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25 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Functions of the Female Reproductive System
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Produce ova through oogenesis
Facilitate and transport female germ cells and spermatozoa to increase the changes of fertilization Maintain implanted embryos through gestation Nurture infants postnatally through lactation |
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Components of the Female Reproductive system
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Ovaries
Uterine tubes (oviducts) Uterus - myometrium, endometrium, cervix Vagina External genitalia Mammary glands Placenta |
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Ovaries
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Almond shaped, attached by mesovarium to broad ligaments of uterus, covered with simple squamous epithelium continous with meosthelial lining of peritoneal cavity, therefore germ cells released directly into peritoneal cavity
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Oviducts
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attached to broad ligaments of uterus, undergoes peristaltic contraction conveying oocyte to uterus
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Uterus
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Looks like a slightly flattened inverted hollow pear, lies medially in the pelvic cavity,opens into the upper end of the vagina via the uterine ostium
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Vagina
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Latin for sheath, distensible, muscular walled tube, functions as lower end of birth canal, folds lined with stratified squamous
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Describe the histology of the ovary in the 7th month of fetal development
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By the 7th month of fetal development, a single layer of flattened follicular cells surrounds the primary oocyte. This encapsulation arrests the first meiotic division and no further development occurs until sexual maturity.
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Primary follicles
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Primary oocyte larger
Follicular cells are cuboidal-granulosa cells |
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Zona pellucida
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Glycoprotein & acid proteoglycans
ZP!, ZP2, ZP3 both cells types contribute to ZP |
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Secondary follicle structural features
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Antrum
Liquor folliculi -FSH -ESH Theca externa becomes more fibrous, the continuity of the granulosa cells is disrupted by the appearance of space filled with fluid-- the antrum |
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Mature Graafian Follicle
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Antum enlarges and the oocyte is displaced to one side and is surrounded by granulosa cells - cumulus oophorous
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Describe secondary oocyte extrusion
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The Graadian follicle begins to bulge from the ovary surface. THere is an increase in LH which interacts with receptors on the granulosa and theca cells.
Depolymerization of the mucopolysaccharides in the antrum fluid and an increase in colloid osmotic pressure - granulosa cells less cohesive and cumulus loosens. Follicular wall breaks down at a specific site on the ovary surface called a stigma. Decrease in blood flow, thinning and depolymerization of CT. LH stimulates granulosa cells to produce plasminogen activator which cleaves plasminogen to plasmin and acts on the follicle wall causing rupture and secondary oocyte extruded with corona radiate of granulosa cells. |
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When does 2nd meiotic division of the oocyte occur?
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After fertilization
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Describe the layers of a secondary follicle
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Antrum
Granulosa layer Basement Membrane Theca interna Theca externa |
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Describe Follicle Atresia
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Atresia occurs at birth, puberty, and pregnancy
Only 300-400 follicles can reach maturity, the rest degenerate or become atretic. |
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Functions of the Oviduct
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1. Transport Germ Cells
2. Capacitation & fertilization 3. Transport of Zygote |
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Describe the cells of the oviduct
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Simple columnar epithelium
1. Ciliated - aid transport of sperm up through isthmus 2. Nonciliated secretory cells Muscle coat creates peristaltic waves to aid transport of oocyte |
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Describe the endometrium of the uterus
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Large mucus membrane with glands that go down as far as the myometrium. Function layer 0 shed during menstruation every month. Basalar layer - retained and regenerates functional layer every month. Under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, the uterus undergoes cyclical changes.
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Describe endometrium development through the menstrual cycle
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Menstrual phase (4-5 days) - endometrium extruded
Proliferative phase (6-14 days) - Endometrium regenerates doubling of tripling its thickness under control of estrogen produced by maturing ovarian follices Secretory phase - Endometrium thickens under influence of progesterone and estrogen produced by the corpus luteum - glands secretory Ischemic phase - causedby decline in corpus luteum and drop in hormons Menstrual phase - functional layer undergoes episodes of hypoxia because of interruption of blood supply |
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What causes menstrual bleeding?
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The withdrawal of progesterone secretion at the end of the secretory phase causes the spiral arteries to constrict, producing ischemia. The capillaries above the constrictions rupture and bleeding begins.
Stratum basalis layer survives because it has blood supply from straight arteries. |
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Endocervix
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Simple columnar mucus-secreting cells
"Endocervical gland" During menstrual cycle, secretory activity shows cyclic changes. Around ovulation, the mucous secretion is thin and watery; estrogen. After ovulation; secretion is viscous; progesterone. THERE ARE NO GLANDS IN THE VAGINA; secretions come from endocervical glands |
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How is the low pH of the vagina created?
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Glycogen secreted by vaginal epithelium in response to estrogen. This glycogen is metabolized by bacteria into lactic acid.
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Describe structures of inactive breast tissue
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Irregular lobes
Dense connective tissue (green) Cells cuboidal or low columnar Lots of adipose tissue |
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Describe breast tissue histology taken from a pregnant woman
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Many secretory lobules under influence of estrogen, progesterone, and lactogenic hormones
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Describe mammary gland after menopause
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Lots of fat, very few secretory units
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