Female Genital Tract and Ovaries Overview
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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a mature follicle?

  • It is composed solely of granulosa cells.
  • It is formed through a process of cell division within the ovary.
  • It develops from a primordial follicle over about 90 days. (correct)
  • It has a thin thecal layer.

    • What is the process called that most ovarian follicles undergo?

  • Follicular atresia. (correct)
  • Follicular maturation.
  • Follicular development.
  • Follicular stimulation.

    • How long does it typically take for a follicle to mature from a primordial stage?

  • Approximately 90 days. (correct)
  • Approximately 30 days.
  • Approximately 120 days.
  • Approximately 60 days.

    • Which of the following statements about a mature follicle is false?

    <p>It can develop directly into a primordial follicle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the majority of ovarian follicles during their development?

    <p>They undergo atresia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process called by which many primary oocytes are lost?

    <p>Atresia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately how many oocytes do the ovaries contain at puberty?

    <p>300K</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the fate of primary oocytes over time?

    <p>They decrease in number through atresia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what stage in life does the decline of primary oocytes through atresia become particularly notable?

    <p>At puberty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about primary oocytes is true?

    <p>They undergo atresia during a woman's reproductive years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the components mentioned in the content with respect to sperm?

    <p>They act as important sperm receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the components influence sperm functionality?

    <p>By binding to specific proteins on the sperm surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is induced by the binding of the components to sperm proteins?

    <p>Acrosomal activation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is acrosomal activation important for sperm?

    <p>It enables the sperm to penetrate the egg's outer layers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could potentially happen if the binding of sperm receptors is disrupted?

    <p>Decreased sperm fertilization ability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily accumulated in the single large antrum of a mature or graafian follicle?

    <p>Follicular fluid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical diameter of a mature follicle when it is fully expanded?

    <p>2 cm or more</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physical feature does a mature follicle exhibit on the ovary?

    <p>A bulge at the surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During follicle development, what is the significance of the rapid accumulation of follicular fluid?

    <p>It contributes to the growth and expansion of the follicle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about mature follicles is true?

    <p>They form a bulge at the surface of the ovary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of leukocytes in the menstrual cycle?

    <p>They release collagenase and MMPs that degrade matrix components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the endometrium is primarily affected during menstruation?

    <p>The functional layer sloughs away.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does arterial constriction affect menstruation?

    <p>It limits blood loss by constricting blood vessels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which components are typically sloughed away during menstruation?

    <p>The surface epithelium, glands, and stroma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens at the open ends of venules during menstruation?

    <p>Some blood emerges from the open ends of venules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the endocervical mucosa?

    <p>Produces mucus to facilitate sperm movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the thickness of the cervix change during the ovarian cycle?

    <p>It remains constant at 2-3 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the vagina?

    <p>Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurs to the endometrium at the end of the menstrual phase?

    <p>It is reduced to a thin layer and prepares for a new cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does estrogen play regarding the epithelial cells of the vagina?

    <p>Stimulates glycogen synthesis and accumulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Female Genital Tract

    • The female reproductive system consists of paired ovaries, oviducts (uterine tubes), uterus, vagina, and external genitalia, and mammary glands.
    • The ovaries produce female gametes (oocytes) and steroidal sex hormones.
    • They provide a fertilization environment and support the embryo/fetus.

    Ovaries

    • Almond-shaped with multiple layers.
    • The surface epithelium is a simple cuboidal epithelium, continuous with the mesothelium (outermost layer).
    • A layer of dense connective tissue, the tunica albuginea, surrounds the surface.
    • The cortex contains highly cellular connective tissue and ovarian follicles of varying sizes.
      • Most ovarian follicles degenerate through a process called atresia.

    Early Development of the Ovary

    • Primordial germ cells migrate from the yolk sac to the gonadal primordia during the first month of embryonic life.
    • These cells become oogonia, the precursor to eggs, undergoing mitosis.
    • Majority undergo atresia by the time of puberty.

    Ovarian Follicles

    • Consist of an oocyte surrounded by epithelial cells within a basal lamina.
    • Primordial follicles consist of one primary oocyte and a single layer of flattened follicular cells.
    • Cells mature into primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles.

    Follicular Growth and Development

    • Follicle growth starts at puberty with FSH release from the anterior pituitary.
    • This involves growth of the oocyte, increasing proliferation/differentiation of follicular cells, and stromal fibroblast proliferation in the surrounding connective tissue.
    • Selection of a dominant follicle which will be ovulated is influenced by balanced hormones.
    • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes oocyte growth, reaches about 120 um.

    Follicular Cells

    • Develop into a stratified epithelium.
    • Granulosa cells communicate via gap junctions.
    • They surround the oocyte, forming the zona pellucida where sperm receptors are located.
    • Theca interna and externa layers surround the follicle.

    Ovulation

    • The release of an oocyte from the ovary.
    • Primarily occurs mid-cycle (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle) stimulated by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH).
    • The dominant follicle ruptures, releasing the secondary oocyte and corona radiata.

    Corpus Luteum

    • Formed from the remains of the follicle after ovulation.
    • Secretes progesterone and estrogen.
    • If no pregnancy occurs, it degenerates into the corpus albicans.
    • If pregnancy does occur, it persists and maintains pregnancy.

    Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

    • Paired tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus with a folded mucosa and muscular layers.
    • Functionally distinct cell (ciliated and secretory ) types.
    • Assists in moving the ovum towards the uterus.

    Uterus

    • Pear-shaped muscular organ.
    • Divided into fundus (upper part), body, and cervix (lower part).
    • Uterine wall composed of perimetrium (outermost layer), myometrium (muscular middle layer), and endometrium (inner lining).
    • The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during the menstrual cycle.

    Menstrual Cycle

    • Cyclical changes in the endometrium.
    • Four phases: menstrual, proliferative, secretory, and ischemic.
    • Driven primarily by estrogen and progesterone levels from the ovary.

    Cervix

    • Cylindrical part of the uterus.
    • Lined with simple columnar epithelium.
    • Contains cervical glands secreting mucus.
    • Plays a role in regulating sperm transport.

    Vagina

    • Muscular tube connecting the cervix to the external environment.
    • Lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
    • Plays a pivotal role in the reproductive process including sexual intercourse, delivery of newborn, and as a protective barrier for the female reproductive system.

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    The Female Genital Tract PDF

    Description

    Explore the anatomy and early development of the female genital tract, focusing on the ovaries. This quiz covers the structure, function, and cellular composition of the ovaries, including the process of atresia of ovarian follicles. Gain insights into the reproductive system and early embryonic development.

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