Wk 1 - Female Reproductive System Revision Flashcards
Describe the function of the ovary?
Produces ovum and oestrogen.
Describe the function of the Fallopian tube?
Site of fertilisation.
Describe the function of the uterus?
Site of implantation, and development of fertilised egg normally occurs here.
Describe the function of the endometrium?
Lining of the uterus.
Describe the function of the vagina?
Serves as both a receiving chamber for sperm, and a birth canal.
Describe the function of the cervix?
Junction between the uterus and the vagina and dilates during child birth.
How do the number of external openings of the urogenital system differ between the sexes?
Males have one opening - the urethra. Women have two openings - the urethra and the vagina.
What is the role of oestrogen in the female reproductive system?
- promotes the growth of oocytes: oogenesis.
- promotes growth + maturation of Fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina.
- secondary sex characteristics: breast development, pubic hair, hip widening.
In terms of the female reproductive cycle, what is required for sexual reproduction to be successful?
The cycle of oocyte development and release must coordinate with the preparation of the uterus lining (endometrium) for possible pregnancy.
The ovarian cycle refers to:
The series of events that take place during a month in association with maturation and release of an ovum.
The menstrual cycle refers to:
A series of changes to the uterine endometrium that takes place every month in preparation for implantation.
What is the role of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the ovarian cycle?
Promotes ovarian follicle growth and development.
What is the role of Luteinising Hormone (LH) during the ovarian cycle? When is there a surge in LH?
TBC
What happens to the endometrium during days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle?
The lining is shed.
What is the role of oestrogen on the endometrium during days 6-13?
Facilitates the new endometrium to grow.
When during the ovarian cycle does progesterone levels increase?
After ovulation, day 14.
What ovarian structure is responsible for the release of progesterone?
Corpus leuteum (within the ovary).
What is the role of progesterone on the endometrium during ovulation?
Works to vascularise for implantation.
What happens to the corpus luteum and progesterone levels if pregnancy does not occur?
Corpus luteum - dies/ degenerates.
Progesterone levels - decline/drop.
What happens to the corpus luteum and progesterone levels is pregnancy occurs?
These two structures continue to release progesterone for up to 3 months. After this the placenta releases progesterone.
Female sex cell definition:
Ovum - consists of 23 chromosomes and is produced by the ovary.
Ovulation refers to:
The process by which an ovum is released, every 28 days.
What structure collects the ovum into the Fallopian tube?
The frimbrae.
A zygote refers to:
The successful fertilisation of an ovum and a sperm, now consisting of 46 chromosomes.
