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Questions and Answers
What is a common physiological change that occurs during menopause?
What is a common physiological change that occurs during menopause?
Menopause typically begins before the age of 40.
Menopause typically begins before the age of 40.
False (B)
What is the term for the cessation of menstrual cycles?
What is the term for the cessation of menstrual cycles?
Menopause
During menopause, the ovaries stop producing __________ and __________ leading to the cessation of the menstrual cycle.
During menopause, the ovaries stop producing __________ and __________ leading to the cessation of the menstrual cycle.
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Match the following symptoms with their description during menopause:
Match the following symptoms with their description during menopause:
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What stimulates the production of milk in lactating women?
What stimulates the production of milk in lactating women?
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Oxytocin is responsible for the development of glandular tissue in the breast.
Oxytocin is responsible for the development of glandular tissue in the breast.
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What is the anatomical structure that drains milk from the lobules to the nipple?
What is the anatomical structure that drains milk from the lobules to the nipple?
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The circular pigmented area surrounding the nipple is known as the ______.
The circular pigmented area surrounding the nipple is known as the ______.
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Which part of the female reproductive system is primarily involved in the fertilization of the ovum?
Which part of the female reproductive system is primarily involved in the fertilization of the ovum?
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Match the following hormones with their primary functions:
Match the following hormones with their primary functions:
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The endometrium is the muscular wall of the uterus.
The endometrium is the muscular wall of the uterus.
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What is the process of gamete formation in the ovaries called?
What is the process of gamete formation in the ovaries called?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the female reproductive system?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the female reproductive system?
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The clitoris is equivalent to the male scrotum.
The clitoris is equivalent to the male scrotum.
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What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
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The __________ is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body.
The __________ is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body.
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Match the following external female reproductive structures with their descriptions:
Match the following external female reproductive structures with their descriptions:
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Which organ serves as the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse?
Which organ serves as the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse?
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The hymen completely closes the vaginal opening.
The hymen completely closes the vaginal opening.
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What role do vestibular glands play in the female reproductive system?
What role do vestibular glands play in the female reproductive system?
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The __________ are the primary female gonads responsible for producing ova.
The __________ are the primary female gonads responsible for producing ova.
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At which stage do females typically experience major physiological changes known as menopause?
At which stage do females typically experience major physiological changes known as menopause?
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What is the main purpose of the uterine wall's myometrium layer?
What is the main purpose of the uterine wall's myometrium layer?
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The endometrium is the outermost layer of the uterus.
The endometrium is the outermost layer of the uterus.
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What is the name of the hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for implantation?
What is the name of the hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for implantation?
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The process of producing eggs in the ovary is known as ______.
The process of producing eggs in the ovary is known as ______.
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What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?
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Ovarian cysts are benign enlargement of the ovaries filled with fluid.
Ovarian cysts are benign enlargement of the ovaries filled with fluid.
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What is the location of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
What is the location of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
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The __________ phase is characterized by the shedding of the endometrium during menstruation.
The __________ phase is characterized by the shedding of the endometrium during menstruation.
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During which phase of the menstrual cycle does ovulation typically occur?
During which phase of the menstrual cycle does ovulation typically occur?
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Relaxin is produced by the ovaries to facilitate the initial development of ovarian follicles.
Relaxin is produced by the ovaries to facilitate the initial development of ovarian follicles.
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What structures hold the ovaries in place within the pelvic cavity?
What structures hold the ovaries in place within the pelvic cavity?
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The _________ is the narrow region of the uterus that leads into the vagina.
The _________ is the narrow region of the uterus that leads into the vagina.
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What role does FSH play in the menstrual cycle?
What role does FSH play in the menstrual cycle?
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Flashcards
What is menarche?
What is menarche?
The first menstrual cycle, generally between 11 and 15 years old. This is characterized by the onset of ovulation and the physical development of a woman's body.
What is menopause?
What is menopause?
The cessation of menstrual cycles, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This signifies the end of a woman's fertile years.
What happens to the vaginal wall during menopause?
What happens to the vaginal wall during menopause?
A condition characterized by the thinning of vaginal walls making them less elastic, leading to reduced lubrication and discomfort. There's also an increased risk of vaginal infections.
How does menopause impact the uterus?
How does menopause impact the uterus?
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What's the link between menopause and cancer?
What's the link between menopause and cancer?
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Breast Lobules
Breast Lobules
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Lactiferous Ducts
Lactiferous Ducts
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Nipple
Nipple
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Areola
Areola
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Myometrium
Myometrium
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Endometrium
Endometrium
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Prolactin
Prolactin
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Oxytocin
Oxytocin
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Vulva
Vulva
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Mons Pubis
Mons Pubis
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Labia Majora
Labia Majora
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Labia Minora
Labia Minora
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Vestibule
Vestibule
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Hymen
Hymen
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Clitoris
Clitoris
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Vestibular Glands (Bartholin’s Glands)
Vestibular Glands (Bartholin’s Glands)
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Perineum
Perineum
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Vagina
Vagina
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Perimetrium
Perimetrium
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Cervix
Cervix
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Internal os
Internal os
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External os
External os
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Round ligaments
Round ligaments
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Broad ligament
Broad ligament
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Fimbriae
Fimbriae
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Oogenesis
Oogenesis
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Ovaries
Ovaries
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Cortex
Cortex
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Medulla
Medulla
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Ovulation
Ovulation
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Corpus luteum
Corpus luteum
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive System
- The primary function of the reproductive system is to produce offspring
- The female reproductive system has several functions:
- Formation of ova
- Reception of spermatozoa
- Provision of a suitable environment for fertilization and fetal development
- Parturition (childbirth)
- Lactation to provide nourishment for the baby in its early life
- Organs include external genitalia (vulva):
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Vaginal orifice
- Vestibule
- Hymen
- Vestibular gland's (Bartholin's gland).
- Organs include internal genitalia:
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Mammary glands
- The vagina is a muscular tube extending from the uterus to the outside of the body.
- The vagina contains rugae, which are folds of tissue allowing for expansion during intercourse and childbirth
- The vagina maintains an acidic pH (between 4.9 and 3.5) to inhibit the growth of microbes, using lactobacillus acidophilus
- The vagina acts as a receptacle for the penis and also a passageway for spermatozoa and the menstrual flow.
- The vagina is an elastic passageway during childbirth.
- The uterus is a pear-shaped structure located in the pelvic cavity, between the urinary bladder and rectum.
- The uterus has an anteflexed position (bent forward).
- The uterus has three layers:
- Perimetrium
- Myometrium
- Endometrium
- The uterus is supported by the broad ligament containing fibrous tissue and round ligament.
- The uterine functions include:
- Pathway for spermatozoa to reach the uterine tube.
- Source of menstrual flow.
- Site of implantation of a fertilized ovum.
- Uterine secretions nourish the ovum before it implants in the endometrium.
- Place for development of a fetus during pregnancy.
- Oestrogen and progesterone increase uterine contractility to expel a baby during labor.
- The fallopian tubes transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus.
- Fertilisation typically occurs within the fallopian tubes.
- The fallopian tubes have ciliated cells and peristaltic contractions to help move the secondary oocyte towards the uterus.
- Ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs, homologous to the testes, which produce eggs.
- Ovaries are near upper pelvic cavity, measuring approximately 3.5 cm long, 2 cm wide and 1 cm thick.
- Ovaries are responsible for producing eggs through oogenesis, and for secreting both estrogens, progesterone, inhibin and relaxin hormones.
- Ovaries are primarily composed of a cortex (outer layer) and medulla (inner layer) layers of fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.
- Puberty in females typically occurs between 10 and 14 years of age.
- Internal reproductive organs mature in females.
- The menstrual cycle begins (menarche).
- Breasts develop.
- Pubic and axillary hair grow.
- Height increases, pelvis widens.
- Fat deposition increases.
- Menopause is the cessation of menstrual cycles, typically occurring between 45 and 55 years of age.
- The ovaries become less responsive to FSH and LH.
- The ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone.
- Menopause also results in a physiological deterioration in reproductive health.
- Mammary glands (breasts):
- Grow and develop with the influence of estrogen and progesterone during puberty.
- Responsible for milk production during lactation (production of milk).
- Supported by fatty tissue and fibrous connective tissue.
- Each breast contains about 20 lobes, which in turn contain lobules that produce milk.
- Prolactin stimulates milk production and oxytocin stimulates the ejection of milk.
Oogenesis and Fertilization
- Oogenesis is the process of producing eggs in the ovaries.
- Oogenesis begins during fetal development.
- By 10 weeks gestation, mitosis occurs to germ cells forming oogonia.
- Oogonia are cells from which oocytes develop.
- Oogonia divide (meiosis 1) to form primary oocytes.
- Primary oocytes remain in that stage until puberty.
- At puberty, primary oocytes resume meiosis and divide to form secondary oocytes and polar bodies
- If no fertilization occurs, the cell degenerates.
- If a sperm penetrates a secondary oocyte, meiosis II resumes.
- Ovulation, the release of an ovum (mature egg), is also part of the female reproductive process.
- The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum which produces progesterone.
- If fertilization fails, the corpus luteum degenerates to form the corpus albicans, and the cycle begins again.
- Fertilization begins when the sperm binds with a secondary oocyte.
- A secondary oocyte completes meiosis II yielding an ovum and polar body
- Nuclei of sperm cell and ovum unite to form diploid zygote.
Ovarian Hormones
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Is secreted by the hypothalamus and controls the ovarian and uterine cycle.
- Luteinising hormone (LH): Is secreted by the anterior pituitary and stimulates ovarian follicles to secrete estrogens, triggers ovulation, and promotes the formation of the corpus luteum producing estrogens, progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Also secreted by the anterior pituitary, it initiates follicular growth and stimulates ovarian follicles to secrete estrogens.
- Estrogens: Are secreted by ovarian follicles contributing to development and maintenance of female reproductive structures and secondary sexual characteristics.
- Inhibin: Inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH.
- Progesterone: Secreted mainly by corpus luteum; prepares endometrium for implantation, mammary glands for milk production, and inhibits secretion of GnRH and LH.
- Relaxin: Produced by corpus luteum. Relaxes uterus, increasing flexibility of pubic symphysis and dilates uterine cervix at the end of pregnancy.
The Reproductive Cycle
- A typical reproductive cycle in humans lasts approximately 24–35 days.
- Typically, a 28-day cycle is considered.
- The menstrual phase is the initial phase of the cycle.
- The preovulatory phase also referred to as the proliferative phase begins around day 6 of a 28 day cycle.
- During the preovulatory phase, ovarian follicles mature, estrogen levels rise, and the endometrium thickens in preparation for potential implantation of a fertilized ovum.
- Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
- The postovulatory phase, also known as the secretory phase, involves the corpus luteum producing progesterone.
- If fertilization doesn't happen, the corpus luteum degenerates causing the cycle to begin again.
Puberty of Females
- Puberty typically occurs between 10 and 14 years of age.
- Internal reproductive organs (uterus, uterine tubes, ovaries) mature.
- The menstrual cycle begins(menarche).
- The breasts develop and enlarge.
- Pubic and axillary hair grow.
- Height increases, and the pelvis widens.
- Fat deposition increases.
Menopause
- Menopause is the cessation of menstrual cycles; usually occurring around 45–55 years.
- Ovaries become less responsive to FSH and LH, and ovulation stops.
- Production of estrogen and progesterone also decreases.
- The body undergoes physical changes, including vasodilation, possible mood changes, skin thinning, osteoporosis, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mammary Glands
- Mammary glands (breasts) grow and develop during puberty under the influence of oestrogen and progesterone.
- They are responsible for milk production during lactation.
- Fatty and connective tissue support the breasts.
- Each breast contains about 20 lobes, further divided into lobules producing milk.
- Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates milk production
- When sucking by an infant on the mother's breast, oxytocin releases, which stimulates ejection of milk production.
Summary of Hormones in the Female Reproductive System
- GnRH from the hypothalamus regulates the release of FSH and LH in the anterior pituitary.
- FSH begins follicular development.
- LH triggers ovulation.
- Estrogens regulate secondary sex characteristics and uterine changes.
- Progesterone contributes to the maintenance of reproductive function.
- Relaxin relaxes the cervix and muscles of the uterus.
- Inhibin regulates FSH and LH levels.
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Description
Explore the intricate structures and functions of the female reproductive system in this quiz. Understand the roles of various organs, from the external genitalia to internal components, and their importance in reproduction, childbirth, and lactation. Test your knowledge on the physiology and anatomy of the female system.
