Test 7 Reproductive Female Flashcards
What structures are included as part of the Female Reproductive System?
Ovaries Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes, Oviducts) Uterus Vagina Vulva (Pudendum) -Labia Majora -Labia Minor -Clitoris Mammary Glands (considered both integumentary and reproductive)
What Female Reproductive structure resembles unshelled almonds in size and shape, produce gametes and hormones?
Female Gonads (Ovaries)
What hormones are produced by the female gonads (Ovaries)?
Progesterone
Estrogen
Inhibin
Relaxin
The Ovaries are on each side of the Uterus and held in place by what?
Broad Ligament (Fold of Parietal Peritoneum) Ovarian Ligament (Anchors Ovaries to Uterus) Suspensory Ligament (Attaches Ovaries to Pelvic Wall)
What is the point of entrance/exit for blood vessels and nerves that each Ovary Contains?
Hilum (Hilus)
What tissue covers the Ovaries?
Germinal Epithelium
What is the white capsule of dense irregular connective tissue that is deep to the germinal epithelium called?
Tunica Albuginea
What structure lies deep to the tunica albuginea and consists of ovarian follicles which are surrounded by dense connective tissue layer that contains collagen fibers and fibroblast-like cells called stromal cells?
Ovarian Cortex
What structure lies Deep to the ovarian cortex and consists of more loosely arranged connective tissue which contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves?
Ovarian medulla
Where do the Ovarian Follicles lie and what do they consist of?
Ovarian Cortex
CONSTIST: Oocytes in various stages of development plus follicular cells that surround the follicles
Follicular cells are associated with what stage of follicle and what is the cell arrangement?
Cells are in Single Layer
i.e.: Primordial Follicle
What is another term used to describe Follicular cells when the cells are in multiple layers? At what stage of follicle development is this seen?
-Granulosa Cell
Stage:
-Primary and Secondary Follicles
When the follicle is large, fluid filled, ready to rupture and expels the secondary oocyte (process of ovulation), it is referred to as?
Mature (Graafian) Follicle
The Corpus Luteum (Yellow Body) contains what and produces what?
Contains: Remnants of mature follicle after ovulation
Produces: Progesterone, Estrogens, Relaxin, and Inhibin until it degenerates
What does the Corpus Luteum (Yellow Body) degenerate into?
Corpus Albicans (scar tissue)
When does the process of Oogenesis (formation of gametes in ovaries) begin for females?
Before birth
During fetal development what cells migrate from the yolk sac to the ovaries?
Primordial Germ Cells
What do the Primordial Germ Cells differentiate into once in the ovaries?
Oogonia Stem Cells
What is occurring with the Oogonia Stem Cells in the ovaries during fetal development?
- Oogonia are diploid (2n) stem cells
- Under go Mitosis to produce million of germ cells
Prior to birth most of the Germ Cells degenerate by atresia, how many will develop into primary oocytes?
200,000- 2,000,000
The primary oocytes that remain will under go what?
- Begin Meiosis I
- Become “Arrested” in prophase until puberty
What are the primary oocytes surrounded by during the arrested phase? The entire structure is called what?
Single Layer of follicular Cells
Structure: Primordial Follicle
By puberty how many Primary oocytes typically remain and of those approx. how many will mature and ovulate during a woman’s reproductive lifetime?
- Puberty: 40,000 Primary Oocytes
- Mature and Ovulate: 400 in reproductive lifetime
- The remainder undergo atresia
Every month from puberty to menopause FSH and LH stimulate development of several primordial follicles (typically only one reaches maturity for ovulation), and the primordial follicle turns into a primary follicle which is consists of what?
- Primary Oocyte surrounded by several layers of granulosa cells
- Zona pellucida: Glycoprotein layer between primary oocyte and granulosa cells
- Theca folliculi: stromal cells surrounding basement membrane
As the Primary follicle matures it develops into what and what changes are seen?
Secondary Follicle
- Theca Interna: highly vascularized cells, secrete estrogens
- Theca Externa: Outer layer of stromal cells and collagen fibers
- Granulosa Cells: Secrete follicular fluid in antrum (center of 2ndary follicle)
- Corona Radiata: Inner most layer of granulosa cells attached to zona pellucida
The secondary follicle will become what?
Mature (graafian) follicle
What occurs just before ovulation of the mature follicle?
1) Diploid primary oocyte completes meiosis I
(Produces 2 haploid (n) cells of unequal size)
(Each has 23 chromosomes)
The smaller haploid cell that formed from meiosis I of the primary oocytes called what?
First Polar Body: packet of discarded nuclear material
The larger haploid cell that formed from meiosis I of the primary oocytes is called what and what occurs to it?
Secondary Oocyte
- Receives most of the cytoplasm
- Begins Meiosis II but stops in metaphase
- Released (Ovulation)
What is expelled with the secondary Oocyte into the pelvic cavity during Ovulation?
First Polar Body and Corona Radiata
Normally all is “swept” into fallopian tubes, what occurs if Fertilization does not occur?
All cells degenerate
After Ovulation if Sperm are present and penetrate the secondary oocyte what occurs?
Meiosis II Resumes
-Secondary Oocyte splits into two haploid cells
(Ovum + nuclei of sperm= diploid zygote)
-Second polar body: is smaller and leftovers
How is the oocyte pulled into the Fallopian tubes after ovulation?
- Fimbraie on the end of the fallopian tube produces currents
- Current pulls oocyte from peritoneal cavity into fallopian tube
How is the Oocyte carried through the fallopian tube to the uterus?
Peristaltic movements of tubal layers
Where is the typical location in which sperm encounter the secondary oocyte for fertilization? Where else can this occur?
Ampulla of Fallopian Tube
May occur in peritoneal cavity
The Zygote (haploid ova + haploid sperm =(2n) zygote), moves towards the uterus, how long after ovulation does the zygote arrive in the use for implantation in the uterine wall?
6-7 Days after
What structure of reproduction lies superior to the bladder in an Anteflexion (body projects anteriorly over bladder) position and lies Anterior to the rectum?
Uterus
What is the Anatomy of the Uterus?
- Fundus: Top
- Body: Central portion
- Cervix: Inferior extension into vaginal canal
- Isthmus: Region between body and cervix
- Uterine Cavity: Interior of Body
- Cervical Canal: Interior of Cervix
What are the names of the proximal and distal openings of the cervical canal?
Internal os: Open into uterus
External os: Open into vagina
What are the Three histological layers of the Uterus from External to Internal?
Perimetrium (Serosa)
Myometrium
Endometrium
The Perimetrium (serosa) is part of what?
Visceral Peritoneum
The Perimetrium becomes what laterally, and covers and forms what Anteriorly and Posteriorly?
- Laterally: Becomes Broad Ligament
- Anteriorly: Covers Bladder; Forms Vesicouterine Pouch
- Posteriorly: Covers Rectum; Forms Pouch of Douglas (Rectouterine Pouch)
What does the Myometrium consist of?
Three layers of smooth muscle
What are the layers of the Endometrium?
- Stratum Functionalis Layer: Shed during menstruation
- Stratum Basalis Layer: Permanent, gives rise to new stratum functinoalis
The Broad Ligament is double folds of peritoneum and attaches the uterus to where?
Each side of pelvic cavity
What ligament is peritoneal extensions and life on either side of rectum connecting uterus to sacrum?
Uterosacral Ligament
What ligament is inferior to the base of the broad ligament and extends from pelvic wall to cervix and vagina?
Cardinal (Lateral)Ligament
What fibrous connection tissue between broad ligaments extends from point on uterus just inferior to fallopian tubes to portion of labia majora?
Round Ligaments
The Uterine Arteries that supply blood to the uterus are branches of what artery?
Internal Iliac Artery
What branches from the uterine arteries are arranged in circular fashion in the myometrium?
Arcuate Arteries
Which arteries penetrate deeply into myometrium and what are they a branch of?
Radial Arteries via the Arcuate Arteries
The Radial Arteries branch into what just before they enter the endometrium?
- Straight Arterioles: Supply Stratum basalis
- Spiral Arterioles: Supply Stratum Functionalis
The uterine veins empty into what?
Internal Iliac Veins
What is the most inferior portion of the uterus that extends into the vaginal canal called?
Cervix
What term refers to the portion of the cervix that encompasses external cervix and os, usually 1 in in diameter?
Ectocervix
What is the Endocervix?
Encompasses endocervical canal to internal os
What produces Cervical Mucus?
Secretory Cells of Cervix
What is significant of the Cervical Mucus during times of ovulation?
Less Viscous
More Alkaline
=More friendly to Sperm
What is the tubular, 4 inch long fibromuscular canal, lined w/mucous membrane that extends from exterior of body to cervix?
Vagina
The vagina serves what purposes and is situated between what?
Receptacle for penis
Outlet for menstrual flow
Passageway for birth
Situated between: Bladder and Rectum
What is the fornix?
Recess that surrounds vaginal attachment to cervix
What are the layers of the vagina?
- Adventitia: Anchors vagina to adjacent organs
- Muscularis: Outer circular and inner longitudinal layers of smooth muscle
- Mucosa: Continuous w/that of the uterus
What does the Muscularis layer of the vagina allow?
Vagina to stretch during intercourse and Childbirth
What structure is a thin fold of vascularized mucous membrane, partially closes the inferior end of the vagina?
Hymen
What is the term that refers to all parts of the female external genitalia?
Vulva (Pudendum)
What does the vulva include?
Mons Pubis Labia Majora Labia Minora Clitoris Vestibule Paraurethral (Skene's) Glands Greater Vestibular (Bartholin's) Glands Bulb of the Vestibule
What part of the Vulva consist of adipose tissue to cushion the pubic Symphysis?
Mons Pubis
What structure of the vulva is covered by pubic hair, composed of adipose tissue, sebaceous glands, sudoriferous glands?
Labia Majora
What is the Labia Majora homologous to in the male?
Scrotum
What structure of the vulva is devoid of pubic hair and fat, few sudoriferous glands and contains many sebaceous glands?
Labia Minora
What is the Labia Minora homologous to in the male?
Spongy (penile) urethra
What part of the vulva contains erectile tissue and numerous blood vessels and nerves?
Clitoris
What is the Clitoris homologous to in the male?
Corpora Cavernosa
Glans Penis
What is the Prepuce?
Layer of skin formed at the point where Labia minora unite
-Covers Clitoris
What is the exposed portion of the clitoris called?
Glans Clitoris
What does the Vestibule contain?
Hymen
vaginal Orifice
External urethral Orifice
Openings of ducts of several glands
Which gland of the vulva is lateral to the urethral orifice, secretes mucous, and is embedded in the wall of the urethra?
Paraurethral (Skene’s) Glands
Which gland of the vulva is lateral to the vaginal orifice and produces mucous during sexual arousal to provide lubrication?
Greater Vestibular (Bartholin’s) Glands
What has two masses of erectile tissue that engorge during sexual arousal to narrow the vaginal orifice, applying pressure to the penis during intercourse?
Bulb of the Vestibule
What is the diamond shaped area medial to thighs and buttocks, in which contain external genitalia and anus and is present in males and females?
Perineum
What make up the borders of the Perineum?
- Pubic Symphysis: Anterior Border
- Ischial Tuberosity’s: Lateral Border
- Coccyx: Posterior Border
A transverse line drawn from one Ischial tuberosity to the other divides the diamond of the perineum into what?
Urogential Triangle
Anal Triangle
The Breast lies anterior to what muscles?
Pectoralis Major and Serratus Anterior
The pigmented projection, NIPPLE, contains a series of closely spaced openings where milk emerges, via what ducts?
Lactiferous Ducts
What give the Areola (Circular pigmented skin surrounding nipple) its rough appearance?
Contains Modified Sebaceous Glands
What runs between breast skin and fascia and becomes looser w/excess age or strain?
Cooper’s Ligaments
Each breast contains how many mammary glands?
One Gland
How many Lobe (compartments) are within each gland?
15-20
The Lobes are further divided into several what?
Lobules
What structure within the lobules secrete milk?
Alveoli
What is the function of the mammary glands?
Lactation
Synthesis
Secretion
Ejection of milk
What stimulates Milk Production?
Prolactin
What Stimulates Milk Ejection?
Oxytocin
What are the Homologous female structures to the Following Male structures, Testes, Sperm, Scrotum, Spongy Urethra, Glans Penis/Corpora Cavernosa, Corpus Spongiosum/Bulb of Penis, Prostate, Bulbourethral glands?
- Testes = Ovaries
- Sperm = Ovum
- Scrotum = Labia Majora
- Spongy Urethra = Labia Minora
- Glans Penis/Corpora Cavernosa = Clitoris
- Corpus Spongiosum/Bulb of Penis = Bulb of Vestibule
- Prostate = Skene’s Glands (Paraurethral)
- Bulbourethral Glands = Bartholin’s Glands (Greater Vestibular)
A nonpregnant female will experience cyclical changes in the ovaries and uterus every how many days?
24-36 days
The Female Reproductive Cycle Consists of What Two Cycles?
Ovarian Cycle
Uterine Cycle
Hormones from where control the process of oogenesis and preparation by uterus to receive fertilized ovum?
Hypothalamus
Anterior Pituitary
Ovaries
The Ovarian Cycle Includes what?
Changes that occur during and after maturation of oocyte
What does the uterine cycle involve?
- Endometrium prepares for implantation
- No implantation–> ovarian hormones recede and cause sloughing of stratum functionalis
What hormone released from the Hypothalamus, controls bothe the ovarian and uterine cycles, and stimulates release of LH and FSH (Stimulates ovarian follicles to produce estrogen)?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
This hormone initiates follicular growth and under its influence allow Androgens made by LH and take up by granulosa cells to be turn into estrogen?
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Which hormone stimulates further development of ovarian follicles and stimulates theca cells to produce androgens?
Luteinizing Hormone
What does LH trigger (mid-cycle)?
Ovulation
LH Then stimulates formation of what and what is produced and secreted by it?
Corpus Luteum
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Relaxin (Small unless fertilization)
- Inhibin (Small unless fertilization)
What hormone promotes development and maintenance of reproductive structures, Secondary Sex Characteristics (Broad Pelvis, Hair growth, mons pubis, hips, etc…), Breasts and increases protein anabolism?
Estrogen
- Includes building strong bones
- Synergistic w/ hGH
What does Estrogen lower and is thought to be a reason most women under 50 have lower risk of coronary artery disease as compared to men?
Lower Blood Cholesterol
What will moderate levels of Estrogen in the blood inhibit?
Release of GnRH and Secretion of FSH/LH
What is secreted mainly by cells of the corpus luteum and is synergistic w/Estrogen to prepare and maintain the endometrium?
Progesterone
Progesterone helps prepare the mammary glands for what and high levels will inhibit secretion of what?
Milk Secretion
High Levels inhibit GnRH and LH
The hormone Relaxin produced by the Corpus Luteum serves what purpose?
- Relaxes uterus by inhibiting contractions
- Thought to “quiet” the uterus, makes it better for implantation
- During Pregnancy, placenta produces lots, keeps uterine contraction turned off
- Help increase flexibility of pubic symphysis and help dilate cervix
What hormone is secreted by granulosa cells of growing follicles and corpus luteum after ovulation and what effect does this have?
Inhibin
-Inhibits secretion of FSH and to lesser extent LH
What are the 4 phases of the reproductive cycle?
1) Menstrual: Days 1-5, 1st day is 1st day of new cycle
2) Preovulatory: Days 6-13
3) Ovulation: Days 14-15
4) Postovulatory: Days 15-28
The Menstrual and Preovulatory Phases combined are known as?
Follicular Phase
Ovulation and Postovulatory Phases combined are known as?
Luteal Phase
Preovulatory Phase may also be called?
Proliferative Phase: due to proliferation of endometrial lining
Postovulatory Phase may also be called?
Secretory Phase: due to secretion of glycogen by secretory glands of endometrium
Which hormone starts the progression of Primordial follicles progressing into primary follicles and eventually into secondary follicles?
FSH
During the Menstrual Phase in the ovaries the process of Oogenisis of Primordial follicles to secondary follicle take how long?
Several Months: Ovulated Ovum is several months old
During the Menstrual Phase Within the Uterus 50-150mL of menses is shed from the endometrium, what makes up the menses?
Blood
Tissue Fluid
Mucus
Epithelial cells
What cause the shedding of the endometrium?
-Declining progesterone and estrogen levels cause release of prostaglandins
What do the Porstaglandins cause to happen?
Constriction of Spiral arterioles
Due to the Constriction of the Spiral Arterioles what tissue is no longer being supplied oxygen, what significance does this have?
Stratum Functionalis Layer becomes O2 deprived and dies
CAUSES: Sloughing of Stratum Functinoalis layer (AKA menses)
During the Preovulatory Phase what is occurring within the Ovaries?
-Secondary follicles secrete Estrogen and inhibin
-Approx. day 6, dominant follicle (Secondary follicle)
CAUSES:
-Estrogen and inhibin released by the dominant follicle cause decrease in FSH
-Other follicles stop growing and undergo atresia
What occurs if there is more than one dominant follicle?
Increase possibility of Twins or more
Dominant follicle continues to become the mature (graafian) follicle, this continues until approx what?
Size is about 20mm in diameter and ready for ovulation
-As follicle increases in size Estrogen production increases
What is occurring within the Uterus during the Preovulatory Phase?
Estrogen stimulates repair of endometrium
- Stratum basalis cells undergo mitosis and produce new stratum functionalis
- Straight endometrial gland develops arteriole coils for stratum functionalis
- Endometrium double in size, 4-10mm in thickness
During what phase will the Mature (Graafian) Follicle rupture and release the secondary oocyte into the pelvic cavity? When did this occur?
Ovulation Phase at day 14 of 28
The Secondary oocyte is surrounded by what during ovulation?
Zona Pellucida
Corona Radiata
The high levels of Estrogen during the Pre-ovulatory phase exert of kind of feedback loop?
Positive Feedback for LH and GnRh and
CAUSE
ovulation
The high levels of Estrogen stimulate what?
- GnRH from Hypothalamus
- LH from Anterior Pituitary
GnRH stimulates what?
Release of FSH and more LH?
What does the surge of LH cause?
- Rupture of Mature Follicle
- Expulsion of Secondary Oocyte
The Lining of the Uterus continues to proliferate and arterioles continue to lengthen, coil and imbed deeper into the endometrium during what phase?
Ovulation Phase
What does a home test kit detect thus letting the user known they are ovulating?
Surge of LH
After ovulation, the mature (graafian) follicle collapses and the basement membrane between the theca interna and granulosa cells breaks down, the cells mix and become Corpus luteum Cells, this occurs during what phase? What influences this?
Postovulatory Phase (Events occurring only in Ovary that ovulated) -Influenced by: LH
LH stimulates the Corpus luteum to secrete what hormones?
Progesterone
Estrogen
Inhibin
Relaxin
During the Postovulatory Phase what is the lifespan of the corpus luteum if the ovum is not fertilized?
Two Weeks
In the Ovary during the postovulatory phase hormonally what is occurring?
- Corpus Luteum degenerates into Corpus Albicans due to decreasing progesterone, estrogen, inhibin
- Increase in GnRH, FSH, LH–> due to lack of Negative feedback
- Follicular growth resumes and new ovarian cycle
What occurs in the Ovary during the Postovulatory Phase when the ovum is Fertilized?
- Corpus Luteum persists past 2 weeks
- Chorion of Embryo produces hCG (Begins 8 days after fertilization)
- hCG stimulates secretory activity of Corpus Luteum (Like LH)
- hCG in urine or blood is indicator of pregnancy
What changes occur in the Uterus during the Postovulatory Phase?
Progesterone and Estrogen (from Corpus Luteum):
- Promote Growth and Coiling of Endometrial Glands
- Vascularization of Superficial Endometrium
- Thickening of Endometrium (12-18mm)
When do the preparatory changes in the uterus, in the presence of Progesterone and estrogen, peak and what would cause them to decline?
- Peak 1 week after ovulation as this is the time in which possible fertilized ovum would reach the uterus
- Decline: if no fertilization and estrogen and progesterone levels decrease causing menstruation
What are the different types of Birth Control Methods?
-Abstinence
-Surgical Sterilization
(Vasectomy- Male)
(Tubal Ligation- Female)
-Non-incisional Sterilization
(Essure: coil inserted into tubes causes scar tissue to form)
-Hormonal Methods
-Barrier Methods
Hormonal Methods of Birth Control include what?
Oral Contraceptives
IUD
Spermicides
Females age 40-50 go through menopause, in which ovarian ovums are exhausted, what occurs hormonally due to the absence of oocytes?
-Lack of ovulation creates lack of Corpus Lutem–>
Estrogen decline despite level of FSH/LH released from Anterior Pituitary
What causes the characteristic hot flashes and heavy sweating that occurs during Menopause?
GnRH
What other symptoms may be associated w/Menopause?
Headaches Hair Loss Vaginal Dryness Insomnia Depression Weight Gain Mood Swings
The loss of Estrogen causes what changes in the female body?
Decrease bone mineral density
A healthy male will continue to be fertile to what age?
80s-90s
At age 50-55 what hormone decreases and what does it lead to?
Testosterone
- Reduced muscle strength
- Fewer Viable Sperm
- Reduced Libido
What change may occur in the prostate around age 60?
Increase 2-4x’s in size
-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
An increase in prostate size causes what?
- Decrease size in prostatic urethra which leads to–>
- Frequent urination
- Bed wetting
- Hesitancy in Urination
- Decreased Force of Stream
- Post voiding Dribbling
How does an oral Contraceptive that contains just Progestin (hormone similar to progesterone) prevent pregnancy?
- Thicken Cervical Mucous (blocks sperm)
- Blocks implantation in Uterus
How does an oral contraceptive that contains Estrogen and Progestin prevent pregnancy?
- Inhibits ovulation by suppressing FSH/LH
- Low levels of FSH/LH prevents development of dominant follicle in ovary
The Rhythm Method of Birth controls relies on what to prevent Pregnancy?
Abstaining
3 days before ovulation
Day of ovulation
3 days after ovulation
What birth control method requires an understanding of the signs of ovulation such as increased basal body temp, stretchy cervical mucous, and pain with ovulation (mittelschmerz)?
Sympto-Thermal Method
