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Questions and Answers
The tertiary follicle develops only after one month.
The tertiary follicle develops only after one month.
False
LH is responsible for causing the primary oocyte to complete meiosis I.
LH is responsible for causing the primary oocyte to complete meiosis I.
True
The luteal phase occurs from day 1 to day 14 of the ovarian cycle.
The luteal phase occurs from day 1 to day 14 of the ovarian cycle.
False
The corpus luteum secretes high levels of estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
The corpus luteum secretes high levels of estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
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Fibroblasts form the corpus luteum after ovulation.
Fibroblasts form the corpus luteum after ovulation.
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The male reproductive system is more complex than the female system.
The male reproductive system is more complex than the female system.
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Gametes are produced through a process called mitosis.
Gametes are produced through a process called mitosis.
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The diploid number of chromosomes in humans is 23.
The diploid number of chromosomes in humans is 23.
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Oogenesis begins with stem cells called oogonia, which undergo mitosis.
Oogenesis begins with stem cells called oogonia, which undergo mitosis.
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Ovulation occurs when a primary oocyte is released from the ovary.
Ovulation occurs when a primary oocyte is released from the ovary.
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During meiosis II, the secondary oocyte completes the process only if it is fertilized.
During meiosis II, the secondary oocyte completes the process only if it is fertilized.
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The ovarian ligaments stabilize the ovaries and attach them to the pelvic wall.
The ovarian ligaments stabilize the ovaries and attach them to the pelvic wall.
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Primordial follicles are formed from primary oocytes.
Primordial follicles are formed from primary oocytes.
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The Uterine tubes are 5.2 inches long and are responsible for transporting oocytes to the uterus.
The Uterine tubes are 5.2 inches long and are responsible for transporting oocytes to the uterus.
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The functional layer of the endometrium is built up by progesterone and is shed during menstruation.
The functional layer of the endometrium is built up by progesterone and is shed during menstruation.
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The menstrual cycle is divided into three phases based on hormonal responses: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory.
The menstrual cycle is divided into three phases based on hormonal responses: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory.
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Fertilization occurs in the infundibulum region of the uterine tubes.
Fertilization occurs in the infundibulum region of the uterine tubes.
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Progesterone plays a role in maintaining the uterine lining during pregnancy.
Progesterone plays a role in maintaining the uterine lining during pregnancy.
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The broad ligament is a fold of smooth muscle connecting the uterus to the pelvic wall.
The broad ligament is a fold of smooth muscle connecting the uterus to the pelvic wall.
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The shedding of the endometrial functional layer happens during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.
The shedding of the endometrial functional layer happens during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.
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Ciliated columnar epithelium lines the uterine tubes.
Ciliated columnar epithelium lines the uterine tubes.
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The corpus luteum remains active for the entire duration of pregnancy.
The corpus luteum remains active for the entire duration of pregnancy.
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Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum post-implantation.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum post-implantation.
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Menstruation occurs when the corpus luteum is still active.
Menstruation occurs when the corpus luteum is still active.
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The vagina is approximately 5 inches long.
The vagina is approximately 5 inches long.
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The labia majora are homologous to the male scrotum.
The labia majora are homologous to the male scrotum.
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Barrier methods of birth control include hormonal pills.
Barrier methods of birth control include hormonal pills.
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In females, meiosis only completes if fertilization occurs.
In females, meiosis only completes if fertilization occurs.
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Women have spermatogonia present at birth.
Women have spermatogonia present at birth.
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Study Notes
Introduction
- The female reproductive system is more complex than the male system because it has more functions.
- These functions include producing and delivering gametes, providing nutrition and safe harbor for fetal development, giving birth, and nourishing the infant.
- The female system is more cyclic, and hormones are secreted in a more complex sequence.
Female Reproductive System - Terminology
- Meiosis: The process by which sperm and eggs are created.
- Gametes: Egg (ovum) and sperm.
- Gonads: Ovaries and testes.
- Zygote: A fertilized egg that has a combination of both parents' genes.
Sex Cells
- Diploid: A cell containing two sets of DNA (e.g., hair, skin, intestines). The diploid number of chromosomes is 46.
- Haploid: A cell containing one set of DNA (e.g., gametes). The haploid number of chromosomes is 23.
Female Reproductive Anatomy
- Structures include the uterine tube, fimbriae, ovaries, vesicouterine pouch, rectouterine pouch, cervix of uterus, anterior fornix, rectum, anus, vaginal rugae, and vaginal orifice. Additional structures include round ligament, peritoneum, urinary bladder, pubic symphysis, mons pubis, urethra, clitoris, prepuce, labia minus, and labia majus.
Frontal View of the Female Anatomy
- Structures that support the ovary include the ovarian ligament, mesovarium, and suspensory ligament. The broad ligament also supports the uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries.
Ovaries
- Ovaries are the female gonads producing egg cells (ova) and sex hormones.
- They are almond-shaped and nestled in the ovarian fossa of the posterior pelvic wall.
- The tunica albuginea is a capsule surrounding the ovary.
- The cortex contains germ cells, while the medulla contains major arteries and veins.
- Each egg develops in its own fluid-filled follicle.
- Ovulation is the bursting of the follicle, releasing the egg.
Oogenesis
- Oogenesis is the process of ovum (oocyte) production.
- Oogonia are stem cells that undergo mitosis, dividing into two cells before birth.
- These become primary oocytes, which have 46 chromosomes.
- Meiosis I begins, but stops at prophase until puberty.
- At puberty, the primary oocyte completes meiosis I, creating one secondary oocyte (haploid) and a polar body.
- Meiosis II begins, but suspends in metaphase II.
- During ovulation, the secondary oocyte is released.
- The secondary oocyte completes meiosis II only if fertilized.
Follicle Development
- Follicles are sites for oocyte growth and oogenesis.
- Primordial follicles consist of simple squamous cells within a primary oocyte.
- Primary follicles enlarge with granulosa cells, secreting estrogen.
- Secondary follicles have thicker follicle walls.
- Tertiary follicles (Graafian) develop after several months; they are large and have cells secreting follicular fluid in the antrum.
Ovarian Cycle
- Follicular Phase (Day 1-14): Few tertiary follicles capable of further development. FSH targets one, which grows rapidly. LH causes the primary oocyte to complete meiosis I. Ovulation occurs on Day 14.
- Ovulation: Release of the secondary oocyte with corona radiata (granulosa cells).
- Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): The empty tertiary follicle collapses and forms the corpus luteum. LH stimulates granulosa cells; progesterone is the main hormone secreted, preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The corpus luteum degenerates about 12 days later, forming the corpus albicans.
The Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
- Hollow muscular tubes that transport the oocyte to the uterus.
- Lined with ciliated columnar epithelium.
- 5.2 inches long.
- Three regions: Infundibulum with fimbriae (beginning funnel), Ampulla (fertilization occurs), and Isthmus (connected to the uterus).
The Uterus
- Protects, nourishes, and removes wastes for the developing embryo and fetus.
- Smooth muscle contractions expel the fetus at birth.
- Its pear shape includes fundus, body, and cervix with cervical os.
- Ligaments include round ligament to the labia majora, uterosacral ligaments to the sacrum, and broad ligaments, peritoneal folds.
Uterine Histology
- Endometrium: Simple columnar epithelium, deep invaginations (endometrial glands), secreting glycogen-rich mucous for the embryo. Two layers: functional (superficial half, built up by estrogen, shed during menstruation), and basal (mitotic, regenerates functional layer).
- Myometrium: Smooth muscle.
- Perimetrium: Visceral peritoneum (simple squamous).
Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
- Series of changes in the endometrium.
- Averages 28 days.
- Begins at puberty (menarche).
- Ends with menopause.
- Divided into three phases: Menstrual, Proliferative, and Secretory.
Menstrual Cycle
- Menstrual Phase: Shedding of the functional layer (menstruation) due to a drop in progesterone and estrogen. Blood restriction and tissue deterioration. It lasts 1-7 days.
- Proliferative Phase: Epithelial cells and glands multiply and rebuild the endometrium. Estrogen from ovarian follicles stimulates this phase.
- Secretory Phase: Begins at ovulation while the corpus luteum is present. Arteries lengthen and coil, uterine glands enlarge, and the endometrium thickens and engorges with blood and glycogen.
Hormones During Pregnancy
- Progesterone: Maintains the uterine lining, also raises body temperature. Progesterone levels decrease, leading to uterine lining lost if no pregnancy. Pregnancy maintains high levels for 3 months.
- Beta-HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Secreted from the implanted zygote. Keeps the corpus luteum active during pregnancy.
Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle (Summary)
- Women have both an ovarian and a menstrual cycle.
- Ovarian cycle: Hypothalamus causes pituitary glands to secrete FSH and LH.
- Menstrual cycle: Estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries determine the uterine lining's thickness, engorgement with blood and nutrients, and eventual menstruation.
- Menstruation occurs when no implantation happens, corpus luteum activity ends and hormone levels drop.
The Vagina
- Smooth muscular tube (3-3.5 inches long).
- Stratified squamous epithelium.
- Normal flora creates an acidic environment, inhibiting pathogens.
- Vaginal fornix: shallow recess around the cervical protrusion.
- Vestibule: space surrounded by external genitalia.
- Hymen: elastic fold partially blocking the entrance.
External Genitalia
- Mons Pubis: Pad of adipose tissue over the pubis.
- Labia Majora: Outer folds homologous to the male scrotum.
- Labia Minora: Inner folds bordering the vestibule.
- Clitoris: Homologous to the male penis, containing corpora cavernosa.
- Greater Vestibular Gland: Secretes mucous during sexual arousal, homologous to the male bulbourethral gland.
Methods of Birth Control
- Behavioral: Abstinence, rhythm method, withdrawal.
- Barrier: Male/female condoms, spermicides, diaphragm.
- Hormonal: Pills, patches, vaginal rings. Intrauterine device (IUD).
- Surgical: Tubal ligation (vasectomy).
The Female Sexual Cycle
- Diagrams illustrating ovarian cycle events (developing follicles, ovulation, corpus luteum, etc.) and the corresponding changes in uterine lining (menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases) and hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone).
Differences Between Male and Female
- Males have spermatogonia for life; females have no oogonia at birth.
- Primary spermatocytes form 4 spermatids; primary oocytes form 1 egg.
- Meiosis in females does not complete unless fertilization occurs.
Check Point Review Questions
- Describe the uterine tubes, uterus, uterine wall, and their ligaments.
- Describe the phases of the uterine cycle and the layers of the uterus.
- Describe the important hormones secreted during pregnancy.
- Explain the parts of the vagina and external genitalia.
- Describe various forms of birth control for females.
- Review all hormones involved in the female reproductive system.
- Explain the differences between male and female reproductive systems.
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Description
This quiz covers the complexities of the female reproductive system, including its functions, terminology, anatomy, and the processes involved in gamete production. Enhance your understanding of key terms and concepts such as meiosis, diploid and haploid cells, and the structure of female reproductive anatomy.
