Lecture 19: Female Reproductive System Flashcards
5 major functions of the female reproductive system
- Exocrine - production of the female gametes
- Endocrine - production of female sex hormones
- Reception of male gametes and provision of a suitable environment for fertilization
- Provision of a suitable environment for fetal development
- Nutrition of the newborn
Two major functions of the ovaries
- Produce the female gametes
2. Produce the sex hormones
Two basic structures of ovaries
- Cortex - broad peripheral zone containing follicles in various stages of development
- Medulla - contains connective tissue, nerves, blood, and lymph vessels
Ovary cortex is lined by
Low cuboidal epithelium
Underneath the epithelium of the ovarian cortex is
A layer of connective tissue called the tunica albuginea
Folliculogenesis
Continuous process throughout reproductive life whereby primordial follicles undergo maturation during each reproductive cycle
Follicular growth and maturation is dependent on
Follicular stimulating hormone from the adenohypophysis
Luteinizing hormone is important for
estrogen synthesis and ovulation
Primordial follicle primary oocyte
- Enclosed by flattened simple squamous follicular cells that rest on the basal lamina
- Retained in a resting stage from the time they formed in the fetal ovary
Primary follicle primary oocyte
Enclosed by a simple cuboidal layer of follicular cells
Oocyte is larger than that found in a primordial follicle
Secondary follicle primary oocyte
Enclosed by several layers of follicular cells
Follicular cells proliferate through mitosis and are called granulosa cells
When follicular cells proliferate through mitosis, they are called
granulosa cells
Zona pellucida
Glycoprotein layer loacted at the interphase between the oocyte and granulosa cells
Theca cells
Large, pale staining spindle-shaped cells that have the morphology of steroid producing/metabolizing cells
Granulosa cells
Acquire receptors for follicle stimulating hormone
(Tertiary follicles) As follicle becomes larger, what appears?
Small liquid-filled areas appear between the granulosa cells (Antrum)
Fluid inside antrum of tertiary follicles is called
liquor folliculi
Majority of follicles degenerate through
atresia
In follicular atresia, the oocyte, zona pellucida, and follicular cells
degenerate and are absorbed
During follicular atresia, the basal lamina of the granula cells
becomes hyalinized (glassy membrane)
In follicular atresia, the theca interna cells
blend back in with the stroma
During follicular atresia in the queen, bitch, and rodents, the theca interna cells
may persists as interstitial endocrine cells
Describe the development of the corpus luteum
- After ovulation, the blood flows into the antrum and thre ruptured follicle becomes the corpus hemorrhagicum
- Capillaries from the stroma invade the collapsed follicle and convert it into a temporary endocrine organ called the corpus luteum
Luteinization
The process by which the granulosa and theca cells transform into luteal cells (hypertrophy and hyperplasia)