Human Reproductive Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the placenta in relation to the fetus?

To facilitate gas exchange and nutrient transport between mother and fetus (correct)

To protect the fetus from all environmental toxins

To serve as a storage organ for nutrients

To produce hormones that regulate maternal metabolism

Which of the following statements about the umbilical cord is accurate?

It is primarily a channel for maternal blood supply to reach the fetus.

It consists solely of fetal tissues that are disconnected from the maternal circulation.

It functions to isolate the fetal blood from the maternal circulatory system completely.

It contains two arteries and one vein that help in oxygenation of the fetus. (correct)

In discussing fetal circulation, what is the purpose of the ductus arteriosus?

To allow blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs (correct)

To connect the umbilical vein with the inferior vena cava

To facilitate the transfer of nutrients from fetal to maternal blood

To direct blood from the right atrium to the left atrium

What role do fetal movements play in the assessment of the fetal condition?

They indicate the level of fetal stress and distress. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common medical application related to the female reproductive system?

Inducing labor using synthetic hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the perivitelline barrier during fertilization?

To prevent polyspermy fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Where is the perivitelline space located in relation to the fertilization envelope?

Between the plasma membrane and the fertilization envelope Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the fertilization membrane also known as?

Perivitelline barrier Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes polyspermy?

It is the condition where multiple sperm fertilize an egg Signup and view all the answers

What process immediately follows the formation of the impenetrable perivitelline barrier?

The prevention of additional sperm entry Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium lines the endometrial lining during the proliferative phase?

Simple columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the glands in the endometrium during the proliferative phase?

The glands have straight tubule formations with narrow lumens. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the endometrial lining is unique to the proliferative phase?

Simple columnar structure Signup and view all the answers

During what phase are the endometrial glands primarily straight tubules with narrow lumens?

Proliferative phase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes occurs in the endometrial lining during the proliferative phase?

Narrowing of gland lumens with straight tubular forms Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates to form capillary loops in tertiary villi?

Mesenchyme Signup and view all the answers

What type of capillaries are formed during the development of tertiary villi?

Villous capillaries Signup and view all the answers

How soon do tertiary villi begin to develop?

Within a few days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the capillary loops formed in tertiary villi?

To connect with the embryonic circulatory system Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is continuous with the mesenchyme in the context of tertiary villi development?

Embryonic circulatory system Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium covers the areola?

Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the skin on the areola?

Thin skin with sebaceous glands Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the color of the skin around the nipple?

Light brown skin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT found in the areola?

Sweat glands Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of the skin covering the areola?

It is thin and has specialized glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of smooth muscle in the lactiferous sinus?

To contract for nipple erection Signup and view all the answers

Where is milk stored before being released during breastfeeding?

In the lactiferous sinus Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of smooth muscle contraction on the lactiferous sinus?

Facilitates milk transport to the baby Signup and view all the answers

What happens to milk in the lactiferous sinus during breastfeeding?

It is released at the tip of the nipple Signup and view all the answers

How does the smooth muscle contribute to the breastfeeding process?

It contracts to induce nipple erection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 1: OVARY

The ovary is a primary sex organ.
Almond-shaped, measuring approximately 3 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, and 1 cm thick.
Attached to the uterus by ovarian ligaments (mesovarium and mesosalpinx).
Mesovarium is continuous with the medulla of the ovary, containing vessels and nerves.
Histological structure: composed of cortex and medulla.
Cortex: simple cuboidal epithelium (germinal epithelium), layer of connective tissue (tunica albuginea), and ovarian follicles in various developmental stages.
Medulla: contains dense connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
No distinct border between cortex and medulla.
Ovarian follicles develop into various stages throughout life.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 1: OBJECTIVES

Describe ovary structure and follicular development processes.
Describe histological features of oviducts, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
Detail structural changes in the uterus during menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Describe the cellular organization of the placenta, umbilical cord, maternal, and fetal circulations.
Identify medical applications related to the female reproductive system.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 1: MAIN ORGANS AND FUNCTIONS

Paired ovaries: produce ova, female sex hormones, facilitate fertilization, and maintain the fetus.
Oviducts (uterine or fallopian tubes): facilitate fertilization.
Uterus: maintain the fetus & deliver the fetus.
Vagina: deliver fetus, nourish infants through lactation.
External genitalia: part of the reproductive system.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 1: DEFINITIONS

Menarche: time of first menstruation.
Menopause: period when menstruation becomes irregular and disappears.
Fertile period: period between menarche and menopause.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 2: OVIDUCTS (UTERINE TUBES)

Muscular paired tubes (10-12 cm long).
Supported by ligaments and mesenteries for mobility.
One end opens into the peritoneal cavity near the ovary.
Other end opens into the uterus.
Composed of four segments:
- Infundibulum: funnel-shaped opening with fimbriae (fringe-like extensions) partially surrounding the ovary.
- Ampulla: longest region, site of fertilization.
- Isthmus: narrower region near the uterus.
- Uterine part: passes through the uterine wall.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 2: OVIDUCTS (UTERINE TUBES): HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Mucosa: numerous folds (labyrinth-like in ampulla). Folds reduce in size closer to the uterus.
Epithelium: two cell types:
- Ciliated simple columnar (CC): cilia move the fertilized zygote toward the uterus.
- Secretory peg cells (SC): secrete glycoproteins for nutrition and protection of the oocyte and sperm during fertilization, including capacitation factors, which activate sperm.
- Lamina propria: loose connective tissue, richly vascularized.
Muscularis: smooth muscle (inner circular & outer longitudinal layers).
Serosa: connective tissue covered by visceral peritoneum with mesothelium.
Functions:
- Receive ovum.
- Facilitate fertilization.
- Nourish ovum and sperm.
- Transport zygote to uterus.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 2: FERTILIZATION

Definition: Union of female and male gametes.
Site: Occurs in the ampulla of a uterine tube.
Process:
- Sperm penetration through corona radiata.
- Acrosomal reaction: hyaluronidase and acrosin enzymes released to digest zona pellucida and allow sperm penetration.
- Cortical reaction: fusion of sperm and oocyte plasma membranes, exocytosis of proteases from cortical granules to destroy receptors for other sperms. The barrier created thus prevents polyspermy (fertilization by multiple sperm).
- Formation of the perivitelline space.
- Zygote formation (fusion of sperm and egg nuclei, to form a diploid zygote).

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: UTERUS

Pear-shaped organ with thick, muscular walls.
Anatomical parts:
- Body (largest part, rounded superiorly).
- Fundus (dome-shaped part superior to where uterine tubes enter the uterus).
- Isthmus (narrowed region connecting body and cervix).
- Cervix (lower part projecting into vagina).
Cervix has a cervical canal with internal (opens to uterus) and external (opens to vagina) os.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: UTERUS: HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Endometrium (mucosa): simple columnar ciliated and secretory epithelium.
- Lamina propria (stroma): contains collagen fibers, highly cellular (stellate, macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts), and ground substance.
- Endometrial glands: secrete glycogen for nutrition.
Myometrium (muscularis): thickest layer. Contains smooth muscle fibers separated by connective tissue. Composed of inner longitudinal, interspersed vascular, supravascular oblique, and outer longitudinal layers.
Perimetrium (serosa): outer layer continuous with ligaments and containing loose connective tissue (adventitia).

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: UTERUS: BLOOD SUPPLY

Blood vessels supplying the endometrium arise from uterine arteries within the myometrium.
Two sets of arteries:
- Straight arteries: supply the basal zone.
- Coiled/spiral arteries: supply the functional zone; progesterone sensitive and have superficial capillary bed and venous vascular lacunae.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: UTERUS: CHANGES IN PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY

Pregnancy: increased size (hypertrophy and hyperplasia) through smooth muscle expansion & collagen synthesis, to strengthen uterine walls.
Labour: intense myometrial contractions to expel the infant.
After delivery: uterus returns to pre-pregnancy size through apoptosis of smooth muscle cells and removal of excess collagen.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Cyclic structural changes of endometrium.
Starts between 12-15 years (menarche), irregular and disappears between about 45-55 years (menopause).
Hormones: ovarian hormones (estrogen & progesterone).
Average cycle: 28 days.
Phases:
- Menstrual phase (first 4 days).
- Proliferative phase (4th-14th day).
- Secretory phase (15th-28th day).

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: MENSTRUAL CYCLE - SPECIFIC PHASES

Menstrual phase: degenerating functional layer of endometrium, mixed with blood from ruptured blood vessels.
Proliferative phase: increased thickness; surface epithelium, glands, and lamina propria are rebuilt. Spiral arteries become elongated and convoluted.
Secretory phase/luteal phase: thick endometrium with high secretions for implantation; also called secretory/luteal phase; progesterone; glands are highly convoluted.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: OVULATION & FERTILIZATION: GENERAL

Ovulation: Release of oocyte from ovary
Ovulation occurs mid-cycle.
Triggered by a surge in LH (luteinizing hormone).
Oocyte travels down oviduct to uterus; ovulated egg remains viable for around 24 hours

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: OVULATION & FERTILIZATION: SPECIFIC

If fertilization does not occur within 24 hours of ovulation, the egg degenerates.
If fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II,
Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei creates diploid zygote.
Zygote undergoes cleavage while the blastocyst implants in the uterine wall.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: PLACENTA

Temporary endocrine organ for physiologic exchange between mother and fetus
Attaches to uterine wall, expelled after birth.
Functions:
- Transfer of O2, nutrients, and antibodies from mother to fetus.
- Transfer of CO2 and wastes from fetus to mother.
- Endocrine organ: secretes hormones (estrogen, progesterone, HCG)
Histological structure:
- Maternal part: composed of large cells (decidua basalis), major portion of placenta.
- Fetal part (embryonic): chorionic plate, rapid proliferation of chorionic villi containing maternal BV and capillaries

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: PLACENTA: SPECIFIC DETAILS

Chorionic villi: projections of the fetal chorion, providing maximum contact area with maternal blood; undergo three stages:
Primary villi (appear 2 days after implantation).
Secondary villi (form 15 days after implantation, from extraembryonic mesenchyme).
Tertiary villi (develop later, contain networks of fetal capillaries).
Intervillous space: between villi, contains maternal blood.
Placental barrier: composed of: syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, basement membrane, fetal loose CT, basement membrane decidua, fetal capillary endothelium.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: UMBILICAL CORD

Connects fetus to placenta.
Composed of:
- Amniotic epithelium
- Two umbilical arteries: carry deoxygenated blood to the placenta
- One umbilical vein: carries oxygenated blood from placenta to fetus
- Wharton's jelly

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: CLEAVAGE

Fertilization: Occurs in oviduct.
Cleavage: mitotic divisions of fertilized egg.
Blastomere: cells resulting from cleavage.
Morula: aggregation of blastomeres.
Blastocyst: formed from morula; consists of trophoblast & inner cell mass; remains in uterus for 2 days.
Trophectoderm: forms placenta.
Embryoblast: forms embryo.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: IMPLANTATION

Trophoblast: differentiates into cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast.
Syncytiotrophoblast invades the uterine endometrium, initiating implantation.
Formation of two cavities (amnion and yolk sac): Embryoblasts differentiate to form the bilaminar germinal disc.
The germinal disc contains the epiblast and hypoblast.
These two layers of cells will give rise to all parts of the embryo.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: CERVIX

Lower, cylindrical part of the uterus; differs histologically from the rest of the uterus.
Histology:
- Endocervical mucosa: simple columnar epithelium, thick lamina propria with mucus-secreting glands; watery at ovulation, viscous at pregnancy to prevent microorganisms penetration.
- Exocervical mucosa: stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.
Transformation zone: junction between endocervix and exocervix, prone to intraepithelial neoplasia (potentially leading to cervical cancer.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: CERVIX - SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS

Before parturition: Cervical changes (effacement), connective tissue remodeling (mediated by macrophages); softens and dilates to aid birth.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: MAMMARY GLANDS

Modified apocrine sweat glands derived from ectoderm, found on each side of the chest.
Function: secrete milk for newborns.
Structure: 15-25 lobes separated by adipose CT; each lobe with lactiferous excretory duct.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: MAMMARY GLANDS - NIPPLE AND AREOLA

Nipple: Skin elevation with 15-25 pores (lactiferous ducts). Richly supplied with sensory nerve endings for milk ejection reflex.
Areola: Light brown skin around nipple. Thin skin with sebaceous glands and more melanin, which gives it a darker look.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: MAMMARY GLAND CHANGES (AGES & DEVELOPMENT)

Before puberty: gland appears as lactiferous sinuses with small, undifferentiated ducts.
During puberty (females): increase in size due to estrogen, adipose tissue, CT, and duct system development.
Adult (nonpregnant): terminal duct lobules units with small, branching ducts, and lactiferous sinuses lined with stratified cuboidal epithelium; also includes simple cuboidal epithelium-lined lactiferous ducts with myoepithelial cells; and large connective tissue dividing the lobes.
Pregnancy: alveoli grow, stroma and lymphocytes increase, and ducts dilate.
Lactation (during parturition): large quantities of milk protein secreted (exocytosis) by alveoli; lipids secreted (apocrine); intralobular CT is sparse.
Post-menopause: decrease in size and degeneration due to absence of ovarian hormones.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - LECTURE 3: MAMMARY GLANDS - MEDICAL APPLICATION

Most breast cancers arise from epithelial cells of the lactiferous duct system.
Cell spreading via lymphatic and circulatory vessels to critical organs, such as lungs or brain, is responsible for mortality rate in cancer.
Axillary lymph nodes can be examined for metastatic mammary carcinoma cells.
Early detection (self-exam, ultrasound, etc.) improves treatment outcomes significantly.

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Description

Test your knowledge on human reproductive biology with questions covering topics such as the placenta, umbilical cord, fetal circulation, and the ovarian cycle. This quiz examines key functions and processes involved in fetal development and female reproductive health.