Mar 6th Flashcards
broad ligament anatomy
- mesovarium (ovaries)
- mesosalpinx (oviducts)
- mesometrium (uterus, cervix)
broad ligament function
- Supports (“hangs”) several anatomical
components of the reproductive tract - Prevents friction
- Houses vascular supply, lymphatics and nerves
What are the ovaries?
Glandular organs that house female gametes within ovarian follicles.
What are the three anatomical layers of the ovary?
- Tunica albuginea – outer connective tissue
- Cortex – houses follicles & corpus luteum
- Medulla – contains blood vessels, lymphatics, & nerves
What are the three main functions of the ovary?
- Oocyte production (oogenesis)
- Ovarian follicle development (folliculogenesis)
- Hormone production (estradiol & progesterone)
what are the oviducts
Dual channels between the ovaries and uterus that transport oocytes, embryos
and spermatozoa
what is the anatomy and function of the oviducts
- Infundibulum
- Capture cumulus-oocyte complex - Ampulla
- Site of fertilization - Isthmus
- Transport and short-term* storage of sperm
what is the uterus
hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ situated in the pelvic cavity
anatomy of the uterus
- Endometrium
- Myometrium
- Perimetrium
function of the uterus
- Site of embryo implantation & growth
- Sperm transportation
- Responsive to hormones —–> contractions
- Prostaglandin secretion -> luteolysis
what is the cervix
muscular tunnel-like organ located at the lower, narrow end of the uterus
anatomy of the cervix
- Endocervix (monolayer columnar epithelium)
- Ectocervix (stratified squamous epithelium)
- Os
- Cervical folds + crypts*
function of the cervix
- Barrier for uterine protection
- Mucus production
- Non-pregnant: lubrication
—–> facilitate sperm motility - Pregnant: mucous plug –> seal pregnancy
what is the vagina
Elastic, muscular canal of 7 to 10 cm in length that serves as an entrance to
the female reproductive tract.
anatomy of the vagina
- cranial region
- caudal region
function of the vagina
- Copulatory organ
- Birth canal
- Mucus production for lubrication
- Low pH (3.8 – 4.5)–> microenvironment regulation
what is the primary function of the vulva
provides anatomical closure to vagina
how does the vulva help protect the reproductive tract
minimizes entry of foreign materials
what is the clitoris
A highly innervated erectile tissue, homologous to the penis.
what is a mature gamete and gonad in female reproduction
- oocyte (egg)
- ovaries
what are the Two Cycles Occurring Simultaneously
- ovarian cycle
- menstrual cycle
What is the menstrual cycle?
A series of changes in hormone production & uterine structure that make pregnancy possible (uterine cycle).
What is the ovarian cycle?
A series of changes in the ovary, including follicle maturation, ovulation, & corpus luteum formation (folliculogenesis).
What are the two main cycles involved in female reproduction?
The uterine (menstrual) cycle & the ovarian cycle.