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Questions and Answers
What is the name of the fluid-filled cavity within a Graafian follicle?
What is the name of the fluid-filled cavity within a Graafian follicle?
Which cell type in the ovary is responsible for producing estrogen?
Which cell type in the ovary is responsible for producing estrogen?
What is the function of the zona pellucida?
What is the function of the zona pellucida?
Which structure is responsible for the transport of sperm, ova, and the embryo in the female reproductive tract?
Which structure is responsible for the transport of sperm, ova, and the embryo in the female reproductive tract?
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What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?
What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?
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Which of these structures is NOT found in the uterus of a cow?
Which of these structures is NOT found in the uterus of a cow?
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What is the primary function of the cervix in the female reproductive tract?
What is the primary function of the cervix in the female reproductive tract?
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What does luteolysis refer to?
What does luteolysis refer to?
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Which of these accurately describes the fate of most follicles in the ovary?
Which of these accurately describes the fate of most follicles in the ovary?
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Which of these is NOT a function of the vagina in the female reproductive tract?
Which of these is NOT a function of the vagina in the female reproductive tract?
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Flashcards
Ovary
Ovary
Gonads that produce gametes and hormones.
Oviducts
Oviducts
Tubes that transport sperm, ova, and embryos; site of fertilization.
Uterus
Uterus
Organ that provides a nurturing environment for embryo development.
Cervix
Cervix
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Follicles
Follicles
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Primordial Follicles
Primordial Follicles
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Granulosa cells
Granulosa cells
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Myometrium
Myometrium
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Vagina
Vagina
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Vulva
Vulva
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Study Notes
Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive Tract
- Major structures include ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia
- The female reproductive tract is a series of interconnected tubes
Ovary
- Gonad with primary functions of producing gametes (ova/oocytes) and hormones
- Cortex contains oocytes within follicles
- Oocytes are found inside follicles
- Corpus hemorrhagicum is a bloody body
- Corpus luteum (single) or corpora lutea (plural) are yellow bodies
- Corpus albicans are white bodies
- Follicles in the cortex
- Primordial follicles are the most immature and smallest
- Contain an oocyte and one layer of surrounding cells
- Primary follicles are slightly more advanced than primordial follicles
- Contain an oocyte with a single layer of surrounding cells
- Follicles (2 layers of cells)
- Contain an oocyte surrounded by two layers of cells
- A zona pellucida (thin, transparent layer) surrounds the oocyte
- Antral/graafian follicles
- Contain an oocyte with multiple cell layers around it
- Primordial follicles are the most immature and smallest
Oviducts
- Function
- Transport sperm, ova, and embryos
- Site of fertilization (in the ampulla)
- Provide a suitable environment for ova, sperm, and embryos
Uterus
- Functions
- Provides a suitable environment for the embryo and sperm
- Plays a role in female cyclicity
- Makes prostaglandins F2-alpha (PGF2a and PGF2d)
- Causes luteolysis (CL killing)
- Transports sperm
- Provides maternal contribution to the placenta
- Houses, nurtures, and gestates the developing offspring
Cervix
- Functions
- Makes and secretes mucus
- Lubricates the vagina during copulation
- Flushes out foreign material
- During pregnancy, mucus becomes thick (a cervical plug
- Passageway for sperm
- Reservoir for sperm
- Passageway for the fetus
- Prevents bacterial infections
- Makes and secretes mucus
Vagina
- Functions
- Copulatory organ
- Site for urine expulsion
- Passive birth canal
- Mucosal epithelial cells change in thickness and function depending on endocrine profiles
Vulva
- External part of the female reproductive tract
- Passageway for fetus and urine
- Receives penis during copulation
- Helps prevent the entry of microorganisms into the female tract
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Description
This quiz covers the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive tract, including key structures like the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and vagina. You'll learn about the function of ovaries and the different types of follicles involved in gamete production. Prepare to test your knowledge on this essential aspect of human biology.