Reproduction 1

Question 1

What are the functions of the female reproductive system?

Answer 1

-produce haploid gametes
-facilitate fertilisation with spermatozoan
-site of embryo implantation
-provide physical + nutritional needs to nurture neonate after birth

Question 2

Describe the structure of the ovaries

Answer 2

-inner medulla containing blood + lymphatic vessels
-cortex surrounding medulla - outer germinal epithelial layer contains oocytes (eggs) that are enclosed within the follicle

Question 3

What do ovarian follicular cells secrete and what are they used for?

Answer 3

-secrete steroid hormones - granulosa + theca (progesterone)
-for ova development, uterus, breast + bone

Question 4

Describe the structure of the fallopian tubes

Answer 4

-infundibulum with fimbriae capture egg as its released + transport it along the tube
-ampulla (middle section of tube) + isthmus (part that connects to uterus)
-smooth muscle in walls for peristalsis for movement of ova
-highly folded mucosa with ciliated + secretory cells

Question 5

How many layers is the uterine wall made out of and what are they?

Answer 5

-perimetrium
-myometrium
-endometrium

Question 6

Describe the endometrium layer of the uterine wall

Answer 6

-simple columnar epithelial cells with leukocytes + macrophages
-contains lamina propria (cell-rich connective tissue)
-has compound tubular glands
-has spiral arteries

Question 7

Describe the structure of the cervix and its function

Answer 7

-canal that connects the uterus to the vagina
-interior + exterior os act as its margins
-cervical glands that secrete mucus to prevent microbes reaching uterus

Question 8

Describe the structure of the vagina

Answer 8

-made up of 3 layers: adventitia, muscularis, mucosa
-has stratified squamous epithelium that’s rich in glycogen

Question 9

What are the 2 female cycles?

Answer 9

Ovarian + endometrial (menstrual)

Question 10

What is the menstrual cycle driven by?

Answer 10

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA)

Question 11

What do hypothalamic neurons release?

Answer 11

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Question 12

What is the hypophyseal portal system?

Answer 12

It connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary

Question 13

What is found on pituitary endocrine cells (gonadotrophs) and what do they release?

Answer 13

-G protein coupled GnRH receptors on the cells
-release gonadotropins: follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) + luteinising (LH)

Question 14

What do FSH and LH stimulate the ovarian follicular cells to secrete?

Answer 14

-steroid hormones
-theca cells secrete progesterone
-granulosa cells secrete 17beta-oestradiol

Question 15

How is the HPGA controlled?

Answer 15

By +ive and -ive feedback dependent upon the phase

Question 16

What are the 3 phases of HPGA and how are they regulated?

Answer 16

-follicular phase - 17beta-oestradiol has -ive feedback on hypothalamus
-midcycle - oestradiol rises sharply to critical level, causing +ive feedback on GnRH secretion + FSH/LH, triggering ovulation
-luteal phase - progesterone is major hormone of -ive feedback

Question 17

What controls changes to the endometrial cycle?

Answer 17

-12beta-oestradiol
-progesterone

Question 18

Describe cervical mucus in the endometrial cycle

Answer 18

-follicular phase - it’s copious, water + elastic - forms channels to propel sperm
-secretory phase - mucus becomes thick due to decrease in progesterone

Question 19

Describe the proliferation phase of the endometrial cycle

Answer 19

-secretion of 17beta-oestradiol increases
-stimulates growth of: endometrium, glands, stroma + spinal arteries elongate

Question 20

Describe the secretory phase of the endometrial cycle

Answer 20

-following ovulation dominated by progesterone
-endometrial proliferation slows + thickness decreases
-ending in menses (if no implantation)

Question 21

What is the mechanism of action for hormonal contraceptives?

Answer 21

-feedback on hypothalamus to decrease GnRH secretion
-feedback on anterior pituitary gland gonadotrophs - inhibit FSH/LH to prevent ovulation
-effect of progestin: cervical mucus is thick to inhibit sperm penetration, decreased uterus + fallopian motility, decreased endometrial glycogen

Question 22

Why does low FSH and LH prevent pregnancy?

Answer 22

-low FSH = insufficient to stimulate folliculogenesis
-low LH = inhibits ovulation

Question 23

What do higher dose preparations of oestrogen and progesterone do?

Answer 23

-inhibit ovulation
-interfere with implantation