Lecture 16: The Female Reproductive System Flashcards
what is internal and external genitalia
-Internal Genitalia – within pelvic cavity; include ovaries and duct system
(uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina)
-External Genitalia (Vulva) – external sex organs
what are the ovaries
Paired organs homologous to testes, close to lateral walls of pelvic cavity
-Produce gametes and hormones (progesterone, estrogens, inhibin, relaxin)
describe the ovaries strong support system
-ovarian ligament: hold ovaries medial to uterus
-broad ligament (2 parts); suspensory ligament: hold ovaries laterally & mesovarium: hold ovaries to suspensory ligament
describe the blood supply of the ovaries
-Ovarian arteries and veins
-Travel through suspensory ligament and mesovarium
-Entry portal: Ovarian hilum
-Point of attachment with mesovarium
what are the primary functions of the ovaries
-Oogenesis
-Secretion sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone)
-Secretion of inhibin (feedback control of pituitary FSH)
what do the ovaries consist of
-visceral peritoneum
-stroma
-ovarian follicles
-corpus luteum
describe the visceral peritoneum of the ovaries
-Mesothelium (Germinal epithelium): covers ovarian surface; columnar epithelial
cells
-Tunica albuginea: capsule of dense irregular CT below the mesothelium, Columnar epithelial cells
describe the stroma of the ovaries
interior tissues of the ovary
-ovarian cortex: underneath tunica albuginea; consists of ovarian follicles and stroma cells; site of oogenesis
-ovarian medulla: CT, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves
describe the ovarian follicles of the ovaries
-Saclike structures; contain oocytes (immature eggs) in various stages of development, follicular cells, and granulosa cells
-A mature (graafian) follicle ruptures and expel the secondary oocyte every
month → ovulation
function of estrogen
function of progesterone
describe the corpus luteum of the ovaries
-yellow mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissues
-develops after ovulation with the empty follicle produces progesterone, estrogens, inhibin, and relaxin
what is the female duct (tube) system
Tube system comprises uterine tubes, uterus and vagina
describe the uterine tubes (fallopian tubes or oviducts)
-Two uterine tubes, extend from superior region of uterus to an area of ovary
-Pathway for sperm to reach ovum, and for secondary oocytes and fertilized ova to travel to the uterus
-No direct contact with ovaries; ovulated oocyte is released into peritoneal cavity, where some oocytes never make it to tube system
describe the three segments of the uterine tubes
- Infundibulum – end funnel-shaped, expanded part near ovary
* Fimbriae – project into pelvic cavity; inner ciliated surface - Ampulla – middle, widest portion, ½ of tube
* Usual site of fertilization - Isthmus – narrow medial third, empties into superolateral region of uterus
* Support – mesosalpinx
describe the oocytes capture during ovulation
-Fimbriae: stiffen and sweep ovarian surface creating current to carry oocyte into tube
-Peristalsis and ciliary action: smooth muscle, and ciliated cells
-Peg cells: non-ciliated cells, nourish oocyte and sperm, fluid also helps in sperm
capacitation
dewscribe the condition for fertilization to occur
-for fertilization to occur: secondary oocyte must meet sperm within first 12-24 hours
-fertilization typically occurs near boundary between ampulla and isthmus
what is the histology of the uterine tube
-Epithelium lining uterine tube: Ciliated columnar epithelial cells & Scattered mucin-secreting cells
-Mucosa is surrounded by concentric layers of smooth muscle
what is the uterus (womb)
-Pathway for sperm deposited in vagina to reach uterine tube
-Site of implantation
-Receive, retain, and nourish fertilized ovum
-Provides for developing embryo (wks 1–8) and fetus (wk 9 through delivery)
* Mechanical protection
* Nutritional support
* Waste removal
what are the regions of the uterus
-Fundus: rounded superior part
-Body: central, major part
-Isthmus: narrow inferior part b/w body and cervix
-Cervix: inferior extension from isthmus to vagina
-Cervical canal: constricted passageway
Communicates with:
- Uterine body – internal os
- Vagina – external os→ leads into cervical canal
describe the supports of the uterus
-Mesometrium: lateral support of broad ligament
-Cardinal ligaments: cervix and superior vagina to pelvic lateral walls; prevents inferior movement
-Uterosacral ligaments: secure uterus to sacrum; prevents inferior – anterior movement
-Round ligaments: bind uterus to anterior wall; prevents posterior movement
what are peritoneal pouches
-Blind-ended structures due to undulating course
of peritoneum
-Vesico-uterine pouch – b/w bladder and uterus
-Recto-uterine pouch – b/w rectum and uterus