Wk 1 - Female Reproductive System Revision

Question 1

Describe the function of the ovary?

Answer 1

Produces ovum and oestrogen.

Question 2

Describe the function of the Fallopian tube?

Answer 2

Site of fertilisation.

Question 3

Describe the function of the uterus?

Answer 3

Site of implantation, and development of fertilised egg normally occurs here.

Question 4

Describe the function of the endometrium?

Answer 4

Lining of the uterus.

Question 5

Describe the function of the vagina?

Answer 5

Serves as both a receiving chamber for sperm, and a birth canal.

Question 6

Describe the function of the cervix?

Answer 6

Junction between the uterus and the vagina and dilates during child birth.

Question 7

How do the number of external openings of the urogenital system differ between the sexes?

Answer 7

Males have one opening - the urethra. Women have two openings - the urethra and the vagina.

Question 8

What is the role of oestrogen in the female reproductive system?

Answer 8

• promotes the growth of oocytes: oogenesis.
• promotes growth + maturation of Fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina.
• secondary sex characteristics: breast development, pubic hair, hip widening.

Question 9

In terms of the female reproductive cycle, what is required for sexual reproduction to be successful?

Answer 9

The cycle of oocyte development and release must coordinate with the preparation of the uterus lining (endometrium) for possible pregnancy.

Question 10

The ovarian cycle refers to:

Answer 10

The series of events that take place during a month in association with maturation and release of an ovum.

Question 11

The menstrual cycle refers to:

Answer 11

A series of changes to the uterine endometrium that takes place every month in preparation for implantation.

Question 12

What is the role of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the ovarian cycle?

Answer 12

Promotes ovarian follicle growth and development.

Question 13

What is the role of Luteinising Hormone (LH) during the ovarian cycle? When is there a surge in LH?

Answer 13

TBC

Question 14

What happens to the endometrium during days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 14

The lining is shed.

Question 15

What is the role of oestrogen on the endometrium during days 6-13?

Answer 15

Facilitates the new endometrium to grow.

Question 16

When during the ovarian cycle does progesterone levels increase?

Answer 16

After ovulation, day 14.

Question 17

What ovarian structure is responsible for the release of progesterone?

Answer 17

Corpus leuteum (within the ovary).

Question 18

What is the role of progesterone on the endometrium during ovulation?

Answer 18

Works to vascularise for implantation.

Question 19

What happens to the corpus luteum and progesterone levels if pregnancy does not occur?

Answer 19

Corpus luteum - dies/ degenerates.

Progesterone levels - decline/drop.

Question 20

What happens to the corpus luteum and progesterone levels is pregnancy occurs?

Answer 20

These two structures continue to release progesterone for up to 3 months. After this the placenta releases progesterone.

Question 21

Female sex cell definition:

Answer 21

Ovum - consists of 23 chromosomes and is produced by the ovary.

Question 22

Ovulation refers to:

Answer 22

The process by which an ovum is released, every 28 days.

Question 23

What structure collects the ovum into the Fallopian tube?

Answer 23

The frimbrae.

Question 24

A zygote refers to:

Answer 24

The successful fertilisation of an ovum and a sperm, now consisting of 46 chromosomes.

Question 25

The Morula refers to:

Answer 25

The zygote cells divide to produce a solid ball of cells (morula). This continues to divide into a fluid filled hollow sphere of cells (blastocyst) which is the developmental stage, able to implant into the endometrium.

Question 26

An embryo refers to:

Answer 26

The first 8 weeks of development.

Question 27

A foetus refers to:

Answer 27

Development past 8 weeks.

Question 28

What is the role of the placenta?

Answer 28

Serves to provide nutrients and oxygen from the mother and removal of wastes.