BIOL163 - FEMALE REPRODUCTION

ovary and uterus

supported by mesenteries of the peritoneum

broad ligament (mesentery)

drapes over the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries

ovarian ligament and suspensory ligament

help hold the organs in place

round ligament

runs from anterolateral uterus and through the inguinal canal to the labia majora in the perineum

endometriosis

migration of endometrial tissue from the uterus to other areas

oogenesis

maturation of female gamete

fallopian tubes

function to get egg to uterus

fallopian tubes structure

smooth muscle and ciliated inner layer

ovaries

consist of follicular cells, oocytes, blood vessels, and connective tissue

follicle cells

surround oocytes, secrete estrogen when mature

how many follicles mature each month?

20-25

how many oocytes are selected to mature into a Graafian follicle?

ONLY 1

what is oocyte maturation regulated by?

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

ovulation

occurs when the follicle ruptures and the oocyte is released to the uterine tube

what must occur for fertilization to be successful?

sperm and oocyte meet in uterine tube, too late in uterus

location of implantation of fertilized egg

uterus

what is ovulation regulated by?

luteinizing hormone (LH)

corpus luteum

an endocrine structure that forms from the remaining follicle cells in the ovary after ovulation

luteinizing

cell becomes yellow and fatty

cholesterol

used to synthesize the steroid hormone progesterone

corpus luteum

critical for maintaining early pregnancy

uterus

a thick, muscular chamber that opens to the vagina at the cervix

myometrium

smooth muscle

endometrium

inner vascular layer

function of endometrium

massive cell division and growth to prepare for pregnancy, sheds every month

which hormone regulates the shedding of the endometrium?

progesterone

follicular stage

low pulse rate of GnRH causes release of FSH

FSH

stimulates follicle cells to grow/divide

follicle cells

secrete estrogen

luteal stage

follicle cells "luteinize" to the corpus luteum

what degrades if pregnancy does not occur?

corpus luteum

presence of progesterone and estrogen

prevents GnRH pulse and affects FSH and LH levels

birth control

prevents signal for eggs/follicle to mature, no ovulation, oocytes reabsorbed into the body

menstrual cycle

progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus, then drops, FSH levels start to rise

cervix

entry for sperm, exit for shed endometrium, exit for babies

thick mucous

before ovulation, prevent sperm and pathogens from entering

thin mucous

after ovulation, helps sperm enter

cervix

host tissue for certain strains of the HPV virus

vagina

a muscular canal with rugae

functions of the vagina

receive sperm, birthing canal

vaginal rugae

ridges of muscle

bartholin's glands

lubricate vagina

vulva

external female genitalia

vestibule

central external space between labia minora containing urethral opening, vagina, and vestibular gland opens

clitoris

covered by hood, erectile tissue without urinary function

mons pubis

adipose tissue over pubic symphysis

climacteric

change in hormones

menopause

primary follicles stop responding to FSH/LH

lack of estrogen symptoms

vaginal dryness, cutaneous vasospasm (hot flashes), changes in mood, osteoporosis

excitement

triggered by input of senses, controlled by parasympathetic autonomic motor division, increased HR, BP, vasocongestion, uterine tenting, secretion from glands

plateau

controlled by parasympathetic system, clitoris is engorged with blood

orgasm

controlled by sympathetic system, coordinated contraction of pelvis and vaginal muscles, uterus undergoes peristaltic contractions

resolution

muscles relax, blood flow decreases, HR/respiratory rate decrease, no refractory period