Bio004 lecture exam 5 Anatomy and Histology of the Female Reproductive System

Ovaries

Female gonads producing oocytes and hormones.

Location of ovaries

The ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity on either side of the uterus. They are attached to the uterus by the ovarian ligaments and are connected to the pelvic wall by the suspensory ligaments.

Ovarian Ligament

Anchors the ovary to the uterus.

Suspensory Ligament

Extends from the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall and contains the ovarian blood vessels and nerves.

Mesovarium

Part of the broad ligament that supports the ovaries

Germinal Epithelium

A single layer of cuboidal epithelium covering the surface of the ovary.

Tunica Albuginea

A dense, irregular connective tissue layer that lies beneath the germinal epithelium, providing protection and structure to the ovary.

Ovarian Cortex

The outer region containing ovarian follicles at various stages of development. The cortex is composed of: follicular cells, granulosa cells and theca cells

Follicular Cells

Surround and support oocyte in primordial follicles.

Granulosa Cells

Surround and nourish the oocytes in more advanced follicles and secrete estrogens.

Theca Cells

Found in the later stages of follicular development, involved in producing androgens that are converted into estrogens.

Ovarian Medulla

The inner region containing loose connective tissue, blood vessels (ovarian artery and vein), lymphatics, and nerves. This region is highly vascularized to support the ovarian tissue and supply nutrients.

Ovarian Artery

Branches directly from the abdominal aorta, supplying blood to the ovary.

Ovarian Vein

Drains blood from the ovary; the right ovarian vein drains into the inferior vena cava, while the left drains into the left renal vein.

Pampiniform Plexus

A network of veins that surrounds the ovarian artery, helping to cool the arterial blood before it reaches the ovary.

Primordial Follicle

Contains a primary oocyte arrested in prophase I of meiosis. Surrounded by a single layer of flattened follicular cells.

Primary Follicle

The follicular cells proliferate and form multiple layers (now called granulosa cells). The zona pellucida, a glycoprotein layer, forms around the oocyte.

Secondary Follicle

Granulosa cells proliferate, and a fluid-filled space called the antrum begins to form. The theca cells differentiate into theca interna (secretes androgens) and theca externa (provides structural support).

Mature (Graafian) Follicle

Large antrum; releases secondary oocyte during ovulation.

Corpus Luteum

Formed after ovulation from the remnants of the follicle, secretes progesterone and estrogens to maintain the uterine lining.

Corpus Albicans

The degenerated form of the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur, eventually replaced by scar tissue.

Uterine Tubes

Transport oocyte; site of fertilization. consists of infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped open end near the ovary, with finger-like projections called fimbriae that help capture the released oocyte.

Ampulla

The longest portion, and the site where fertilization typically occurs.

Isthmus

A narrow, medial segment connecting to the uterus.

Mesosalpinx

Part of broad ligament supporting uterine tubes.

mucosa of uterine tube

Lined with ciliated simple columnar epithelium, which helps transport the oocyte or zygote toward the uterus. Interspersed are peg cells, which provide nutrients for the oocyte or sperm.

muscularis of uterine tube

Composed of an inner circular and outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle. These layers contract rhythmically to aid in the transport of the oocyte or embryo.

serosa of uterine tube

The outer serous membrane layer, part of the visceral peritoneum

blood supply of uterine tube

The uterine tubes are supplied by branches from the ovarian arteries and the uterine arteries.

uterus

uterus is a pear-shaped organ that plays a critical role in menstruation

regions of uterus

The uterus consists of the fundus (top portion), the body (main portion), and the cervix (lower, narrow portion that opens into the vagina).

broad ligament of uterus

A double layer of peritoneum that supports the uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries.

round ligament of uterus

Extends from the uterus to the labia majora and helps maintain the uterus in an anteverted position.

uterosacral ligament of uterus

Connects the cervix to the sacrum, providing support.

cardinal ligament of uterus

Provides lateral support, attaching the cervix to the pelvic wall.

Perimetrium of uterus

The outer serosal layer, part of the peritoneum.

Myometrium of uterus

A thick muscular layer composed of three layers of smooth muscle (inner longitudinal, middle circular, and outer longitudinal). This layer is responsible for uterine contractions during labor.

Endometrium of uterus

The innermost layer that lines the uterine cavity, highly vascularized, and divided into. Consists of stratum functionalis and stratum basalis

Stratum Functionalis

The functional layer that thickens in response to hormones and is shed during menstruation.

Stratum Basalis

The basal layer that regenerates the stratum functionalis after each menstrual cycle.

uterine arteries of uterus

Branches from the internal iliac arteries, supply the uterus.

arcuate arteries of uterus

Found in the myometrium.

radial arteries of uterus

Penetrate into the endometrium and branch into spiral arteries (supplying the stratum functionalis) and straight arteries (supplying the stratum basalis).

Cervix

Narrow lower portion of the uterus.

Cervical Canal

The passage through the cervix that allows sperm to enter the uterus and menstrual flow to exit

mucosa of cervix

Lined with simple columnar epithelium that contains mucus-secreting glands.

cervical mucus

changes throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming thinner during ovulation to facilitate sperm passage

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular canal extending from the cervix to the external genitalia. It serves as the birth canal and the passageway for menstrual flow.

mucosa of vagina

Lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The vaginal walls contain rugae to allow for expansion.

muscularis of vagina

Composed of smooth muscle layers that facilitate expansion and contraction during intercourse and childbirth.

adventitia of vagina

An outer connective tissue layer that anchors the vagina to surrounding structures

blood supply of vagina

The vagina is supplied by branches from the vaginal artery, which is a branch of the internal iliac artery

vulva

external female genitalia; consists of mons pubis, labia minora and majora, clitoris and vestibule

Mons Pubis

A fatty tissue pad over the pubic bone, providing cushioning.

Labia Majora

Folds of skin containing adipose tissue, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. They are homologous to the scrotum in males.

Labia Minora

Thin, hairless skin folds that enclose the vestibule.

Clitoris

A small, erectile organ highly innervated and sensitive to stimulation, homologous to the male penis.

vestibule

The space between the labia minora, containing the openings of the vagina, urethra, and vestibular glands.

labia minora and majora

Both contain dense connective tissue, and the labia majora contain hair follicles, while the labia minora are more vascularized and sensitive.

Mammary Glands

The mammary glands are modified sweat glands located within the breasts, involved in lactation.

glandular tissue of mammary glands

The mammary glands consist of 15-20 lobes, each containing smaller lobules. These lobules contain clusters of alveoli lined with milk-secreting cells.

Lactiferous Ducts of mammary glands

Drain milk from the alveoli and transport it to the lactiferous sinuses.

Areola of mammary glands

The pigmented skin around the nipple contains sebaceous glands to protect the skin during breastfeeding.

blood supply of mammary glands

The mammary glands are supplied by branches of the internal thoracic artery, lateral thoracic artery, and intercostal arteries