The Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What are the functions of the female reproductive system ?
To make eggs
Provide the perfect environment for fertilisation
Protect and look after the foetus until birth
What is the function of the ovaries ?
Where the egg and hormones (Oestrogen and Progesterone ) are made
What does the ovarian bursa do ?
Provides protection to the ovaries
What is the function of the oviducts / fallopian tubes and uterine tubes ?
Where fertilisation takes place
Supports early development of embryos
Transports fertilised eggs to the uterus
What is the structure of the infundibulum ?
Part of the uterine tube is the infundibulum which contains finger like projections known as fimbriae – spread over surface of ovary to capture the eggs as they are released from the ovaries.
Cilia move ova along the tubes.
What is the function of the uterus ?
Fertilized eggs implant here
Provides the environment for embryo development and foetal growth
What are the 3 layers of the uterus ?
Perimetrium , myometrium , endometrium
What the perimetrium ?
outer layer supports the shape of the uterus
What is the myometrium ?
middle layer muscular layer that is able to contract
What is the endometrium ?
inner layer where implantation occurs.
What is the function of the cervix ?
Muscular barrier to seal the uterus.
Provides protection from infection
Birth canal begins here
Usually closed
When would the cervix open ?
During periods and parturition
What is the function of the vagina ?
Copulatory organ Glands secrete lubrication and pheromones Birth canal Produces acidic mucus Shaped to fit the penis during mating
What is the function of the labia ?
Closes the entrance to the vagina
What is the function of the clitorus ?
Female sensory organ
What is the placenta ?
A temporary organ which develops if a pregnancy is established ad provides a connection between the mother and fetus .
How is blood supplied to the foetus ?
Umbilical cord and from the uterine wall
What are the functions of the placenta ?
Nutrition , protection , respiration , digestion and excretion
What are the stages of embryonic development ? (generally speaking , can vary for specific species)
Day 0 - Ovulation , oocyte produced , fertilisation takes place, zygote formed
Day 1 - First cleavage
Day 2 - 2 cell stage
Day 3 +4 - 4 cell stage , 8 cell uncompacted morula
Day 4 - 8 cell compacted morula
Day 5 - Early blastocyst
Day 6-7 Late - stage blastocyst (hatching)
Day 8-9 - Implantation of the blastocyst
What is the implantation / nidation period of a rabbit ?
6.5 days
What is the implantation / nidation period of a cat ?
10 - 12 days
What is the implantation / nidation period of a dog ?
6 - 10 days
What is the implantation / nidation period of a pig ?
12 - 14 days
What is the implantation / nidation period of a cow ?
30 days
