18 Questions
What is the primary function of the fimbriae with cilia in the uterine tubes?
To draw the egg into the tubes
What is the term for the 'leftover' follicle that becomes an endocrine gland after ovulation?
Corpus luteum
Which of the following is NOT a part of the female external genitalia?
Uterine tubes
What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
To produce eggs and sex hormones
What is the term for the fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg in the peritoneal cavity?
Ectopic pregnancy
What is the primary function of the mammary glands in the female reproductive system?
To facilitate lactation
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?
It degenerates due to lack of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG).
What is the effect of low levels of estrogen on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels?
FSH levels increase due to lack of feedback inhibition.
What is the role of estrogen in the uterine cycle?
It builds up the endometrium and prepares it for implantation.
What is the effect of high levels of estrogen on luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release?
It stimulates the release of LH and FSH.
What is a secondary sex characteristic influenced by estrogen in females?
Widening of the pelvis.
What is the role of progesterone in the uterine cycle?
It builds up the endometrium and prepares it for implantation.
What is the modification of sweat glands that forms mammary glands?
Modified sweat glands
At what stage of development do oogonia mature and become primary oocytes?
Before birth
What is the result of the completion of the first meiotic division during follicular growth?
Formation of a secondary oocyte and a polar body
What is the duration of the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?
d1-d14
How many follicles are present at birth in females?
Around 2 million
What is the function of the lactiferous duct system?
To secrete milk
Study Notes
Introduction to Female Reproductive System
- The female reproductive system is more complex than the male system, responsible for producing sex cells, sex hormones, receiving the penis during sexual intercourse, creating an environment for implantation, and creating an environment for embryo development.
Anatomy of Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries:
- Paired, flank the uterus on each side, and are almond-shaped
- X-section shows an outer layer with forming gametes at different stages of development and an inner layer with blood vessels and nerves
- Ovarian follicles contain an immature egg and surrounding follicular cells
- Uterine Tubes:
- Receive ovulated oocytes and provide a site for fertilization
- Muscular walls with fimbriae and cilia draw eggs into the tubes
- Peristalsis moves eggs to the uterus
- Uterus:
- Site of embryo implantation
- External Sex Organs:
- External genitalia and vulva
- Mammary Glands:
- Modified sweat glands that are functional in females
Ovarian Cycle
- Hormonal regulation of ovarian cycle involves feedback inhibition patterns
- Estrogen levels affect FSH/LH release
- FSH stimulates follicle growth, which produces estrogen
- Estrogen builds up the endometrium and prepares it for implantation
Uterine Cycle
- Regulated by ovarian hormones
- Menstrual cycle: estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate to prepare the endometrium for implantation
Hormonal Regulation
- Low estrogen levels stimulate FSH release
- High estrogen levels stimulate LH release
- LH surge triggers ovulation
- Corpus luteum produces progesterone and some estrogen
Extra-uterine Estrogen Effects
- Female secondary sex characteristics:
- Increased deposits of subcutaneous fat
- Widening and lightening of the pelvis
- Growth of axillary and pubic hair
- Maturation of reproductive structures
Female Sexual Response
- Mammary glands:
- Present in both sexes but functional in females only
- Internally divided into 15-20 lobes
- Contain secretory units or alveoli that empty into the lactiferous duct system
Physiology of Female Reproduction
- Oogenesis:
- Preparation for gamete production begins in the fetus
- Stem cells divide mitotically to form oogonia
- Oogonia enlarge and mature into primary oocytes
- Primary oocytes are enclosed by follicular cells and undergo meiosis I
- Secondary oocytes and polar bodies are formed
- Ovarian Cycle:
- Follicular phase: days 1-14, follicular growth, and estrogen production
- Luteal phase: days 14-28, corpus luteum activity, and progesterone production
Learn about the physiology of female reproduction, including mammary glands, oogenesis and the female reproductive cycle. Understand the process of gamete production and development in females. Test your knowledge with this quiz!
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