Lecture 2

Question 1

Female - Function

Answer 1

Make ova

House ova until ovulation

Provide environment for ovum and sperm to meet

House and nurture developing fetus through birth

Provide nutrition for baby for limited period following birth

Question 2

Female Structures

Answer 2

Ovaries (2)

Fallopian tubes (oviducts) (2)

Uterus (1)

Vagina (1)

Labia (2 sets – major & minor = Vulva)

Clitoris (1)

Question 3

Female Reproductive Tract is Specialized to Transport the Ovum and Sperm to Meet…

Answer 3

Oviduct
 Ovum transport
 Site of fertilization
 Uterus
 Site of implantation
 Vagina
 Depository for sperm 	and semen
 Exit for unnecessary 	fluids, etc.
 Birth canal

Question 4

Gonads and Gametes

Answer 4

Gonads
Testes and Ovaries

Gametes
Sperm and Ova

Question 5

Ovaries (2)

Answer 5

Functions
 produce ova
 house follicles
 produce hormones
estrogen
progesterone

Question 6

Ovary

Answer 6

Follicle = an oocyte with surrounding support cells and associated structures

Question 7

Follicle Stages

Answer 7

Primordial = oocyte with single layer of support cells
Primary = oocyte with multiple layers of support cells
Secondary = oocyte with multiple layers of support cells and an antrum (space, pl.= antra) filled with follicular fluid

NOTE: all oocytes are PRIMARY OOCYTES while still in the ovary.

Question 8

Ovary with Corpus Luteum

Answer 8

Follicle cells support the oocyte and secrete hormones, primarily estrogen.

Following ovulation, the release of the oocyte (ovum) from the ovary, the follicle cells convert to a Corpus Luteum (pl. corpora lutea).

Corpora Lutea are endocrine glands, secreting progesterone and estrogen.

Question 9

Fallopian Tube Histology

Answer 9

Fallopian tubes are transport conduits.

  pull in ova following ovulation 
  transport ova toward uterus
  transport sperm toward ova
  provide site for fertilization
  transport zygotes to uterus

Question 10

Female Reproductive Tract is Specialized to House the Developing Embryo/Fetus until Birth

Answer 10

Myometrium
smooth muscle

Endometrium
vascular, nutritional layer

Question 11

Tissue Specializations of Uterus

Answer 11

Endometrium includes decidua

Myometrium = three, thick, smooth muscle layers – 3 directions

Question 12

Female External Structures

Answer 12

Clitoris

Vulva
Labia majora (outer lips)
Labia minora (inner lips)

Question 13

Entrance to the Vagina

Answer 13

Hymen = membranous covering of vestibule
Vestibule = space outside of orifice (entrance) of vagina