Female Reproductive Physiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the fimbriae with cilia in the uterine tubes?

To produce sex hormones

To support embryo development

To facilitate fertilization

To draw the egg into the tubes (correct)

What is the term for the 'leftover' follicle that becomes an endocrine gland after ovulation?

Ovarian follicle

Vulva

Corpus luteum (correct)

Uterine tube

Which of the following is NOT a part of the female external genitalia?

Vagina

Vulva

Mammary glands

Uterine tubes (correct)

What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?

To produce eggs and sex hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg in the peritoneal cavity?

Ectopic pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mammary glands in the female reproductive system?

To facilitate lactation Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?

It degenerates due to lack of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of low levels of estrogen on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels?

FSH levels increase due to lack of feedback inhibition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of estrogen in the uterine cycle?

It builds up the endometrium and prepares it for implantation. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary sex characteristic influenced by estrogen in females?

Widening of the pelvis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of progesterone in the uterine cycle?

It builds up the endometrium and prepares it for implantation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the modification of sweat glands that forms mammary glands?

Modified sweat glands Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of development do oogonia mature and become primary oocytes?

Before birth Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the completion of the first meiotic division during follicular growth?

Formation of a secondary oocyte and a polar body Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?

d1-d14 Signup and view all the answers

How many follicles are present at birth in females?

Around 2 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the lactiferous duct system?

To secrete milk Signup and view all the answers

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

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Description

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!