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
what is the position of hte uterus
-Anteverted (anteflexion): inclined forward (normal position)
-Retroverted (retroflexion): inclined backward
what are the three layers of the uterus
- perimetrium (serosa)
- myometrium
- endometrium
what is the perimetrium (uterus layer)
outermost layer, visceral peritoneum; Covers fundus and posterior surface of uterine body and isthmus
what is the myometrium (uterus layer)
thick middle layer, made of 3 layers of smooth muscle – Longitudinal, circular and oblique → provides force to move fetus into vagina
what is the endometrium (uterus layer)
inner layer; many glandular and vascular tissues; Has 2 principal layers → endometrial changes
a) Stratum functionalis (functional layer) – shed each month during menstruation
b) Stratum basalis – permanent and gives rise to a new stratum functionalis after each menstruation
what is the cervix
-inferior narrow end of uterus
-canal connects uterine body to vagina
-passageway for fluids, serves as birht canal
describe the cervical mucus
-Produced by secretory cells; Contains H2O, lipids, enzymes, glycoproteins, inorganic salts
-Chemically more hospitable to sperm during ovulation (midcycle) b/c it is less viscous and more alkaline; Other period of cycle – blocks sperm entry
-It helps nourish sperm, and aid in sperm capacitation
describe the vagina
-elastic, highly distensible, muscular tube lined with mucus
-extends from cervix to vestibule (body’s exterior); 7.5-9 cm long
what are the 3 main functions of the vagina
- birth canal
- passageway for menstrual flow
- organ of copulation: receives penis and sperm
what is the hymen
-Thin vascularized mucous membrane formed by mucosa near vaginal orifice
-Partially blocks vaginal entrance; ruptures with intercourse, tampon use, pelvic examination, or physical activity
what is the vaginal fornix
upper end of vagina surrounding cervix
what are the bulbospongiosus muscles (the vagina)
Two muscles, extend along either side of vaginal entrance
-Contractions constrict vagina
-Cover bulb of vestibule: Mass of erectile tissue on each side & Same embryonic origins as corpus spongiosum of penis
describe the vaginal wall
-Contains network of blood vessels and layers of smooth muscle
-Moistened by: Secretions of cervical glands & Water movement across permeable epithelium
describe vaginal epithelium
-nonkeratinized stratified squamous
-forms folds (rugae)
describe the vaginal lamina propria
-thick and elastic
-contains small blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes
what do the resident microbes do in the vagina
there are harmless resident bacteria in vagina
-supported by nutrients in cervical mucus
-create acidic environment
-restrict growth of many pathogens
what does the vulva (external genitalia or pudendum) include
mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, clitoris, greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) glands, bulbs of the vestibule,
what is the mons pubis
fatty area, overlies pubic symphysis
what is the labia majora
hair-covered, fatty skin folds, covers inner structures
what is the labia minora
skin folds lying within labia majora
what is the vestibule
contreal space bound by labia minora; covered with smooth hairless skin; urethra opens into vestibule; anterior to vaginal entrance
describe the clitoris
small projection anterior to vestibule
-erectile tissue: corpora cavernosa of clitoris forms body
-glans: exposed portion
-prepuce: hoods glans
-crus: holds clitoris to pubic ramus on either side
what is the greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) glands
flank vaginal opening; release mucus into vestibule for lubrication
what are hte bulbs of the vestibule
on either sife of orfice
-2 masses of erectile tissues that engorge with blood during arousal
-narrows vaginal orfice applying pressure to penis
describe male vs. female reproductive structures (review slide 30)
female: ovaries, ovem, labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, clitoris, paraurethral glands, greater vestibular glands
male: testes, sperm cell, scrotum, spongy urethra, intermediate urethra, corpus spongiosum penis and bulb of penis, glans penis and corpora cavernosa, prostate, bubourethral glands
describe the mammary glands- breasts
-Present in both male and female, normally function only in female
-Modified sweat glands consisting of 15–25 lobes
-Lobules within lobes contain glandular alveoli that produce milk
-Milk passes into lactiferous duct → lactiferous sinuses → nipple → outside
what is the areola (breast)
pigmented skin surrouding nipple
what are the suspensory ligaments (breast)
attach breast to underlying muscle
-In non-nursing women, glandular structure is undeveloped
-Breast size is due to amount of fat deposits
what is the main function of the mammmary glnads (breasts)
milk production to nourish newborn; sexual pleasure
review slide 33
what is an etopic pregnancy
when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it won’t develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues
what are ovarian cysts
a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside an ovary
what is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
what is vaginitis
inflammation of the vagina
