Female Reproductive System Overview

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the female reproductive system, including anatomy, hormonal cycles, and associated processes.

What is the difference between oogenesis and spermatogenesis?

Oogenesis produces one viable oocyte and arrests at various stages, while spermatogenesis produces four viable sperm continuously.

At what stage does meiosis pause for the primary oocyte?

Meiosis pauses at prophase I.

What is atresia in relation to oocytes?

Atresia is the degradation and breakdown of oocytes, leading to a decrease in their number over time.

How many oocytes are present in a female's ovary at fetal development?

Approximately 7,000,000 oocytes.

How many oocytes remain at birth?

About 1 to 2 million oocytes.

What hormone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum?

Progesterone.

What are the two ovarian cycles mentioned in the lecture?

The ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle.

What is the primary function of the uterine cycle?

To prepare the uterus for potential implantation of a pre-embryo.

What structures anchor the ovaries in place?

Ovarian ligament and suspensory ligament.

What are primordial follicles?

Follicles present at birth that contain primary oocytes.

What phase follows ovulation in the ovarian cycle?

Luteal phase.

What triggers ovulation?

A spike in luteinizing hormone (LH).

What is the lifespan of a secondary oocyte after ovulation?

About 24 hours.

What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?

It degenerates into a corpus albicans, leading to menstruation.

What does the uterine lining shed during the menstrual phase?

The functional layer of the endometrium.

What is the primary phase of the uterine cycle during which the endometrium is rebuilt?

Proliferative phase.

What role does estrogen play in the reproductive cycle?

It stimulates the growth of the endometrium and regulates the menstrual cycle.

What causes menstruation to occur?

A decrease in progesterone levels when the corpus luteum degenerates.

What type of epithelium lines the vagina?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

What is the supporting function of the myometrium?

It provides muscle contraction for childbirth and regulates menstrual processes.

What are the homologous structures between male and female external genitalia?

Labia majora (scrotum) and clitoris (penis).

What is the role of the mucus plug in the cervix?

It prevents pathogens from entering the uterus and changes consistency around ovulation.

What hormone is responsible for milk production during lactation?

Prolactin.

What hormone triggers milk ejection during breastfeeding?

Oxytocin.

What happens to the endometrial lining if fertilization occurs?

The lining thickens and is maintained by progesterone from the corpus luteum.

What is the average age range for the onset of menopause?

45 to 55 years old.

What is the process where the corpus luteum transforms if fertilization occurs?

It remains functional to secrete hormones until the placenta develops.

What occurs during the excitement phase of the sexual response cycle in females?

Increased blood flow leading to engorgement of the reproductive organs.

What is the typical cycle length of the hormonal ovarian cycle?

About 28 days.

Describe the process of gametogenesis in females.

Gametogenesis in females produces one viable oocyte per cycle while undergoing various arrests in meiosis.

What is the role of inhibin secreted by the follicles?

It inhibits the production of FSH from the anterior pituitary.

What happens to hormone levels just before ovulation?

Estrogen levels spike, leading to an LH surge.

What maintains the vascularization of the endometrium during the secretory phase?

Progesterone.

What is a common procedure to detect cervical cancer?

Pap smear.

What do PEG cells in the fallopian tubes do?

Produce glycogen-rich fluid to nourish the pre-embryo.

What factors can influence the timing of menopause?

Genetics, lifestyle, and reproductive history.

What is the main function of the fimbriae at the end of the fallopian tube?

To help guide the oocyte into the tube after ovulation.

Which phase of the uterine cycle aligns with the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?

Menstrual phase.

What hormone does the anterior pituitary release in response to GnRH?

FSH and LH.

How does the corpus luteum affect menstruation if fertilization does not occur?

It degenerates, leading to a decrease in progesterone and menstruation.

What happens during the luteal phase?

The corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone and estrogen.

What is the significance of the ovarian reserve?

It refers to the number of oocytes a female has left as she ages.

What does the term 'luteal phase defect' imply?

Insufficient progesterone support leading to difficulty in maintaining pregnancy.

What cycle does a woman go through that involves estrogen and progesterone levels influencing the uterus?

Uterine cycle.

What is the appearance of the cervix during ovulation?

The cervical mucus becomes thinner and more receptive to sperm.

What physiological changes occur during sexual arousal in females?

Increased blood flow and lubrication production.

What occurs during the resolution phase of the sexual response cycle in females?

Relaxation of the vaginal wall and return to normal size.

What is the role of the basal layer of the endometrium?

It remains after menstruation to regenerate the functional layer.

What is the purpose of the vaginal secretions?

To provide lubrication and maintain the health of the vaginal flora.

What is the average menstrual cycle length variability for women?

Cycles can range from 21 to 35 days in length.

What anatomical structure connects the uterus to the vagina?

Cervix.

What causes the sensation of menstrual cramps?

Contractions of the myometrium during menstruation.

What is the primary component of breast milk necessary for infant immunity?

Immunoglobulin A (IgA).

What triggers the formation of the placenta during pregnancy?

Implantation of the pre-embryo into the endometrium.

What marks the transition from the follicular phase to the luteal phase?

Ovulation.

What are some factors that can affect the fertility of a female?

Age, health, hormonal balance, and reproductive organ health.

What can lead to a higher rate of nondisjunction in older mothers?

The prolonged arrest of oocytes over time.

What is the age when mammograms typically begin for women?

40 years old.

What indicates the start of the menstrual cycle?

The first day of menstrual bleeding.

What occurs to the blood vessels in the endometrium during menstruation?

They constrict, leading to the shedding of the functional layer.

What is the purpose of the broad ligament?

To support the uterus and keep it in position.

What are the stages of the female sexual response cycle?

Excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

How does breastfeeding influence reproductive hormones post-delivery?

It can suppress ovulation due to hormonal changes associated with lactation.

What are some emotional or physical changes associated with menopause?

Hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased libido.

What type of cells are the primary oocyte found in?

Follicular cells.

What is the fate of the polar body produced during oogenesis?

It degenerates and does not participate in fertilization.

How does the body respond during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

Estrogen stimulates the thickening of the endometrial lining.

What are the key hormones involved during the luteal phase?

Estrogen and progesterone.

At what point in the female cycle does ovulation typically occur?

Around day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle.

What physiological preparation is made by the uterus for a pre-embryo?

Thickening of the endometrial lining and increased blood flow.

What causes the functional layer of the endometrium to thicken?

Estrogen secreted by developing follicles.

What influences the timing of the secretory phase?

The activity of the corpus luteum.

How does estrogen affect mammary gland development?

It promotes the proliferation of glandular tissue and ductal development.