M3: Female Reproductive System Flashcards
PURPOSE OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
- Receives sperm from the male reproductive system.
- Produces eggs (ova) for fertilization.
- Provides a site for fertilized eggs to develop into a fetus.
- Produces hormones that regulate sexual maturity and the development of secondary sex characteristics.
External organs:
- Mons pubis
- Clitoris
- Urethral opening
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Hymen
- Vaginal Opening
Internal organs:
- Fallopian tube
- Ovary
- Uterus
- Cervis
- Vagina
The anterior pituitary gland releases ______________ and _____________, which stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. These ovarian hormones then regulate the uterus.
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ; luteinizing hormone (LH)
Additionally, ovarian hormones provide feedback control by inhibiting the anterior ______________ to maintain hormonal balance.
pituitary gland
Small, almond-shaped organs in the pelvic cavity.
OVARY
Ovary arise from the same embryonic tissue as testes. Making testes and ovaries __________.
homologous
Similar to testes, it produces gametes (ova,
singular: ovum) and hormones (_________ and _________)
estrogens and progesterone
_________ occurs via meiosis, producing only one viable ovum per meiotic event.
Oogenesis
Oogenesis begins _________, containing all ova a woman will produce.
before female birth
Ova are found in the _________________, surrounded by the ovarian cortex.
ovarian germinal epithelium
At birth, each ovary may contain from ________ to ________ cells.
200,000 to 2 million
Primary oocytes undergo _______, leaving approximately 150,000 to 200,000 by puberty, or about 300,000 to 400,000 in both ovaries.
atresia
reabsorption of immature ova prior to birth.
Atresia
Only 400 or so of these mature to ovulation during a woman’s reproductive lifetime.
primary oocytes
EGG FORMATION
OOGENESIS
Primary oocytes are surrounded by a group of ___________, which develop alongside the oocyte.
follicular cells
Primary follicles have _________, producing a gel-like layer.
1-7 layers
Hormones from the anterior pituitary gland stimulate the maturation of these cells into ____________ and _____________.
secondary follicles and mature Graafian follicles
During ovulation, the secondary oocyte is released into the _____________.
pelvic cavity
________ completes meiosis to form an ovum
Fertilization
The ________ egg is short-lived, remaining viable for about 24 hours.
ovulated
The immature egg is either fertilized by sperm within 24 hours or degenerates during the next ______________
menstrual cycle
Once the oocyte is ovulated, it will be transported to the uterine tubes using its finger-like ________.
fimbriae
It is able to pick up the egg by rhythmically swaying in tune to the hormonal signals of ovulation, this creates a current that sucks in the oocyte.
UTERINE TUBES
The inner linings of the tube are wrapped
with _____________, allowing the oocyte to enter the uterus.
ciliated epithelium
The oocyte is only viable for fertilization for
about ________.
24 hours
When fertilized, the eggs only travel on the _________ of the uterine tubes.
upper one-third
It takes the oocyte 6-7 days to reach the
uterus, during this time, it
starts to degenerate unless it is fertilized.
OVULATION
uterus has three layers:
- endometrium
- myometrium
- perimetrium
The outer covering of the uterus.
Perimetrium
The middle layer composed of smooth muscle.
Myometrium
The innermost layer
Endometrium
Thickens and sheds every 28 days or in
response to hormone levels, resulting in the menstrual flow.
Endometrium
It does this in anticipation of receiving an
embryo.
Endometrium
The part that opens into the vagina
CERVIX
Produces a mucus that provides a good environment for then sperm during ovulation
CERVIX
But when no egg is present, the mucus becomes thick and unaccepting of sperm, resulting in a ___________
cervical mucus plug
It is a complex process wherein fertilization
must occur within a window of time to be followed by implantation shortly after
PREGNANCY
The developing embryo must come in contact with the _____________ in order to digest its way into the tissue. This process triggers the formation of the
_______________
endometrial tissue ; placental tissues
A disease where endometrial tissue appears in the uterine tubes and on the external upper surface of the uterus and sometimes on the urinary bladder.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
During menstruation, tissue is trapped in the abdominal cavity, leading to increased abdominal cramps and pain.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
Can lead to _____________ where
implantation occurs outside the uterus.
ectopic pregnancies
Removal of the uterus to treat certain conditions affiliated with it
HYSTERECTOMY
Treats uterine cancer, severe cramping during the menstrual cycle, endometriosis, and uterine prolapse.
HYSTERECTOMY
_____ is usually recommended to those that undergo this surgical procedure in order to prevent postmenopausal symptoms.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
VAGINA FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE
- Connects the uterus with the external environment.
- Serves as penis receptacle, menstrual outlet, and birth canal.
- 10 cm-long muscular tube lined with mucous membrane.
- Walls feature transverse folds for expansion.
- Acids are inhospitable to sperm and kill them unless buffered.
6, Changes in cervical mucus during ovulation and seminal vesicle fluids aid
sperm survival and egg reach.
Collectively known as the vulva.
FEMALE EXTERNAL GENITALIA
The most sensitive area is the
_______.
clitoris
“Small tuft of erectile tissue”
clitoris
Homologous to the male glans penis.
clitoris
Plays a role in sexual stimulation.
clitoris
External urethral orifice located between the _______ and _______.
clitoris and vaginal orifice
TRUE or FALSE
Urinary and reproductive systems are separated in females.
TRUE
________, named after the Greek god of marriage, part of external genitalia—not part of the vagina.
Hymen
A thin fold of mucous membrane that partially covers the vaginal orifice.
Hymen
Usually torn by physical activity, especially sexual intercourse.
Hymen
Modified Sweat Glands
MAMMARY GLANDS
Part of the integumentary system or skin
MAMMARY GLANDS
Respond to estrogen and prolactin.
- Depositing subcutaneous fat
- Enlarging duct system
- Producing milk, not sweat
MAMMARY GLANDS
Modified sweat glands located above the ____________.
pectoralis major muscles
Supported by ligaments and adipose tissue.
MAMMARY GLANDS
Composed of lactiferous ducts that are connected to lactiferous sinuses.
MAMMARY GLANDS
Milk is produced in ___________, stored in sinuses, and passed out via ducts.
gland lobules
Milk swells during the last weeks of pregnancy due to the ___________ hormone, made by the anterior pituitary gland.
prolactin (PRL)
When milk is formed, it is released from the gland in response to ________.
oxytocin
TRUE or FALSE
Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary gland during “the let-down” reflex or the mother’s thoughts about nursing.
TRUE
THE FEMALE ORGASM
- AROUSAL
- PLATEAU PHASE
- ORGASM
- RESOLUTION PHASE
During _________, blood flow to the clitoris increases, glandular secretions facilitate lubrication, and heart rate and blood pressure rise.
AROUSAL
As excitement builds, the body enters a ___________, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
PLATEAU PHASE
the rhythmic contractions of pelvic muscles and an intense wave of pleasure, signaling the end of the plateau phase.
ORGASM
return of heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to pre-arousal levels.
RESOLUTION PHASE
Two separate cycles are occurring at once in females:
THE OVARIAN AND UTERINE CYCLE
which cause the cyclic menstrual flow of the postpubescent female
THE OVARIAN AND UTERINE CYCLE
These cycles are controlled by hormones from the ____________ (FSH and LH) and the _________ (estrogen and progesterone).
anterior pituitary gland ; ovaries
The cycle begins with the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle, during which the anterior pituitary gland releases Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones stimulate ovarian follicles to grow and mature, with one dominant follicle eventually preparing to release an egg.
STAGE 1: IN THE OVARY
As the follicles develop in the ovary, they produce estrogen, which triggers the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle. During this phase, the uterine lining (endometrium) thickens, preparing for potential egg implantation.
STAGE 1: IN THE UTERUS
When estrogen levels peak, the anterior pituitary releases Luteinizing Hormone (LH). This triggers ovulation of the ovarian cycle, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. The egg then travels into the fallopian tube, where it waits for possible fertilization by sperm.
STAGE 2: IN THE OVARY
After ovulation, the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle begins, during which the ruptured follicle in the ovary transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone maintains the thickened uterine lining in case a fertilized egg needs to attach.
STAGE 3: IN THE OVARY
In the secretory phase of the uterine cycle, the progesterone stimulates the uterine glands to secrete nutrients, which help nourish the uterine lining and prepare the uterus for implantation.
STAGE 3: IN THE UTERUS
If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down after approximately 14 days, causing estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This hormone drop signals the uterus to shed its lining, resulting in menstruation. With low hormone levels, the anterior pituitary gland releases FSH and LH again, initiating a new cycle.
STAGE 4: IN THE OVARY AND UTERUS
