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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the basal layer of the endometrium?
What is the main function of the basal layer of the endometrium?
During the proliferative phase, what drives the rapid cell proliferation?
During the proliferative phase, what drives the rapid cell proliferation?
What is the outcome of the proliferative phase?
What is the outcome of the proliferative phase?
During the secretory phase, what is produced by the uterine glands?
During the secretory phase, what is produced by the uterine glands?
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What is the duration of the secretory phase?
What is the duration of the secretory phase?
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What is the function of the cervical mucus during ovulation?
What is the function of the cervical mucus during ovulation?
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What is the transformation zone?
What is the transformation zone?
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What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?
What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?
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What is cervical effacement?
What is cervical effacement?
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What helps to remove collagen during cervical effacement?
What helps to remove collagen during cervical effacement?
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What is the composition of the stroma in the basal layer of the endometrium?
What is the composition of the stroma in the basal layer of the endometrium?
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What is the result of the endometrial growth during the proliferative phase?
What is the result of the endometrial growth during the proliferative phase?
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What is the characteristic of the glands in the secretory phase?
What is the characteristic of the glands in the secretory phase?
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What is the purpose of the cervical mucus during ovulation?
What is the purpose of the cervical mucus during ovulation?
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What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?
What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?
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What is the primary component of the cervix?
What is the primary component of the cervix?
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What is the purpose of the cervical glands?
What is the purpose of the cervical glands?
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What is the result of the removal of collagen during cervical effacement?
What is the result of the removal of collagen during cervical effacement?
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What is the function of macrophages during cervical effacement?
What is the function of macrophages during cervical effacement?
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What is the outcome of cervical effacement?
What is the outcome of cervical effacement?
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What is the main characteristic of the functional layer of the endometrium?
What is the main characteristic of the functional layer of the endometrium?
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During which phase does the endometrium thicken?
During which phase does the endometrium thicken?
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What is the outcome of the secretory phase?
What is the outcome of the secretory phase?
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What type of epithelium covers the external os?
What type of epithelium covers the external os?
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What is the primary function of the cervical glands?
What is the primary function of the cervical glands?
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What occurs to the cervix during pregnancy?
What occurs to the cervix during pregnancy?
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What is the result of collagen removal during cervical effacement?
What is the result of collagen removal during cervical effacement?
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During which phase is the uterine gland morphology altered?
During which phase is the uterine gland morphology altered?
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What is the characteristic of the stroma in the basal layer of the endometrium?
What is the characteristic of the stroma in the basal layer of the endometrium?
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What is the function of macrophages during cervical effacement?
What is the function of macrophages during cervical effacement?
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What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the ovary?
What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the ovary?
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What is the function of the germinal epithelium in the ovary?
What is the function of the germinal epithelium in the ovary?
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What is the ovarian medulla composed of?
What is the ovarian medulla composed of?
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What is the function of the ovarian follicles?
What is the function of the ovarian follicles?
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What is the basal lamina in an ovarian follicle?
What is the basal lamina in an ovarian follicle?
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What is the structure of an ovarian follicle?
What is the structure of an ovarian follicle?
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What happens to the follicle that does not become dominant during a menstrual cycle?
What happens to the follicle that does not become dominant during a menstrual cycle?
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What is the purpose of the zona pellucida?
What is the purpose of the zona pellucida?
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What is the purpose of inhibin in the menstrual cycle?
What is the purpose of inhibin in the menstrual cycle?
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What is the function of the theca interna?
What is the function of the theca interna?
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What is the fate of the corpus luteum in the absence of pregnancy?
What is the fate of the corpus luteum in the absence of pregnancy?
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What is the function of the LH surge during ovulation?
What is the function of the LH surge during ovulation?
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What is the main difference between a unilaminar primary follicle and a multilaminar primary follicle?
What is the main difference between a unilaminar primary follicle and a multilaminar primary follicle?
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What is the main component of follicular fluid?
What is the main component of follicular fluid?
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What is the role of macrophages in atresia?
What is the role of macrophages in atresia?
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What is the role of aromatase in granulosa cells?
What is the role of aromatase in granulosa cells?
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What is the fate of the oocyte if it is not fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation?
What is the fate of the oocyte if it is not fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation?
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What is the characteristic of the oocyte in primordial follicles?
What is the characteristic of the oocyte in primordial follicles?
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What is the primary function of granulosa lutein cells?
What is the primary function of granulosa lutein cells?
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What is the purpose of the corpus luteum of menstruation?
What is the purpose of the corpus luteum of menstruation?
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What is the function of the ciliated cells in the epithelium of the ovioduct?
What is the function of the ciliated cells in the epithelium of the ovioduct?
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During pregnancy, what happens to the smooth muscle fibers in the myometrium?
During pregnancy, what happens to the smooth muscle fibers in the myometrium?
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What is the innermost layer of the uterine wall?
What is the innermost layer of the uterine wall?
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What is the purpose of the secretions from the peg cells in the ovioduct?
What is the purpose of the secretions from the peg cells in the ovioduct?
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What is the primary difference between the basal layer and the functional layer of the endometrium?
What is the primary difference between the basal layer and the functional layer of the endometrium?
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What is the primary purpose of the spiral arteries during the proliferative phase?
What is the primary purpose of the spiral arteries during the proliferative phase?
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What is the result of increased estrogen levels during the proliferative phase?
What is the result of increased estrogen levels during the proliferative phase?
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What is the primary function of the cervical glands?
What is the primary function of the cervical glands?
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What is the result of the removal of collagen during cervical effacement?
What is the result of the removal of collagen during cervical effacement?
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What is the characteristic of the exocervical mucosa?
What is the characteristic of the exocervical mucosa?
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Study Notes
Components of the Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries: paired organs, two on each side of the uterus, responsible for producing oocytes
- Fallopian tubes/oviducts: two tubes, each connecting an ovary to the uterus, providing a site for fertilization
- Uterus: muscle organ located in the pelvic cavity, holds and supports the fetus during development
- Vagina: muscular canal connecting the cervix of the uterus to the external genitalia
- External genitalia: labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening
Functions of the Female Reproductive System
- Production of female gametes: ovaries produce oocytes
- Fertilization environment: oviducts transport oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and provide a site for fertilization
- Support for embryo: uterus holds and supports the fetus throughout development
- Hormone production: ovaries produce hormones that control the reproductive system and influence other organs
Ovarian Structure
- Surface of the ovaries: covered by simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal epithelium
- Beneath the epithelium: dense layer of connective tissue (CT) called tunica albuginea
- Cortex: region with stroma of highly cellular CT and many ovarian follicles
- Medulla: internal part of the ovary, containing loose CT and blood vessels entering the organ from the hilum
Ovarian Follicle Structure
- An ovarian follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells within a basal lamina
- Basal lamina: a thin layer that separates the follicle from surrounding tissue
- Primordial follicles: formed during fetal life, consisting of a primary oocyte enveloped by a single layer of flattened follicular cells
- Oocyte in primordial follicles: has a large nucleus containing chromosomes in the first meiotic prophase, numerous mitochondria, and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum
Follicular Growth and Development
- Involves the growth of the oocyte, proliferation and changes in the cells surrounding the oocyte, and proliferation and differentiation of the stroma fibroblasts
- Selection of primordial follicles that will undergo growth and which follicle will ovulate involves complex hormonal balances and subtle differences among follicles
Atresia
- Involves programmed cell death
- During each menstrual cycle, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to grow, while others undergo atresia
- Stages of atresia: granulosa cells detach, oocyte undergoes self-digestion, zona pellucida collapses, and macrophages invade the degenerating follicle to phagocytose apoptotic material and debris
Ovulation
- Process where an oocyte is released from the ovary
- Pre-ovulation: the dominant follicle grows and budges at the outer layer of the ovary, a translucent area called the stigma appears
- Just before ovulation: the oocyte completes its first meiotic division, which it had started and paused during fetal development
- At ovulation: the secondary oocyte begins the second division, but stops at metaphase, only completing it if fertilized
Hormonal Regulation
- Follicular development depends on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus
- Estrogen and feedback mechanism: the dominant follicle secretes estrogen, which increases the release of GnRH and leads to a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland
- Inhibin: a hormone produced by granulosa and luteal cells that reinforces the negative feedback of estrogen and progesterone on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
Components of the Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries: paired organs, two on each side of the uterus, responsible for producing oocytes
- Fallopian tubes/oviducts: two tubes, each connecting an ovary to the uterus, providing a site for fertilization
- Uterus: muscle organ located in the pelvic cavity, holds and supports the fetus during development
- Vagina: muscular canal connecting the cervix of the uterus to the external genitalia
- External genitalia: labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening
Functions of the Female Reproductive System
- Production of female gametes: ovaries produce oocytes
- Fertilization environment: oviducts transport oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and provide a site for fertilization
- Support for embryo: uterus holds and supports the fetus throughout development
- Hormone production: ovaries produce hormones that control the reproductive system and influence other organs
Ovarian Structure
- Surface of the ovaries: covered by simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal epithelium
- Beneath the epithelium: dense layer of connective tissue (CT) called tunica albuginea
- Cortex: region with stroma of highly cellular CT and many ovarian follicles
- Medulla: internal part of the ovary, containing loose CT and blood vessels entering the organ from the hilum
Ovarian Follicle Structure
- An ovarian follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells within a basal lamina
- Basal lamina: a thin layer that separates the follicle from surrounding tissue
- Primordial follicles: formed during fetal life, consisting of a primary oocyte enveloped by a single layer of flattened follicular cells
- Oocyte in primordial follicles: has a large nucleus containing chromosomes in the first meiotic prophase, numerous mitochondria, and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum
Follicular Growth and Development
- Involves the growth of the oocyte, proliferation and changes in the cells surrounding the oocyte, and proliferation and differentiation of the stroma fibroblasts
- Selection of primordial follicles that will undergo growth and which follicle will ovulate involves complex hormonal balances and subtle differences among follicles
Atresia
- Involves programmed cell death
- During each menstrual cycle, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to grow, while others undergo atresia
- Stages of atresia: granulosa cells detach, oocyte undergoes self-digestion, zona pellucida collapses, and macrophages invade the degenerating follicle to phagocytose apoptotic material and debris
Ovulation
- Process where an oocyte is released from the ovary
- Pre-ovulation: the dominant follicle grows and budges at the outer layer of the ovary, a translucent area called the stigma appears
- Just before ovulation: the oocyte completes its first meiotic division, which it had started and paused during fetal development
- At ovulation: the secondary oocyte begins the second division, but stops at metaphase, only completing it if fertilized
Hormonal Regulation
- Follicular development depends on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus
- Estrogen and feedback mechanism: the dominant follicle secretes estrogen, which increases the release of GnRH and leads to a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland
- Inhibin: a hormone produced by granulosa and luteal cells that reinforces the negative feedback of estrogen and progesterone on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
Components of the Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries: paired organs, two on each side of the uterus, responsible for producing oocytes
- Fallopian tubes/oviducts: two tubes, each connecting an ovary to the uterus, providing a site for fertilization
- Uterus: muscle organ located in the pelvic cavity, holds and supports the fetus during development
- Vagina: muscular canal connecting the cervix of the uterus to the external genitalia
- External genitalia: labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening
Functions of the Female Reproductive System
- Production of female gametes: ovaries produce oocytes
- Fertilization environment: oviducts transport oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and provide a site for fertilization
- Support for embryo: uterus holds and supports the fetus throughout development
- Hormone production: ovaries produce hormones that control the reproductive system and influence other organs
Ovarian Structure
- Surface of the ovaries: covered by simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal epithelium
- Beneath the epithelium: dense layer of connective tissue (CT) called tunica albuginea
- Cortex: region with stroma of highly cellular CT and many ovarian follicles
- Medulla: internal part of the ovary, containing loose CT and blood vessels entering the organ from the hilum
Ovarian Follicle Structure
- An ovarian follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells within a basal lamina
- Basal lamina: a thin layer that separates the follicle from surrounding tissue
- Primordial follicles: formed during fetal life, consisting of a primary oocyte enveloped by a single layer of flattened follicular cells
- Oocyte in primordial follicles: has a large nucleus containing chromosomes in the first meiotic prophase, numerous mitochondria, and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum
Follicular Growth and Development
- Involves the growth of the oocyte, proliferation and changes in the cells surrounding the oocyte, and proliferation and differentiation of the stroma fibroblasts
- Selection of primordial follicles that will undergo growth and which follicle will ovulate involves complex hormonal balances and subtle differences among follicles
Atresia
- Involves programmed cell death
- During each menstrual cycle, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to grow, while others undergo atresia
- Stages of atresia: granulosa cells detach, oocyte undergoes self-digestion, zona pellucida collapses, and macrophages invade the degenerating follicle to phagocytose apoptotic material and debris
Ovulation
- Process where an oocyte is released from the ovary
- Pre-ovulation: the dominant follicle grows and budges at the outer layer of the ovary, a translucent area called the stigma appears
- Just before ovulation: the oocyte completes its first meiotic division, which it had started and paused during fetal development
- At ovulation: the secondary oocyte begins the second division, but stops at metaphase, only completing it if fertilized
Hormonal Regulation
- Follicular development depends on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus
- Estrogen and feedback mechanism: the dominant follicle secretes estrogen, which increases the release of GnRH and leads to a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland
- Inhibin: a hormone produced by granulosa and luteal cells that reinforces the negative feedback of estrogen and progesterone on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
Components of the Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries: paired organs, two on each side of the uterus, responsible for producing oocytes
- Fallopian tubes/oviducts: two tubes, each connecting an ovary to the uterus, providing a site for fertilization
- Uterus: muscle organ located in the pelvic cavity, holds and supports the fetus during development
- Vagina: muscular canal connecting the cervix of the uterus to the external genitalia
- External genitalia: labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening
Functions of the Female Reproductive System
- Production of female gametes: ovaries produce oocytes
- Fertilization environment: oviducts transport oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and provide a site for fertilization
- Support for embryo: uterus holds and supports the fetus throughout development
- Hormone production: ovaries produce hormones that control the reproductive system and influence other organs
Ovarian Structure
- Surface of the ovaries: covered by simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal epithelium
- Beneath the epithelium: dense layer of connective tissue (CT) called tunica albuginea
- Cortex: region with stroma of highly cellular CT and many ovarian follicles
- Medulla: internal part of the ovary, containing loose CT and blood vessels entering the organ from the hilum
Ovarian Follicle Structure
- An ovarian follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells within a basal lamina
- Basal lamina: a thin layer that separates the follicle from surrounding tissue
- Primordial follicles: formed during fetal life, consisting of a primary oocyte enveloped by a single layer of flattened follicular cells
- Oocyte in primordial follicles: has a large nucleus containing chromosomes in the first meiotic prophase, numerous mitochondria, and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum
Follicular Growth and Development
- Involves the growth of the oocyte, proliferation and changes in the cells surrounding the oocyte, and proliferation and differentiation of the stroma fibroblasts
- Selection of primordial follicles that will undergo growth and which follicle will ovulate involves complex hormonal balances and subtle differences among follicles
Atresia
- Involves programmed cell death
- During each menstrual cycle, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to grow, while others undergo atresia
- Stages of atresia: granulosa cells detach, oocyte undergoes self-digestion, zona pellucida collapses, and macrophages invade the degenerating follicle to phagocytose apoptotic material and debris
Ovulation
- Process where an oocyte is released from the ovary
- Pre-ovulation: the dominant follicle grows and budges at the outer layer of the ovary, a translucent area called the stigma appears
- Just before ovulation: the oocyte completes its first meiotic division, which it had started and paused during fetal development
- At ovulation: the secondary oocyte begins the second division, but stops at metaphase, only completing it if fertilized
Hormonal Regulation
- Follicular development depends on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus
- Estrogen and feedback mechanism: the dominant follicle secretes estrogen, which increases the release of GnRH and leads to a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland
- Inhibin: a hormone produced by granulosa and luteal cells that reinforces the negative feedback of estrogen and progesterone on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
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Description
This quiz covers the components and functions of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia.
