Chapter 28 : The Female Reproductive System

What are the primary sex organs in the female reproductive system?

The ovaries.

What are the secondary sex organs in the female reproductive system?

The internal reproductive tract (uterine tubes, uterus, vagina) and the external genitalia (clitoris, labia minora, labia majora).

What are the ovaries?

The female gonads that produce egg cells and sex hormones.

What hormone is responsible for the development of ovarian follicles?

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).

What is the role of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) in the female reproductive system?

LH is responsible for the process of ovulation.

What does progesterone do in the female reproductive system?

It prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy and maintains a pregnancy.

What are the three most common estrogens?

Estradiol, estriol, and estrone.

What initiates the spike in LH secretion during the ovarian cycle?

The end of the Follicular Phase.

What is the corpus luteum?

A structure that forms from the ovulated follicle and secretes estradiol and progesterone.

What occurs during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen stimulates mitosis in the basal layer, causing regrowth of the functional layer.

What hormone is produced by the syncytiotrophoblast during pregnancy?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).

What is the function of HCG in early pregnancy?

To maintain the corpus luteum and stimulate progesterone production.

What changes occur in the body due to estrogen during pregnancy?

Enlargement of the uterus, external genitalia, growth of mammary ducts, and breast growth.

What does progesterone do to uterine contractions during pregnancy?

It suppresses uterine contractions to reduce the likelihood of early labor.

What is the duration of the sexual cycle in females?

About 28 days.

What changes happen in the ovarian cycle during ovulation?

The follicle bursts, releasing the egg into the uterine tube.

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

It shrinks and turns into scar tissue called the corpus albicans.

What is the significance of inhibin in the female reproductive system?

It selectively inhibits the secretion of FSH from the anterior pituitary.

How does estrogen affect growth during puberty?

Stimulates growth hormone secretion leading to increases in height and pelvic widening.

What is the role of androgens in the female body?

Growth of pubic and axillary hair and development of sebaceous glands.