Female Reproductive System

These flashcards cover the key concepts of the female reproductive system, including development, anatomy, histology, and clinical considerations.

What duct contributes to the development of the female genital system?

The Müllerian (paramesonephric) duct.

What happens to the Wolffian duct in females?

It eventually degenerates.

What are the two main ligaments that hold the ovaries in place?

Ovarian ligament and Suspensory ligament.

What connects the sides of the uterus to the walls of the pelvis?

Broad ligament.

How is the ovary described in terms of size?

Approximately 3 cm in diameter.

What is the purpose of the fimbriae at the ends of the Fallopian tubes?

To help pick up the released ova.

What occurs within the upper part of the Fallopian tubes?

Fertilization of the ova.

What is the site of implantation of the morula?

The uterus.

What are the three main layers of the uterus?

Perimetrium, Myometrium, and Endometrium.

What type of epithelium lines the vagina?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

What is the main function of the vagina?

It serves as a receptacle for sperm and as a birth canal.

What external structure is homologous to the male penis?

Clitoris.

What are the functions of Bartholin's glands?

To provide lubrication; they are comparable to Cowper's glands in males.

What type of tissue is the endometrium rich in?

Blood vessels.

What hormonal changes occur at puberty in females?

Recommencement of gamete production under the influence of FSH and LH.

What do primordial follicles contain at birth?

Primary oocytes arrested in diplotene of prophase I.

How many follicles are typically present at birth?

Between 500,000 and 1 million.

What happens to the majority of follicles throughout a female's life?

They undergo degeneration (atresia).

What is called the release of the secondary oocyte from the ovary?

Ovulation.

What forms from the remaining cavity after ovulation?

Corpus luteum.

What is a key characteristic of the mature Graafian follicle?

It bulges on the ovarian surface.

What does the zona pellucida do?

It acts as a glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte.

What stage does the primary oocyte complete during ovulation?

Meiosis I, producing a secondary oocyte and a polar body.

What type of cells cover the ovary?

Germinal epithelium.

How does the primary oocyte respond to fertilization?

It resumes meiosis II upon penetration by sperm.

In which phase are oocytes halted until fertilization?

Metaphase of meiosis II.

What is the typical cycle length of ovulation in females?

Every 28 days.

What does the term 'atresia' refer to?

The degeneration of ovarian follicles.

What is the primary function of the cervix?

To extend into the vagina and serve as a barrier.

What is endometriosis?

An inflammation of the endometrial tissue that grows atypically in the pelvic cavity.

What type of tissue is found in the lamina propria of the vagina?

Elastic connective tissue.

What is the main issue associated with ovarian cysts?

Although commonly painless, larger cysts may cause abdominal pain and swelling.

How is the external genitalia referred to in females?

Vulva or pudendum.

What is a 'morula'?

A solid ball of cells resulting from the division of a fertilized ovum.

What is the role of the theca interna?

It is a vascular layer of estrogen-secreting cells surrounding the follicle.

What marks the position of closure to form the scrotal sac in males?

The scrotal or perineal raphe.

What are the two types of tissue layers in the uterus?

Muscular myometrium and glandular endometrium.

What is the main component of the myometrium?

Smooth muscle.

Which organ lies behind the bladder in females?

Uterus.

What continues to happen to the first polar body during oogenesis?

It may divide but will typically disintegrate.

What is the function of the broad ligament?

To support the uterus and attach it to the pelvic walls.

What is created during the meiotic division when the egg is penetrated by sperm?

A single large ovum and a smaller second polar body.

What is the significance of primordial follicles in female reproductive health?

They represent the initial pool of oocytes available for ovulation.

Why is the study of histology important in understanding the female reproductive system?

It reveals the cellular structure and function of reproductive organs.