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What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
The functions of the female reproductive system are the production of gametes, the provision of a site for fertilization, the preparation and support for the development of the embryo and fetus, the maintenance and nourishment of the developing fetus, the removal of waste products and the generation of cyclical changes.
What two parts make up the ovary?
What two parts make up the ovary?
The ovary is divided into the medulla and the cortex. The medulla is the innermost part while the cortex is the outer layer.
What are the stages of development of the oocyte?
What are the stages of development of the oocyte?
What is the name of the open ended tube that connects the ovary to the uterus?
What is the name of the open ended tube that connects the ovary to the uterus?
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What is the name of the hollow, thick-walled organ located in the pelvis anterior to the rectum and posterior to the bladder?
What is the name of the hollow, thick-walled organ located in the pelvis anterior to the rectum and posterior to the bladder?
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Which of these layers are found in the wall of the uterus? (Choose three)
Which of these layers are found in the wall of the uterus? (Choose three)
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What is the name of the opening of the uterus from the vagina?
What is the name of the opening of the uterus from the vagina?
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Which of these is a layer of the endometrium? (Select two)
Which of these is a layer of the endometrium? (Select two)
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What is the thin, dense irregular connective tissue capsule surrounding the ovary called?
What is the thin, dense irregular connective tissue capsule surrounding the ovary called?
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Which layer of the ovary contains the oocytes?
Which layer of the ovary contains the oocytes?
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What is the innermost part of the ovary called?
What is the innermost part of the ovary called?
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A significant number of oocytes are present at birth.
A significant number of oocytes are present at birth.
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The oocytes are already in meosis stage 2 when you are born.
The oocytes are already in meosis stage 2 when you are born.
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The number of viable oocytes sharply declines after the age of 35.
The number of viable oocytes sharply declines after the age of 35.
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Oocytes are surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells.
Oocytes are surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells.
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What are the three phases of an ovarian follicle?
What are the three phases of an ovarian follicle?
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What is the remnant of an ovulated mature follicle?
What is the remnant of an ovulated mature follicle?
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The hormone relaxin only plays a role in the first trimester of pregnancy.
The hormone relaxin only plays a role in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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What is the name of the hormone that causes ovulation?
What is the name of the hormone that causes ovulation?
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Which hormone is responsible for the growth of the ovarian follicle?
Which hormone is responsible for the growth of the ovarian follicle?
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What hormone is released by the hypothalamus and acts as an important signal for the pituitary gland to begin releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)?
What hormone is released by the hypothalamus and acts as an important signal for the pituitary gland to begin releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)?
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Which of these hormones are produced by the corpus luteum? (Select all that apply)
Which of these hormones are produced by the corpus luteum? (Select all that apply)
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A rise in the combination of estrogen and progesterone inhibits FSH and LH.
A rise in the combination of estrogen and progesterone inhibits FSH and LH.
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After ovulation, the Corpus luteum continues to exist if the oocyte is not fertilized.
After ovulation, the Corpus luteum continues to exist if the oocyte is not fertilized.
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The presence of a zygote stimulates the production of a hormone that prevents the atrophy of the Corpus luteum.
The presence of a zygote stimulates the production of a hormone that prevents the atrophy of the Corpus luteum.
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What is the name of the condition that occurs when some endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus?
What is the name of the condition that occurs when some endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus?
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What is the name of the condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus?
What is the name of the condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus?
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What are the three menstrual phases in order?
What are the three menstrual phases in order?
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What are the two main types of birth control?
What are the two main types of birth control?
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The most effective type of contraceptive is the oral contraceptive.
The most effective type of contraceptive is the oral contraceptive.
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RU486 is known as the "morning-after pill" and is a type of barrier birth control.
RU486 is known as the "morning-after pill" and is a type of barrier birth control.
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The mammary glands are modified sweat glands.
The mammary glands are modified sweat glands.
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What two hormones are the primary control mechanisms for the mammary glands?
What two hormones are the primary control mechanisms for the mammary glands?
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What is the pigmented ring of skin surrounding the nipple?
What is the pigmented ring of skin surrounding the nipple?
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What are the lobes of the mammary glands composed of?
What are the lobes of the mammary glands composed of?
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What is the largest, duct-like structures that collect milk into sinuses?
What is the largest, duct-like structures that collect milk into sinuses?
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What are the external female genitalia called?
What are the external female genitalia called?
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The mons pubis is a fatty pad located over the pubic symphysis, which becomes covered with hair after puberty?
The mons pubis is a fatty pad located over the pubic symphysis, which becomes covered with hair after puberty?
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Labia majora are hairless folds that surround the vestibule.
Labia majora are hairless folds that surround the vestibule.
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The vestibule is the opening to the urethra.
The vestibule is the opening to the urethra.
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The clitoris is located on the posterior side of the vestibule.
The clitoris is located on the posterior side of the vestibule.
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The clitoris is analogous to the male penis.
The clitoris is analogous to the male penis.
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive System
- Functions: Production of gametes (oocytes/eggs), fertilization site, support of the developing embryo/fetus, maintenance/nourishment of the fetus, waste removal, menstrual cycle.
Lecture Objectives
- List the functions of the female reproductive system
- Describe the structures and functions of the female reproductive system
- Describe oogenesis and follicle development
- Describe the endometrium of the uterus and changes during the menstrual cycle
- Identify the ovary's medulla and cortex, site of ovarian follicle development
- List the stages of oocyte development, describing changes
- Explain the path of an oocyte after ovulation and its fate if fertilized
- Define ectopic pregnancy
- Describe the role of hormones during follicle development
- Describe hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
- Define endometriosis
- Describe the development of the placenta and the maternal/fetal blood supply
- Describe the mammary glands
- Describe the external female genitalia
Vagina
- Tubular, muscular organ
- Extends from the uterus to outside the body
- Muscular rugae (folds) enable expansions for delivery
- Provides outlet for uterine secretions and menstrual cycle
- Composed of three layers: Adventitia (Outer Fibrous Layer), Muscularis (Middle Muscle Layer), Mucosa (Inner Mucosal Layer)
Fallopian Tube (Oviduct)
- Open-ended tube leading from the uterus towards the ovary
- Composed of mucosa layer (columnar epithelium) and muscularis layer
- Terminal ampulla possesses ciliated fimbriae that sweep oocytes into the oviduct
- Site where fertilization typically occurs
Uterus
- Hollow, thick-walled organ in the pelvis, anterior to the rectum and posterior to the bladder
- Receives, retains, and nourishes the developing embryo
- Entrance to the uterus from the vagina is the cervix
- Composed of three layers: Perimetrium (outer serous membrane), Myometrium (middle layer), Endometrium (inner mucosal lining)
Endometrium
- Consists of two layers:
- Stratum basalis (permanent basal layer)
- Stratum functionalis (luminal layer, sheds if no embryo implantation occurs)
Ovary
- Enclosed in a dense irregular connective tissue capsule (tunica albuginea)
- Cortex contains oocytes within ovarian follicles
- Medulla consists of loose connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves
- Held in place by the broad ligament and suspensory ligaments, ovarian ligament
Oogenesis
- In the human female, ovarian follicles develop approximately 105 days after conception
- By birth, the ovaries contain ~2,000,000 oocytes
- All oocytes are in prophase I of meiosis, remaining until individual oocytes begin to mature at puberty
Ovarian Follicles
- Consist of an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells
- Follicular cells multiply into granulosa cells, nourishing the oocyte and secreting estradiol as the follicle enlarges
Ovarian Follicle Phases
- 1st oocyte develops, granulosa cells multiply
- Cavity develops within the granulosa cells, filled with follicular fluid
- 1st meiotic division occurs; surrounding cells are corona radiata; follicle becomes a Graafian follicle
Ovulation
- Graafian follicle ruptures, releasing the secondary oocyte and corona radiata
- Remnant of the ovulated mature follicle is the corpus luteum
- Corpus luteum produces estradiol, relaxin, progesterone, and inhibin
Ectopic Pregnancy
- Occurs when an oocyte remains in the pelvic cavity or fallopian tube after ovulation and is fertilized, beginning to develop there.
Menstrual Cycle
- In mammals, the uterus cyclically prepares for embryo implantation. The complete cycle (increase to shedding of uterine lining) is the menstrual cycle
- In humans, the average menstrual cycle length is 28 days
Menstrual Cycle Hormones
- GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) is released by hypothalamus, travels to anterior pituitary stimulating FSH and LH release.
- FSH stimulates ovarian follicle growth
- Estradiol, progesterone, inhibin, and relaxin are released by the corpus luteum
- A combination of estradiol and progesterone inhibits GnRH, LH, and FSH
- Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation.
- High estradiol levels stimulate GnRH, FSH, and LH
Hormonal Control of Oocyte Maturation and Ovulation
- GnRH from the hypothalamus releases FSH and LH from the pituitary gland
- FSH causes follicle growth and estrogen production
- Increased estrogen stimulates GnRH, FSH, and LH release; triggering LH surge for follicle release
- Completion of meiosis I and ovulation
Implantation
- Before ovulation, fimbriae (ciliated cells) move closer to the ovary. Their movement sweeps the oocyte into the oviduct
- Once released, the oocyte is transported via fallopian tube (oviduct) to the uterus
- If fertilization occurs, it happens in the ampulla of the oviduct, and the embryo develops in the uterus
Placenta
- Derived from the embryo and facilitates oxygen, nutrient, and waste exchange
- Functions around 5 weeks of development
- Umbilical veins and arteries enter capillary beds of chorionic villus
- Maternal blood pools between chorionic villi
- Fetal hemoglobin has higher affinity for oxygen, stripping from maternal blood pools
Mammary Glands
- Modified sweat glands
- Function primarily in lactating females
- Respond to hormonal stimulation (primarily prolactin and oxytocin)
- Nipple surrounded by pigmented ring (areola)
- Consists of 15-25 lobes, each opening at the nipple
- Separated by adipose and suspensory ligaments
- Lobules composed of acini (alveoli)
External Female Genitalia (Vulva)
- Mons pubis: fatty pad over pubic symphysis (hair after puberty)
- Labia majora: long fatty hair-covered skin folds
- Labia minora: thin, hairless folds enclosing the vestibule
- Vestibule: houses external openings of urethra and vagina
- Urethra is anterior (urine)
- Vaginal orifice (birth canal) are on the vestibule
- Clitoris: Anterior, homolog of penis (sensitive erectile tissue)
Endometriosis
- Normally, the entire functional layer of the endometrium is sloughed off, leaving the uterus via the cervix
- Occasionally, some endometrium moves to the abdomen, attaching to an organ and tapping into the neighboring blood supply
- The tissue increases and breaks down monthly in response to hormonal stimuli
Reasons for Spontaneous Abortion and Miscarriage
- Implantation does not occur
- Insufficient HCG to prevent cycle
- Early developmental defects prevent embryonic development
- Insufficient progesterone causes uterine lining thinning/breakdown
- Abnormal implantation
- Abnormal placenta
Birth Control
- Time Barrier: Rhythm method (timing intercourse)
- Mechanical Barriers: Condoms, diaphragms
- Chemical Barriers: Creams, foams, spermicides
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Synthetic estrogen and progesterone-like substances; disrupt GnRH release
- IUDs: Intrauterine device (placed in uterine cavity) interfering with sperm/implantation
- Surgical Methods: Vasectomy and tubal ligation
- RU486: morning-after pill; binds to progesterone receptors; uterine proliferation ceases
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