Female Reproductive System

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the basal layer of the endometrium?

  • To produce glycogen and other nutrients
  • To house the deep basal ends of the uterine glands (correct)
  • To regenerate the functional layer
  • To undergo profound changes during menstruation

During the proliferative phase, what drives the rapid cell proliferation?

  • Rising progesterone levels
  • Decreasing progesterone levels
  • Rising estrogen levels (correct)
  • Decreasing estrogen levels

What is the outcome of the proliferative phase?

  • The endometrium sheds during menstruation
  • The endometrium prepares for the subsequent secretory phase (correct)
  • The endometrium becomes more glandular and vascularized
  • The endometrium becomes less glandular and vascularized

During the secretory phase, what is produced by the uterine glands?

<p>Glycogen and other nutrients (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the secretory phase?

<p>14 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cervical mucus during ovulation?

<p>To facilitate sperm movement to the uterus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the transformation zone?

<p>The area where the simple columnar epithelium changes to stratified squamous epithelium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?

<p>It becomes more rigid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is cervical effacement?

<p>The process of the cervix softening before childbirth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What helps to remove collagen during cervical effacement?

<p>Macrophages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the stroma in the basal layer of the endometrium?

<p>Highly cellular stroma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the endometrial growth during the proliferative phase?

<p>Regeneration of the functional layer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the glands in the secretory phase?

<p>Coiled and dilated (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cervical mucus during ovulation?

<p>To facilitate sperm movement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?

<p>It becomes more rigid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the cervix?

<p>Dense connective tissue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cervical glands?

<p>To secrete mucus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the removal of collagen during cervical effacement?

<p>Softening of the cervix (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of macrophages during cervical effacement?

<p>To remove collagen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of cervical effacement?

<p>The cervix dilates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the functional layer of the endometrium?

<p>It is rich in ground substance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does the endometrium thicken?

<p>Proliferative phase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the secretory phase?

<p>Preparation for implantation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium covers the external os?

<p>Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cervical glands?

<p>Producing mucus to facilitate sperm movement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the cervix during pregnancy?

<p>It becomes more rigid to retain the fetus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of collagen removal during cervical effacement?

<p>The cervix becomes softer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase is the uterine gland morphology altered?

<p>Secretory phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the stroma in the basal layer of the endometrium?

<p>Highly cellular (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of macrophages during cervical effacement?

<p>Removing collagen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the ovary?

<p>To protect the ovary from damage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the germinal epithelium in the ovary?

<p>To cover the surface of the ovary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ovarian medulla composed of?

<p>Loose connective tissue and blood vessels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ovarian follicles?

<p>To hold and transport oocytes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basal lamina in an ovarian follicle?

<p>A thin layer that separates the follicle from surrounding tissue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of an ovarian follicle?

<p>An oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells within a basal lamina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the follicle that does not become dominant during a menstrual cycle?

<p>It undergoes atresia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the zona pellucida?

<p>To facilitate communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inhibin in the menstrual cycle?

<p>To reinforce the negative feedback of estrogen and progesterone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the theca interna?

<p>To secrete androstenedione (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the corpus luteum in the absence of pregnancy?

<p>It undergoes apoptosis and is replaced by the corpus albicans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the LH surge during ovulation?

<p>To complete meiosis I and induce ovulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a unilaminar primary follicle and a multilaminar primary follicle?

<p>The number of layers of granulosa cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of follicular fluid?

<p>Hyaluronic acid and growth factors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of macrophages in atresia?

<p>To phagocytose the apoptotic material and debris (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of aromatase in granulosa cells?

<p>Conversion of androstenedione to estrogen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the oocyte if it is not fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation?

<p>It begins to degenerate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the oocyte in primordial follicles?

<p>Large nucleus with chromosomes in prophase I (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of granulosa lutein cells?

<p>To produce estrogen and progesterone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the corpus luteum of menstruation?

<p>To produce estrogen and progesterone for 10-12 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ciliated cells in the epithelium of the ovioduct?

<p>To promote movement of the oocyte into the infundibilum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During pregnancy, what happens to the smooth muscle fibers in the myometrium?

<p>They increase in number and size (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the innermost layer of the uterine wall?

<p>Endometrium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the secretions from the peg cells in the ovioduct?

<p>To nourish and protect the oocyte and sperm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the basal layer and the functional layer of the endometrium?

<p>Composition of the stroma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the spiral arteries during the proliferative phase?

<p>To increase blood flow to the functional layer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of increased estrogen levels during the proliferative phase?

<p>Rapid cell proliferation and endometrial growth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cervical glands?

<p>To produce mucus that facilitates sperm movement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the removal of collagen during cervical effacement?

<p>Softening of the cervix (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the exocervical mucosa?

<p>Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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