM
> remnant of mature follicle after ovulation
> produces estrogen and progesterone
Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes or oviducts)
- a canal extending from ovary to uterus
FUNCTION:
- convey oocyte from ovary to uterus
- site of fertilisation
- smooth muscle (peristalsis)
- ciliated lining
Uterus (womb)
- thick muscular chamber > fundus > corpus (body) > cervix - tilts anteriorly ans superiorly over the urinary bladder - collapsed in non-pregnancy - held in position by ligaments
FUNCTION:
- transport of sperm
- menstruation
- implantation of a fertilised egg
- development of a foetus during pregnancy (habour and nourish)
- contract during labour
Layers of the uterine wall
Uterine wall has 3 layers: PERIMETRIUM - outermost layer - becomes the broad ligament - covers urinary bladder and rectum MYOMETRIUM - middle muscular layer (thickest layer) - contracts to expel baby during childbirth ENDOMETRIUM - innermost layer - highly vascularised > stratum functionalis > stratum basalis
Uterus- endometrium
STRATUM FUNCTIONALIS (functional layer)
- this layer is thickened each month, full of nutrients, preparation for implantation
- sloughed off if no pregnancy occurs, giving rise to menstrual flow
STRATUM BASALIS (basal layer)
- permanent layer that stays behind after menstruation
- becomes a new stratum functionalis
- another stratum basalis regenerates underneath
Cervix
- connects the uterus to the vagina
- secretory cells produce cervical mucous
> when thin- more receptive to sperm (around ovulation)
> when thick- forms cervical plug that physically stops sperm penetration (no egg present) - cervical plug also prevents bacteria entering uterus
Function of cervix and mucous
- sperm reservoir
- protect sperm from the hostile environment of the vagina (acidic)
- protect sperm from phagocytes
- plays role in capacitation (when sperm undergoes changes in female reproductive tract before it can fertilise the oocyte ~10 hours
Vagina (birth canal)
- ~ 8-10cm long tube extending from cervix to the body exterior
- tilts dorsally, between urethra and rectum
- vaginal walls thin, but very distensible (stretchy)
- presence of vaginal rugae (transverse friction ridges/ folds)
> important in sexual intercourse and birth
FUNCTION:
- discharge of menstrual flow
- receipt of penis an semen
- passage for birth of infant
Vagina
- vagina mucosa of an adult is made of stratified squamous epithelium (child is made of cuboidal epithelium
- large stores of glycogen in the vagina which resident bacteria break down into acids, creating an acidic environment (pH ~ 3.5-4)
Vulva
- mons pubis
- labia majora
- labia minora
- cliteris
- vestibule
Breasts
- two mounds of tissue that overlie the pectoralis majoe muscle
AREOLA - circular coloured zone around the nipple
- darker during pregnancy and feeding
- areolar glands
NIPPLE - erect for feeding
FUNCTION:
- provide milk to nourish infant
Breasts (during pregnancy)
- developed during puberty, remains for life
- the non-lactating breast is mainly composed of collagen and adipose tissue
- during pregnany, mammary glands develop and remain until lactation ceases
- after breast-feeding stops, mammary glands atrophy
Mammary glands
- are modified sudoriferous (sweat) glands
- ALVEOLI/ ACINI
> milk secreting glands (initially secretes colostrum)
> clustered in small compartments within the breast, all drawn towards the nipple
BREAST FEEDING: - synthesis of milk (prolactin)
- secretion and ejection of milk (oxytocin)
