Anatomy and Functions of Female Reproductive System

Questions and Answers

What occurs during ovulation in the ovarian cortex?

Multiple oocytes are released simultaneously.

A mature follicle expels a secondary oocyte. (correct)

Primordial germ cells transform into oogonia.

Oogonia undergo meiosis II.

Which process stops the first primary oocyte at prophase I of meiosis?

Fertilization

Menopause

Ovulation

Development in utero (correct)

What is the haploid stage of an oocyte formed during the monthly cycle?

Graafian follicle

Primary oocyte

Oogonium

Secondary oocyte (correct)

How many primordial germ cells does each embryonic ovary contain approximately?

1,000,000 – 2,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

What are the two phases called that define the oocyte development cycle?

Follicular phase and Luteal phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the endometrium in the female reproductive tract?

Provide a lining for embryo implantation Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the uterus is the thickest and primarily composed of smooth muscle?

Myometrium Signup and view all the answers

Where is the internal os located in relation to the cervix?

Within the cavity of the cervical canal Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity and is associated with the vagina?

Posterior fornix Signup and view all the answers

What is the pear-shaped organ that measures approximately 8 cm long and serves a critical role in reproduction?

Uterus Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature is anterior to the vertical plane going through the vagina?

Uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of uterine spiral arteries during the menstrual cycle?

To nourish the endometrium and support implantation Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected length of a normal vagina?

8-10 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a primary oocyte and a secondary oocyte?

Primary oocytes undergo meiosis to become secondary oocytes. Signup and view all the answers

The isthmus of the cervix is defined as which of the following?

The supra vaginal portion of the cervix Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the layers of the uterus is accurate?

The endometrium undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of oocyte development occurs immediately after ovulation?

Graafian follicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the corpus luteum?

To secrete progesterone after ovulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the haploid state of oocytes?

Oocytes are haploid at the Graafian follicle stage. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the completion of meiosis II in oocytes?

Fertilization by sperm Signup and view all the answers

Which follicular stage contains both theca cells and a zona pellucida?

Primary follicle Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about polar bodies is true?

Polar bodies are produced during meiosis but do not participate in fertilization. Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do follicles undergo changes that lead to the formation of antrums?

Follicular phase Signup and view all the answers

What triggers ovulation in the ovarian cycle?

A surge in Luteinising Hormone (LH) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does the corpus luteum form?

Luteal phase Signup and view all the answers

What regulates the synthesis of oestrogens in the ovaries?

Theca and granulosa cells' activity Signup and view all the answers

What role does Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) play in ovarian function?

It stimulates the growth of primary follicles and their oestrogen secretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of Anti Müllerian Hormone in ovarian function?

Inhibits the development of surrounding primary follicles Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the contraction of theca interna during ovulation?

Luteinising Hormone (LH) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the dominant follicle in preparation for ovulation?

It acquires LH receptors more rapidly than others Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormonal change that indicates the transition from the follicular phase to the luteal phase?

LH surge followed by increase in oestrogen Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the stratum functionalis if the corpus luteum loses its progesterone output?

It is shed during menstruation Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium to receive a fertilized ovum?

Secretory Stage Signup and view all the answers

What is the average age at which menopause typically occurs in women?

50 years Signup and view all the answers

What role does leptin play in the female reproductive cycle?

It stimulates GnRH release Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with menopause due to the decline in estrogen production?

Hot flushes Signup and view all the answers

How does strenuous physical activity affect the menstrual cycle in female athletes?

It can disrupt normal menstrual cycles Signup and view all the answers

What primarily happens to the ovaries during menopause regarding their response to gonadotropin signals?

They become less responsive to signals Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by the absence of menstruation and can affect female athletes?

Amenorrhoea Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomical Features of the Female Reproductive Tract

The uterus has three distinct layers: endometrium (glandular lining), myometrium (muscular middle layer), and perimetrium (outer serous layer).
The uterus measures approximately 8 cm in length, 5 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness, positioned anteverted relative to the vagina.
The cervix serves as a passage between the uterus and vagina, featuring an internal os (opening from uterine cavity) and external os (opening into vagina).
The vagina is a thin-walled tube, measuring 8-10 cm, structured normally as anteverted and antiflexed with contact walls except superiorly.
Ovaries are responsible for oocyte development and are structured with hilum for blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

Physiological Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Oogenesis occurs within the ovarian cortex, producing a secondary haploid oocyte at ovulation, comparable to spermatogenesis.
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the ovarian cycle, controlling oocyte maturation and coordinating with the menstrual cycle.
The ovarian cycle involves a sequence of phases: Follicular phase (development of follicles) and Luteal phase (formation of corpus luteum post-ovulation).

Oogenesis Process

Primordial germ cells divide to yield oogonia, leading to primary oocytes that become arrested in prophase I of meiosis until ovulation.
Monthly cycles after puberty result in the maturation of primary follicles into secondary (Graafian) follicles, with ovulation typically occurring around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Polar bodies disintegrate during the meiosis process, with fertilization completing meiosis II.

Hormonal Regulation

GnRH from the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH, regulating ovarian steroid hormone synthesis.
FSH stimulates granulosa cell growth and estrogen production, while LH surge triggers ovulation and corpus luteum development.
Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) regulates follicle development by inhibiting surrounding primary follicles.

Menstrual Cycle Stages

The menstrual cycle consists of shedding of the stratum functionalis (menstruation), proliferative phase (repair and proliferation under estrogen), and secretory phase (preparation for potential implantation due to progesterone).
If fertilization doesn't occur, the corpus luteum atrophies, leading to a decline in progesterone and shedding of the uterine lining.

Peak reproductive ability occurs in the 20s; most women stop ovulating by mid-40s, averaging menopause around age 50.
Decreased estrogen leads to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flushes, and increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for symptom relief.

Common Clinical Problems

Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation), endometriosis (growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) signify various reproductive health issues.
Amenorrhea can occur due to strenuous physical activities, especially in female athletes, linked to low body fat and disruptions in hormonal signaling.

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Description

This quiz covers the anatomical features and physiological functions of the female reproductive tract. Explore the structure of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and ovaries, as well as the processes of oogenesis and hormone regulation. Test your knowledge on these essential aspects of female reproductive health.