The Female Reproductive System

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the female reproductive system?

Transport sperm to the site of fertilization

Produce sperm

Produce male sex hormones

Produce and maintain egg cells (correct)

Where do the primary female sex organs, ovaries, produce eggs?

Vagina

Clitoris

Uterine tubes

Ovarian cortex (correct)

What happens to the oogonia before puberty?

They complete meiosis II

They produce estrogen and progesterone

They are expelled from the body

They begin meiosis (correct)

What is the role of the follicular cells in the ovary?

Surround the oocyte and provide nutrition Signup and view all the answers

How many oocytes may each ovary contain at birth?

200,000 to 2 million Signup and view all the answers

What happens after ovulation?

Follicular cells give rise to the corpus luteum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the uterine tubes in the female reproductive system?

Transport oocytes to the site of fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the labia majora and minora in the female reproductive system?

External structures providing protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the clitoris in the female reproductive system?

Sensory function Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary female sex hormones produced by the ovaries?

Estrogen and progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate function of the female reproductive system?

Give birth – expel offspring to outside Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of FSH in the ovarian cycle?

Stimulates the growth of the follicle into a mature follicle Signup and view all the answers

Where does fertilization usually occur?

Fallopian tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of LH in the ovarian cycle?

Causes the mature follicle to ovulate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of estrogen in the female body?

Stimulates the female secondary sex characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Where does implantation of the embryo occur?

Uterine endometrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of progesterone in the female body?

Affects the development of the endometrium for possible implantation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the fimbriae in the fallopian tubes?

Collect the ovulated ovum and sweep it into the infundibulum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the myometrium in the uterus?

Middle layer of smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

What causes the endometrium to thicken and shed every 28 days?

Hormone levels Signup and view all the answers

What causes changes to the endometrium of the uterus and the appearance of the menstrual flow?

Ovarian hormones – estrogen and progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What governs the release of ovarian hormones in the female body?

FSH and LH, from the anterior pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Functions of the Female Reproductive System

The primary function is to produce eggs and facilitate reproduction.
It nurtures and supports fertilized eggs, leading to pregnancy.

Ovaries and Egg Production

Ovaries are the primary female sex organs located in the pelvis.
They produce eggs through a process called oogenesis.

Oogonia Pre-Puberty

Before puberty, oogonia undergo mitosis, increasing their numbers.
They enter prophase of meiosis, becoming primary oocytes, but remain inactive until puberty.

Follicular Cells in the Ovary

Follicular cells surround and nourish developing oocytes.
They also produce hormones, including estrogen.

Oocyte Quantity at Birth

Each ovary contains about 1 to 2 million primordial follicles at birth, each containing a primary oocyte.

Post-Ovulation Process

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, producing hormones to support early pregnancy.

Function of Uterine Tubes

Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes) facilitate the transport of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
They are the typical site where fertilization occurs.

Role of the Labia Majora and Minora

Labia majora and minora protect the vaginal opening and internal genital structures.
They contribute to sexual arousal by containing erectile tissue.

Function of the Clitoris

The clitoris is a sensitive organ that plays a key role in sexual arousal and pleasure.

Primary Female Sex Hormones

Ovaries produce primary hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in smaller amounts.

Ultimate Function of the Female Reproductive System

The ultimate goal is to ensure reproduction through egg production, fertilization, and supporting fetal development.

Role of FSH in the Ovarian Cycle

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and initiates estrogen production.

Fertilization Location

Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tubes.

Function of LH in the Ovarian Cycle

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and the transformation of the follicle into the corpus luteum.

Role of Estrogen

Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, influences secondary sexual characteristics, and prepares the endometrium for implantation.

Implantation of the Embryo

Implantation occurs in the thickened endometrium of the uterus.

Function of Progesterone

Progesterone prepares the endometrium for potential implantation and maintains pregnancy.

Function of Fimbriae

Fimbriae are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help guide the released egg into the tube.

Function of the Myometrium

The myometrium is the uterine muscle layer responsible for contractions during menstruation and childbirth.

Endometrium Cycle

The endometrium thickens in response to estrogen and is shed during menstruation due to hormonal changes, primarily driven by progesterone withdrawal.

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The release of ovarian hormones is governed by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland's secretion of FSH and LH.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the female reproductive system with this informative quiz. Explore the functions of the ovaries, transportation of oocytes, fetal development, childbirth, and the production of female sex hormones. Whether you're studying biology or simply curious about the human body, this quiz will challenge and educate you on this crucial system.