Female Reproductive System

The ovaries are suspended in the pelvic cavity by multiple _____.

ligaments

Describe the pre-ovulatory part of the follicular phase.

• closer to day 14

• several follicles continue maturing, but only the dominant ova is released

• The growing follicle secretes more estrogen

• Increased amounts of estrogen has a negative feedback on FSH (prevents too many follicles from maturing)

  • Estrogen causes the endometrial lining to thickenDuring the pre-ovulatory phase, several follicles mature, but only the dominant follicle is selected for ovulation around day 14. The growing follicle secretes increasing amounts of estrogen, which has a negative feedback effect on FSH, preventing the maturation of multiple follicles, and leads to the thickening of the endometrial lining.

Describe ovulation.

• the rise in LH levels stimulate ovulation on Day 14

• Ovulation: a mature egg is released from the ovaries

• LH and FSH levels are high

• the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum under LH stimulation

Describe the luteal phase.

• the corpus luteum produces progesterone

• Increased progesterone and estrogen inhibit LH and FSH release

• The endometrium becomes thicker and more glandular to support a potential embryo

• If fertilization does not occur the corpus luteum degrades into the corpus albicans.

• This causes progesterone levels to drop and initiates bleeding

What does FSH do?

it goes directly to the follicle and stimulates development

Estrogen, Progesterone, and inhibin inhibit _____ production. Which…

• GnRH

• decreases FSH and LH levels

What are the two layers of the fallopian tubes?

1. inner mucosa: lined with ciliated cells that move the egg

2. Smooth muscle: contracts to move the ova and sperm

What are the two layers of the endometrium?

superficial functionalis and deep stratum basalis

Superficial functionalis

the outer part of the endometrium that sheds monthly

Deep Stratum Basalis

the inner layer of the endometrium that attaches to the myometrium and remains constant

Ovarian Ligament

the ligament that attaches the ovary to the body of the uterus and holds the ovary in place

Broad Ligament

a large peritoneal fold that drapes over the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes

Suspensory Ligament

a specific part of the Broad Ligament that connects the upper ovary to the pelvic wall

Round Ligament

a ligament that helps the uterus maintain a forward motion during pregnancy

What does the Cardinal Transverse, Uterosacral, and Pubocervical ligaments do?

they support the pelvic floor