VS331: Module 39: Ovaries

1. Ovaries

2. Uterine tubes (oviducts, fallopian tubes)

3. Uterus (Body, horns, & cervix)

4. Vagina

5. External genitalia (labia, clitoris, vestibule)

6. Placenta

7. Mammary glands

List the organs of the female reproductive system

1. Gametogenesis - also called oogenesis

2. Steroid hormone production - Estrogens & progestogens

List the functions of the ovaries

Ovary

2. Cortex - Contains developing ova & corpora lutea

1. Medulla - Has blood vessels, CT, lymphatic vessels & nerves

Identify the organ, & what is indicated by #1 & 2.

1. Primordial follicles - Contains primary oocyte, Has single layer of granulosa cells

2. Secondary (Antral) Follicle - Granulosa cells become secretory. Produces liquor folliculi and follicular antrum.

3. Mature/Graafian follicle - Forms cumulus oophorus & corona radiata

Identify the 3 follicles & their characteristics seen in oogenesis

Developing follicle

1. Zona pellucida

2. Theca interna cells

3. Primary oocyte

4. Granulosa cells - Estrogen secretors

Identify the follicle & #1-4

Mature or Graafian Follicle

Black arrow = Corona radiata

White arrow = Cumulus oophorus

What follicle has these characteristics and what is indicated by the black & white arrows

Rupture of a follicle & release of the secondary oocyte from a Graafian follicle

Define ovulation

When sperm binds to sperm receptor on the zona pellucida allowing it to penetrate & enter the secondary oocyte

Define fertilization

Follicles that develop but fail to ovulate result in a temporary scar called a corpus atreticum

Define follicular atresia

1. Initally after ovulation, bleeding into the follicular lumen to form corpus hemorrhagicum

2. Granulose cells & theca interna cells proliferate to form corpus luteum

3. Corpus luteum - produces progesterone & estrogens

- will be retained if pregnancy occurs, becomes corpus albicans and dissolves if not

Identify the step 1 - 3 that occur after ovulation