Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy Quiz

Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy

• Major structures include ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia
• These structures form a series of interconnected tubes
• Ovaries are gonads, producing gametes (ova/oocytes) and hormones

Ovary Structure and Function

• Cortex contains oocytes within follicles
• Structures in the cortex include corpus hemorrhagicum (bloody body), corpus luteum (singular), corpora lutea (plural), and corpus albicans
• Follicles are crucial for oocyte development
  • Primordial follicles are the most immature and smallest, containing an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of cells
  • Primary follicles are slightly more advanced, containing oocyte with one cell layer
  • Secondary follicles contain an oocyte with multiple cell layers
  • Antral (graafian) follicles have a fluid-filled cavity (antrum) surrounding the oocyte

Follicle Types

• Primordial Follicles: Most immature and smallest, contain an oocyte and one layer of cells surrounding the oocyte
• Primordial follicles also termed Antral Follicle
  • Follicles (primary): Slightly more advanced than a primordial follicle, contain an oocyte with a single layer of surrounding cells
  • Follicle (2 layer of cells): Contains an oocyte surrounded by two layers of cells
  • Follicle (antral, graafian): Have a fluid-filled cavity (antrum) around the oocyte.

Oviducts Function

• Transport sperm, ova, and embryos
• Fertilization occurs in the ampulla (widest part of oviduct)
• Provide suitable environment to ova, sperm, and the embryo

Uterus Function

• Provides a suitable environment for the embryo and sperm
• Plays a role in female pregnancy
• Makes prostaglandins F2-alpha (PGF2α)
• PGF2α causes luteolysis
• Lysine/ killing of the corpus luteum (CL)
• Transports sperm
• Provides the maternal contribution to the placenta
• Houses, nurtures, and gestates the developing offspring
• Made up of several layers

Cervix Functions

• Makes and secretes mucus to lubricate the vagina during copulation
• Flushes out foreign material
• During pregnancy, the mucus thickens, acting as a "plug"
• A passageway for sperm
• A reservoir for sperm
• A passageway for the fetus
• Prevents bacterial infection

Vagina Functions

• Copulatory organ
• Site for urine expulsion
• Passive birth canal
• Mucosal epithelial cells change in thickness and function based on endocrine profiles

Vulva

• External part of the female reproductive tract
• Passageway for fetus and urine
• Receives penis during copulation
• Helps prevent microorganisms from entering the female tract