Female Reproduction

study tool for ppt 1 for physio of repro

Perineum

region surrounding the anus and vulva

Serosa tissue layer

outermost layer lined with squamous cells

helps the tissue to “glide” in the body and prevent sticking to other organs

muscularis tissue layer

made of two layers of smooth muscle

submucosa tissue layer

contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels

mucosa tissue layer

secretory layer of epithelium into the lumen

Vagina

copulatory organ:

• temperature stimulates penis

• secretes mucus for lubrication

birth canal

caudal portion of vagina

thick muscle layer

junction site for the urethra

cranial portion of the vagina

protrusion of cervix into the vagina

cervix

thick-walled and fibrous feeling

sperm reservoir

aids in sperm transport

mucus production

barrier to uterus: maintain sterile environment

Uterus

Huge muscularis layer

• expel fetus and transport sperm

“Home sweet home” for the developing fetus

• organ responsible for maintaining pregnancy

crucial for nutrient and gas exchange

is responsible for producing some hormones

• species dependent, (luteolysis)

varies in shape significantly between species

perimetrium

“around”; serosa layer

myometrium

muscularis

endometrium

“with in”; mucosa and submucosa layers

Duplex uterus

2 cervical canals separating into the corresponding uterine horn

species: marsupials, rabbit, opossum

bicornuate uterus

2 uterine horns with uterine body

species: mare, cow, bitch, queen, sow

simplex uterus

uterine body with poorly developed uterine horn

species: primates

broad ligament

double-layered connective tissue

suspends ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix & anterior vagina

houses vasculature, nerves, & lymphatic vessels

broad ligament

double-layered connective tissue

suspends ovaries, oviducts, uterus, & anterior vagina

houses vasculature, nerves & lymphatic vessels

mesovarium

supports ovary

mesosalpinx

supports oviduct

mesometrium

supports uterine horns, the largest portion

oviduct/fallopian tubes components

uterotubal, isthmus, ampullary-isthmic junction, ampulla, ostium, infundibulum

isthmus

large muscularis layer with thinner mucosal layer; feels like an earthworm

ampullary-isthmic junction

site of fertilization (fertilization must occur here)

ampulla

large mucosal layer with thinner muscularis layer

ostium

opening of oviduct

infundibulum

catch the ovulating oocyte(s)

ovary

a very dynamic organ

structures on the ovary regulate the reproductive system, cycle behavior, hormonal regulation, and a wide range of other functions within the body

germinal epithelium

outermost layer of the ovary

tunica albginea

outer connective tissue that acts as a protective layer

ovarian cortex

development portion of the ovary that contains the ovarian reserve

ovarian medulla

(think Middle = medulla)

the most inner portion of the ovary (for majority of species)

contains vasculature, nerves, and lymphatic vessels

ovarian follicles

responsible for producing estrogen and other hormones

houses the developing oocyte

corpus luteum

responsible for producing progesterone

comprised of small and large luteal cells

primordial follicles

microscopic copic and most immature follicle

oocyte is surrounded by single layer of squamous cells (wider than tall)

secondary follicles

microscopic

oocyte is surrounded by 2+ layers of cells

primary follicles

microscopic

oocyte is surrounded by single layer of cuboidal cells

tertiary/antral follicles

provide nutrients + development of oocyte

no longer microscopic

the fluid-filled portion known as the antrum is forming/formed

graffian follicle

special term for the preovulatory follicle

theca externa

→ layer on the outside portion of the basement membrane

→ connective tissue

theca interna

layer on the outside of the basement membrane that is directly touching it

hormone production

granulosa cells

→ innermost layer of the cells

→ hormone production

→ two types

• mural granulosa cells - surrounding the interior of the follicle

• cumulus cells - directly surrounding the oocyte