Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the theca interna cells in a Graafian follicle?
What is the primary function of the theca interna cells in a Graafian follicle?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the uterus?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the uterus?
What is the term for the fluid-filled cavity in a Graafian follicle?
What is the term for the fluid-filled cavity in a Graafian follicle?
Which layer of the ovary is responsible for producing androgens?
Which layer of the ovary is responsible for producing androgens?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a characteristic of a primordial follicle?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a primordial follicle?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the cervix during pregnancy?
What is the function of the cervix during pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the name of the structure in the oviduct where fertilization typically occurs?
What is the name of the structure in the oviduct where fertilization typically occurs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary difference between a corpus luteum and a corpus albicans?
What is the primary difference between a corpus luteum and a corpus albicans?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a function of the vagina?
Which of the following is a function of the vagina?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the specialized tissue in the endometrium of ruminants where the embryo attaches?
What is the term for the specialized tissue in the endometrium of ruminants where the embryo attaches?
Signup and view all the answers
Flashcards
Ovary
Ovary
Gonads that produce gametes and hormones.
Oviducts
Oviducts
Tubes that transport sperm, ova, and embryo; site of fertilization.
Primordial Follicles
Primordial Follicles
Smallest and most immature follicles that contain an oocyte.
Graafian Follicle
Graafian Follicle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Corpora Lutea
Corpora Lutea
Signup and view all the flashcards
Myometrium
Myometrium
Signup and view all the flashcards
Endometrium
Endometrium
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cervical Plug
Cervical Plug
Signup and view all the flashcards
Caruncles
Caruncles
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vagina
Vagina
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
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
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the female reproductive system, including the major structures such as the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and vagina. Dive into details about ovary structure, follicle types, and their respective functions in reproduction.
