Female Reproductive System and Oogenesis

This set covers the anatomy, histology, oogenesis process, reproductive cycles, and hormonal regulation of the female reproductive system based on the provided lecture transcript.

What is the specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the female genital system?

Gynecology

Which three ligaments support the ovaries?

The broad ligament, ovarian ligament, and suspensory ligament.

Describe the tunica albuginea of the ovary.

A capsule of dense irregular connective tissue located below the ovarian mesothelium.

What are the components of the ovarian cortex?

Ovarian follicles and stromal cells containing collagen fibers.

What defines a mature tertiary (graafian) follicle?

A fluid-filled follicle ready to rupture and expel the secondary oocyte during ovulation.

What are the hormone secretions of the corpus luteum before it degenerates into the corpus albicans?

Progesterone, estrogens, inhibin, and relaxin.

During fetal development, what do primordial germ cells differentiate into after migrating to the ovaries?

Oogonia ($2n$).

Approximately how many primary oocytes remain in each ovary at birth?

$200,000$ to $2,000,000$ primary oocytes.

How many oocytes typically mature and ovulate during a woman's reproductive lifetime?

$$400$$

What glycoprotein layer forms between the primary oocyte and the granulosa cells during follicle development?

Zona pellucida

Into what two layers does the theca folliculi differentiate in a secondary follicle?

Theca interna and theca externa.

What is the corona radiata?

The innermost layer of granulosa cells.

During meiosis I in a mature follicle, what are the two resulting haploid cells?

A secondary oocyte and a first polar body.

Under what condition does the secondary oocyte complete meiosis II?

If sperm are present and fertilization takes place.

What structures project from the infundibulum to sweep the secondary oocyte into the uterine tube?

Fimbriae

What is the function of peg cells within the uterine tube?

They secrete a fluid that provides nourishment for the ovum.

What is the term for the normal position of the uterus where the body is situated anteriorly and superiorly over the bladder?

Anteflexion

Identify the three histological layers of the uterus.

1. Perimetrium (serosa), 2. Myometrium (smooth muscle), 3. Endometrium (inner layer).

Which layer of the endometrium is permanent and gives rise to a new functional layer after menstruation?

The basal layer

Which specific blood vessels supply the functional layer of the endometrium and change markedly during the menstrual cycle?

Spiral arterioles

What is the composition of the vaginal mucosa's epithelium?

Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Which external female structures are homologous to the scrotum in males?

Labia majora

Which glands are homologous to the male prostate and are embedded in the wall of the urethra?

Paraurethral (Skene’s) glands

What is the function of the Greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) glands?

To produce mucus during sexual arousal for lubrication.

What are the milk-secreting glands found within the lobules of the mammary glands?

Alveoli

Which hormone, secreted by the anterior pituitary, triggers ovulation?

Luteinizing hormone ($LH$)

In the female reproductive cycle, what are the four distinct phases?

1. Menstrual, 2. Preovulatory, 3. Ovulation, 4. Postovulatory.

What is the corpus hemorrhagicum?

A blood clot formed from the ruptured mature Graafian follicle after ovulation.

At what approximate age do hormone-directed changes lead to puberty?

Age $10$

Describe the condition of benign prostatic hypertrophy common in males over $60$.

A condition where the prostate enlarges to two to four times its normal size.