L21 Ch27 Female Reproductive System

A set of flashcards based on the lecture notes for Chapter 27, Part 2, covering the anatomy, cycles, and hormonal regulation of the biological female reproductive system.

What is the role of the finger-like projections called fimry (or fimbury)?

They help to capture and guide the released oite (oocyte) into the fallopian tube.

What are the two pairs of skin folds that protect the external genitalia?

The labia minora (inner more delicate folds) and the labia majora (outer more substantial folds).

What are the physical dimensions of a typical ovary as stated in the notes?

Approximately $5\,cm$ in length, $2.5\,cm$ in width, and around $8\,mm$ in thickness.

What is the ovarium helum?

The site where blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves enter and exit the ovary at the point where it attaches to the meso ovarian.

What are the two main layers (estroma) of the ovary?

The outer region called the cortex and the deeper central region called the medula.

What specific epithelial layer covers the outermost part of the ovarian cortex?

The germinal epithelium, which is a layer of simple cuboidal epithelium.

In biological females, what is the term for the specific process of gamut (gamete) production?

oenesis

What are the three interconnected monthly processes mentioned in the lecture?

oenesis, the ovarian cycle, and the uterine cycle (or menstrual cycle).

At what point in a female's life does oenesis begin?

It begins before birth during fetal development.

What are oonia (or orgonia)?

Deploy stem cells present in the ovaries during fetal development that undergo mitosis and then initiate meiosis one to become primary oites.

What hormone released by the anterior pituitary initiates the ovarian cycle at puberty?

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

What are granulosa cells?

Multiple layers of cubortial cells that surround the primary oite and produce estrogen.

What is the sona pelucida?

A glyoproteinrich extracellular matrix layer secreted by the oite that acts as a protective coat.

What is the most dominant and biologically active estrogen in the body?

estradiol

How is estradiol synthesized within the body?

It is synthesized from testosterone through an enzyatic conversion and is derived from cholesterol.

What is the antrum?

A distinct fluid-filled cavity that forms within a tertiary (or graphian) follicle as granulosa cells secrete follicular fluid.

What is the corona radiata?

A specialized layer of granulosa cells immediately surrounding the secondary oite that travels with it after ovulation.

What event is triggered by a surge in luteaneine hormone (LH)?

ovulation, which is the release of the secondary oite from the tertiary follicle.

What does the empty follicle transform into after ovulation occurs?

The corpus lethium, often called the yellow body.

What are the primary hormones secreted by the corpus lethium?

progesterone along with some estrogen.

If fertilization does not occur, what does the corpus lethium turn into?

The corpus albeans (white body), which is a fibrous scar tissue.

What are the five regions of the uterine tube?

The fimbury, infundibulum (or inflame bubulum), ampula, east moose, and the uterine part.

Where in the uterine tube does fertilization normally occur?

In the distal $2/3$ of the tube, specifically within the ampula region, usually $12$ to $24$ hours after ovulation.

What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

The endometrium (innermost), myometrium (thick middle smooth muscle layer), and perimetrium (outermost incomplete serosa).

Which layer of the endometrium is shed during the menstrual phase?

The functional layer.

What characterizes the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

Rising estrogen levels stimulate the basal layer to undergo rapid cell division, rebuilding the functional layer.

What characterizes the secrettory phase of the uterine cycle?

High levels of progesterone stimulate endometrial glands to become active and create a nutrient-rich environment for potential implantation.

What is the hyman?

A thin elastic fold of mcus membrane that may partially or completely separate the opening of the vagina canal from the vestibule.

What is the vestibule?

The central space of the vulva that is enclosed by the labia minora.

What is the clitoris?

A small erectile organ at the anterior junction of the labia minora that is homologous to the male's penis.

What specialized cells within the mammary glands are responsible for milk synthesis?

alvolar cells

Describe the flow of milk from synthesis to the surface of the nipple.

alvolar cells → loar ducts → lactophorious duct → lactophorious sinus → nipple surface.

What are some common physiological effects associated with the decline in estrogen during menopause?

Reduction in the size of the uterus and breasts, thinning of vaginal walls, osteoporosis, and hot flashes.

Between what ages does menopause typically begin?

Between the ages of $45$ and $55$.