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What are the functions of the ovaries?

Production of gametes and production of hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, relaxin)

What are the components of the ovarian cortex?

Stroma, ovarian follicles, corpus luteum, corpus albicans

What is the histological structure of a primordial follicle?

One layer of squamous follicular cells surrounds a primary oocyte with a large vesicular nucleus

Describe the major components of a primordial follicle.

A primordial follicle has three major components: a primary oocyte, follicular cells (a single layer of squamous cells), and a basal lamina. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the basal lamina in a primordial follicle?

The basal lamina acts as a blood-follicle barrier and marks a clear boundary between the follicle and the vascularized stroma. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between primordial follicles and primary follicles?

Primordial follicles are formed during fetal life and have a single layer of squamous follicular cells, while primary follicles are slightly larger and have cuboidal granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the theca interna cells in a primary follicle?

The theca interna cells are well-vascularized endocrine cells that secrete androstenedione. They have receptors for luteinizing hormone. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four regions of the uterine tubes in sequence from the ovarian end to the uterine end?

1- Infundibulum, 2- Ampulla, 3- Isthmus, 4- Uterine / intramural part Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of arteries in the endometrium?

1- Straight arteries, 2- Spiral arteries Signup and view all the answers

What are the three histological layers of the uterus?

1- Endometrium / Mucosa, 2- Myometrium, 3- Perimetrium Signup and view all the answers

What are the histological features of a corpus albicans?

Reduced steroid production, apoptosis and regression, degenerative process Signup and view all the answers

What are the three phases of the menstrual cycle?

The three phases of the menstrual cycle are the proliferative/ovarian phase, the secretory/luteal phase, and the menstrual phase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of estrogens during the menstrual cycle?

Estrogens act on the endometrium, inducing regeneration of the functional layer lost during menstruation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of menstrual bleeding?

Menstrual bleeding is caused by reduced circulating levels of progesterone and estrogens when fertilization and implantation do not occur/regression of the corpus luteum. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main structures of the external genitalia (vulva)?

The main structures of the external genitalia (vulva) include the vestibule, labia minora, labia majora, and clitoris. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the histological features of a secondary/antral follicle.

The histological features of a secondary/antral follicle include: 1) Primary oocyte, 2) Granulosa cells (stratum granulosum, cumulus oophorus, and corona radiata), 3) Antrum (fluid-filled cavity), and 4) Follicular theca (theca interna and theca externa). Signup and view all the answers

What are the features of a mature (Graafian) follicle?

The features of a mature (Graafian) follicle include: 1) Secondary oocytes (germ cell/gamete), 2) Granulosa cells (membrana granulosa/stratum granulosum, cumulus oophorus, and corona radiata), 3) Antrum (a single large vesicle), and 4) Follicular theca (theca interna and theca externa). Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of ovulation?

Ovulation is a hormone-stimulated process by which the oocyte is released from the ovary. It usually occurs midway through the menstrual cycle and involves the dominant follicle reaching the most developed stage of follicular growth and undergoing ovulation, while the other primary and antral follicles undergo atresia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the corpus luteum and how is it formed?

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland in the ovarian cortex. It is formed by the transformation of granulosa cells into granulosa lutein cells, which increase greatly in size and secrete large amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and inhibin. The theca interna also transforms into theca lutein cells, which produce large amounts of progesterone and androstenedione. Signup and view all the answers