The Female Reproductive System Flashcards
List the components of the external genitalia
- LABIA MAJORA
- LABIA MINORA
- CLITORIS
- HYMEN
- VESTIBULAR GLANDS
What is the structure and function of the vagina
- Fibromuscular tube lined with stratified squamous epithelium, connecting the Internet and external genitalia
- Very acidic environment to inhibit the growth of microbes
- FUNCTIONS -
- Receptacle for penis during sex
- Elastic passageway for childbirth
What is the structure and function of the uterus
- Hollow, muscular pear-shaped organ which lies between the urinary bladder and rectum in the pelvic cavity
- 3 main parts: fundus, body and cervix
- 3 layers of tissue: perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium (shedding layer)
- FUNCTIONS -
- menstruation shedding
- Accommodate zygote and nourish it
- Contracts during child birth
What is the structure and function of the Fallopian tubes
- these are about 10cm long and extend from both sides of the uterus, with an outer covering of peritoneum.
- The end of each tube has finger like projections called fimbriae.
- FUNCTIONS -
- move the ovum from the ovary to the uterus by peristalsis and ciliary movement.
- Secrete mucous to provide ideal conditions for movement of ova and spermatozoa
- Fertilisation usually takes place here.
What is the structure and function of the ovaries
- The female gonads. They lie in shallow fossa on the lateral walls of the pelvis.
- They are endocrine cells that lie on the broad ligament.
- Have 4 layers - medulla, cortex (contains follicles), germinal epithelium and tunics albuginea.
- FUNCTIONS -
- Maturation of the follicle stimulated by FSH and oestrogen
- Site of oogenesis
What is the structure and function of the cervix
- Projects into vagina to form anterior and posterior fornices
- Endocervix lined with simple columnar epithelium.
- Ectocervix lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
- FUNCTIONS -
- Contracts during child birth
- Opens (dilated) to allow birth
What is the structure and function of the breasts
- Consists of glandular, fibrous and fatty tissues.
- Each breast contains about 20 lobes.
- Lobules around nipple consist of a cluster of alveoli that open up into small ducts which join to form large excretory ducts called lactiferous ducts (form dilations/reservoirs for milk)
- FUNCTIONS -
- Production of breast milk stimulated by Prolactin
List the functions of the female reproductive system
- Formation of the ova
- Reception of spermatozoa
- Provision of suitable environment for fertilisation and foetal development
- Child birth
- Lactation
What hormones act on the female reproductive system?
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - promotes maturation of ovarian follicles and secretion of oestrogen leading to ovulation
- Luteinising Hormone (LH) - triggers ovulation, stimulates the development of the corpus luteum and the secretion of progesterone
What are the 3 stages of the menstrual cycle?
1) Menstrual Phase- 1-5 days
Corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone and oestrogen levels fall and the functional layer of the endometrium is shed.
2) Proliferative Phase- 6-14 days
The follicle (stimulated by FSH) js growing towards maturity and is producing oestrogen which stimulates proliferation of the functional layer of the endometrium in preparation for the reception of fertilised ovum.
Ovulation occurs and oestrogen levels fall
3) Secretory Phase - 15 days+
Cells lining the ovarian follicle are stimulated by LH and develop into the corpus luteum which produces oestrogen and progesterone.
Briefly describe the process of oogenesis
- The mitosis stage in females is completed during foetal life
- Oocytes start meiosis 1 in foetal life but it doesn’t complete until after puberty (each month)
- Released Oocytes starts meiosis 2
- Meiosis 2 is only complete if fertilisation occurs
What physiological changes occur at PUBERTY
- The uterus, uterine tube and ovaries reach maturity.
- The menstrual cycle and ovulation begins
- The breasts develop and enlarge
- Public and axillary hair begin to grow
- Increase in height and widening of pelvis
- Increased fat deposit in the subcutaneous tissue especially at the hips and the breast
Name the physiological changes which occur during the MENOPAUSE
- Short-term unpredictable vasodilation with flushing, sweating and palpitations , causing discomfort and sleep disturbance
- Shrinkage of the breasts
- Atrophy of sex hormones
- Axillary and pubic hair become sparse
- Episodes of uncharacteristic behaviour - irritability and mood swings
- Gradual thinning of skin
- Slow increase in blood cholesterol levels that increase the risk of CVD
Describe the events that occur at conception
- Heads of spermatozoa bind to zona pellucida
- Binds to plasma membrane of egg and the contents of the spermatozoa enter the egg.
- Polyspermy is prevented (only one sperm gets in)
- Egg completes meiosis 2
- Membrane forms around the female chromosomal material
- Male and female membranes break down and chromosomes intermingle and become organised
- Zygote divides as it travels from ampulla to uterus
- Forms a blastocyst
Describe the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy
- Menstrual cycle halted
- Zygote travels through Fallopian tubes to the uterus where it becomes embedded in the walk and produces human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) which keeps the corpus luteum in tact, enabling it to continue secreting progesterone and oestrogen for 3-4 months; inhibiting further ovarian follicles.
- The placenta develops and produces oestrogen, progesterone and gonadotropin
