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Questions and Answers
What is the function of the Fallopian tube during ovulation?
What is the function of the Fallopian tube during ovulation?
The ovary is almond-shaped and located medial to the uterus.
The ovary is almond-shaped and located medial to the uterus.
False
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the endometrium for implantation?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the endometrium for implantation?
Progesterone
The __________ ligament provides support to the vagina and cervix.
The __________ ligament provides support to the vagina and cervix.
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Match the following parts of the Fallopian tube with their characteristics:
Match the following parts of the Fallopian tube with their characteristics:
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Which hormone inhibits FSH secretion?
Which hormone inhibits FSH secretion?
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The fimbria are located at the ampulla of the Fallopian tube.
The fimbria are located at the ampulla of the Fallopian tube.
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What structure suspends the ovaries?
What structure suspends the ovaries?
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The __________ hormone stimulates the growth of the follicle and the secretion of estrogen.
The __________ hormone stimulates the growth of the follicle and the secretion of estrogen.
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What is the site of oocyte digestion if fertilization does not occur?
What is the site of oocyte digestion if fertilization does not occur?
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Which hormone is NOT produced by the female reproductive system?
Which hormone is NOT produced by the female reproductive system?
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The vagina serves as both the birth canal and the outlet for menstrual flow.
The vagina serves as both the birth canal and the outlet for menstrual flow.
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What is the function of the paraurethral glands in the female reproductive system?
What is the function of the paraurethral glands in the female reproductive system?
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The outer layer of the uterus is called the __________.
The outer layer of the uterus is called the __________.
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What is the primary function of the corpus luteum after ovulation?
What is the primary function of the corpus luteum after ovulation?
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Match the following parts of the uterus with their descriptions:
Match the following parts of the uterus with their descriptions:
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Which of the following structures is part of the external genitalia?
Which of the following structures is part of the external genitalia?
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The menstrual phase lasts for 14 days.
The menstrual phase lasts for 14 days.
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During which phase of the female reproductive cycle does ovulation typically occur?
During which phase of the female reproductive cycle does ovulation typically occur?
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The labia majora are the internal folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening.
The labia majora are the internal folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening.
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Identify one function of the myometrium.
Identify one function of the myometrium.
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The ______ secretes hormones such as progesterone and some estrogen after ovulation.
The ______ secretes hormones such as progesterone and some estrogen after ovulation.
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Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
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The __________ is the space between the labia minora.
The __________ is the space between the labia minora.
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Which method of contraception is a surgical procedure?
Which method of contraception is a surgical procedure?
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What is the main function of the ovaries?
What is the main function of the ovaries?
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The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle lasts for 14 days.
The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle lasts for 14 days.
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What happens to the corpus luteum if the oocyte is not fertilized?
What happens to the corpus luteum if the oocyte is not fertilized?
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The rhythm method is a natural form of ______ used for family planning.
The rhythm method is a natural form of ______ used for family planning.
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Which condition is characterized by the implantation of the embryo outside the uterus?
Which condition is characterized by the implantation of the embryo outside the uterus?
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive System Anatomy & Physiology
- The female reproductive system has several functions, including producing and transporting the ovum, producing hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin, nurturing the developing zygote, and more.
- The perineum is a diamond-shaped region containing the genitalia and the anus with borders at the pubic symphysis, ischial tuberosities, and coccyx.
External Genitalia
- Mons Pubis: A mound of fatty tissue beneath the pubic symphysis covered in pubic hair after puberty.
- Labia Majora: Skin folds with hair that enclose the other external genitalia; contains sweat, sebaceous, and apocrine glands; homologous to the scrotum in males.
- Labia Minora: Hairless skin folds that enclose the vestibule and contain many sebaceous glands.
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Vestibule: Space between labia minora containing the openings of the urethra, vagina, and the ducts of paraurethral and Bartholin's glands.
- Clitoris: The homologous structure to the penis, with a frenulum and prepuce; has erectile tissue.
- Urethral Orifice: Opening of the urethra.
- Paraurethral Glands (Skene's Glands): Secrete mucus; homologous to the prostate.
- Vaginal Orifice: Opening of the vagina; guarded by the hymen (a membrane partially or completely covering the opening).
- Bartholin's Glands (Greater Vestibular Glands): Secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina.
Internal Genitalia
- Vagina: A fibromuscular canal lined with mucous membranes and rugae; serves as a birth canal, a copulatory organ, and the outlet for menstrual flow. The vagina has acidic conditions.
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Uterus: A hollow muscular organ with three parts: fundus (above the attachment of the fallopian tubes), body (from attachment of the fundus to the isthmus), and cervix (distal portion with a canal, surrounded proximally by the vaginal canal).
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Layers of the Uterus:
- Perimetrium: Outermost layer, derived from the peritoneum, forming the uterovesical and rectouterine pouch.
- Myometrium: Middle layer of smooth muscle, thickest at the fundus and thinnest at the cervix; responds to oxytocin during labor and delivery.
- Endometrium: Innermost layer containing endometrial glands; responds to estrogen and progesterone; site of possible implantation.
- Stratum Functionalis: Sloughs off during menstruation
- Stratum Basalis: Does not slough off, giving rise to the new stratum functionalis.
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Layers of the Uterus:
- Ligamental Support of the Uterus: Broad ligament (derived from the peritoneum), round ligament of the uterus (remnant of embryonic gubernaculum, attaches to labia minora), uterosacral ligament, and cardinal ligament (or transverse cervical) support the vagina and cervix.
- Fallopian Tubes: Tubes with four parts including the infundibulum (with fimbria), ampulla (most dilated, site of fertilization, longest), isthmus (narrowest), and intramural/interstitial (buried into the uterus); transport the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus, and sperm to reach the ovum; site of fertilization.
- Ovary: Almond-shaped structures lateral to the uterus; produce oocytes; include the mesovarium, part of the broad ligament, ovarian ligament, and an infundibulopelvic (suspensory).
- Ovarian Functions: Ovulation (releasing secondary oocyte), produces progesterone and estrogen.
Hormonal Regulation
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Hormonal Regulation of Menstrual Cycle: Controlled by hormones such as GnRH from the hypothalamus that causes the release of FSH and LH.
- FSH: Stimulates follicle growth and estrogen secretion.
- LH: Stimulates further follicle development, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and progesterone production.
- Estrogen: Maintains female reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics, and breast development.
- Progesterone: Synergistically acts with estrogen to prepare the endometrium for implantation. Maintains endometrium, helps mammary gland prepare, and more.
- Inhibin: Secretion by granulosa cells, inhibits FSH secretion.
- Relaxin: Relaxes the uterus to aid in implantation and pregnancy; helps to dilate the cervix; from the ovary and placenta.
Female Reproductive Cycle
- Ovarian Cycle: Involves maturation of oocytes.
- Uterine Cycle: Changes in the endometrium (menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases)
Methods of Contraception
- Varying methods are available, including rhythm method, condoms, diaphragm/cap with spermicidal gel, IUDs, oral contraceptive pills, injectable progesterone, and tubal ligation.
Clinical Correlations
- Ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are potential conditions affecting the reproductive system
Definitions of Terms
- Menarche: The first menstrual period.
- Menopause: Cessation of menstrual periods.
- Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
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