Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the ovaries?
What is the primary function of the ovaries?
- Support embryo attachment
- Produce gametes and hormones (correct)
- Produce hormones and transport ova
- Regulate the menstrual cycle
Which structure is primarily responsible for the site of fertilization?
Which structure is primarily responsible for the site of fertilization?
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Oviducts (correct)
- Cervix
What are caruncles and their role in the uterus?
What are caruncles and their role in the uterus?
- Sites for follicular development
- Regions formed during embryo attachment (correct)
- Locations for sperm storage
- Areas lacking epithelial cells
Which layer of the ovary contains blood vessels and nerves?
Which layer of the ovary contains blood vessels and nerves?
What does the cervix produce to aid in reproductive processes?
What does the cervix produce to aid in reproductive processes?
What is the major role of the endometrium in the uterus?
What is the major role of the endometrium in the uterus?
During which stage do the primordial follicles exist?
During which stage do the primordial follicles exist?
Which hormone do theca cells primarily produce?
Which hormone do theca cells primarily produce?
What structure acts as a passive birth canal during delivery?
What structure acts as a passive birth canal during delivery?
Which follicle type is characterized by the presence of three distinct cell layers surrounding the oocyte?
Which follicle type is characterized by the presence of three distinct cell layers surrounding the oocyte?
Flashcards
Ovary
Ovary
The female gonads that produce eggs and hormones.
Follicles
Follicles
Structures in ovaries that contain oocytes and grow through stages.
Primordial Follicles
Primordial Follicles
The smallest and most immature stage of follicles containing oocytes.
Granulosa Cells
Granulosa Cells
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Theca Cells
Theca Cells
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Uterus
Uterus
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Cervix
Cervix
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Vagina
Vagina
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Oviducts
Oviducts
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Endometrium
Endometrium
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology
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Major Structures: Ovaries, Oviducts, Uterus, Cervix, Vagina, External Genitalia
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Interconnected Tubes: The female reproductive tract is a series of interconnected tubes.
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Ovaries (2x): Gonads that produce gametes (eggs/ova/oocytes) and hormones.
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Cortex: Contains oocytes (inside follicles), Corpus hemorrhagicum (bloody body), Corpus luteum (yellow body), Corpora lutea (plural), Corpus albicans (white body).
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Follicles: Important structures in the cortex.
- Primordial Follicles: Smallest and most immature, containing an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of cells.
- Primary Follicles: Slightly more advanced than primordial follicles, with a single layer of cells surrounding the oocyte.
- Follicle (2 Layer): Contains an oocyte with two layers of cells surrounding it.
- Zona Pellucida: Thin, transparent layer surrounding the oocyte.
- Antral (Graafian Follicle): More mature follicles with a fluid-filled cavity (antrum) containing follicular fluid. Three layers of cells surround the oocyte: theca externa, theca interna, granulosa.
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Follicle Fate: Many follicles begin to develop, but only a few mature and ovulate, leading to atresia (death) of many follicles.
Oviducts
- Function: Transport sperm, ova, and embryos; Site of fertilization; Provide suitable environment for development.
- Regions: Infundibulum (thicker portion), Ampulla, Isthmus.
- Uterus Functions: Provides environment for the embryo/sperm; Role in female cycle (e.g., influencing hormones like PGF2α, PGF2α, luteolysis); Transport sperm; Maternal contribution to placenta; Housing and nurturing developing offspring
Cervix
- Functions: Makes and secretes mucus, lubricating the vagina; expelling foreign material; Creating a cervical plug during pregnancy; Passageway for sperm and fetus; Prevents bacterial infection.
Vagina
- Functions: Copulatory organ; Site for urinating; Passageway for birthing; Mucosal epithelial cells change thickness and function with hormonal changes.
Vulva
- External Female Tract: Passageway for fetus/urine; Receives penis during copulation; Helps prevent microbial entry.
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