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