Female Reproductive

What are the gonads in the female reproductive system?

The ovaries, which produce gametes and hormones.

What are the accessory organs of the female reproductive system?

Fallopian tubes, uterus, greater vestibular glands, and external genitalia.

What is the function of the vagina?

It receives semen from the male as the copulatory organ.

What supports the reproductive organs in the female body?

The broad ligament.

Where are the ovaries located?

In the upper pelvic cavity.

What is the tunica albuginea?

A white capsule that covers the ovary.

What are primordial follicles?

Follicles containing stem cells (oogonium) that begin developing before birth.

What stage of follicle develops after ovulation?

Corpus luteum develops from the follicle.

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

It degenerates into the corpus albicans.

What are the two primary hormones involved in female reproduction?

FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone).

What triggers ovulation?

A build-up of LH.

What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

To receive the ovulated egg and serve as the site of fertilization.

What structure in the fallopian tube helps catch the secondary oocyte?

Fimbriae.

What are the three layers of the fallopian tube wall?

External serosa, muscularis, and internal mucosa.

What is the role of the myometrium during pregnancy?

It contracts to facilitate fetal ejection.

What are the two layers of the endometrium?

Stratum functionalis and stratum basalis.

What is the function of the vagina?

It serves as the inferior portion of the birth canal, a passage for menstrual flow, and a female copulatory organ.

What type of tissue lines the vagina?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

What is menarche?

The onset of puberty and the beginning of menstrual cycles.

What age range typically corresponds to menarche?

About 11 to 15 years old.

What is the typical duration of a woman's reproductive years?

About 35 years.

What signifies the onset of menopause?

Cessation of bleeding, typically around 50 years old.

What is the ovarian cycle phase called when follicles mature?

Pre-ovulatory or follicular phase.

What does the corpus luteum produce after ovulation?

Progesterone.

What occurs during the menstrual phase?

The stratum functionalis is shed from the uterine walls.

What triggers the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?

An increase in estrogen levels.

What is the role of the placenta?

It provides a barrier between the mother's and fetus's circulations and facilitates nutrient exchange.

What are the stages of development from fertilization to birth?

Zygote (weeks 0-2), embryo (weeks 3-8), fetus (weeks 9-birth), infant (at birth).

Where does fertilization typically occur?

In the ampullary region of the uterine tube.

What is a natural family planning or rhythm method?

Avoiding intercourse 2-3 days before and after ovulation.

What is the most effective natural method of contraception?

Abstinence is 100% effective.

What is the function of spermicides in contraception?

To kill sperm and prevent fertilization.

What is the mechanism of action for oral contraceptives?

They contain high progesterone/low estrogen to trick the body into thinking it has ovulated.

What is a diaphragm used for?

A barrier method of contraception fitted and placed over the cervix.

What defines an ectopic pregnancy?

Implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterus.

What contraceptive method is 99.6% effective?

Surgical methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation.

What is a vasectomy?

A surgical procedure where the vas deferens is cut.

What happens to the uterus if pregnancy does not occur following ovulation?

Menstruation occurs as the stratum functionalis is shed.

What is the corpus albicans?

The degenerated form of the corpus luteum.

What is the primary function of the greater vestibular glands?

They secrete mucus to facilitate intercourse.

What is unique about oocyte development compared to sperm?

Female oocytes begin development before birth and are then stored.

What triggers the increase in progesterone during the luteal phase?

The corpus luteum that develops after ovulation.

How long can sperm live inside the female body?

1 to 3 days.

How long can an egg survive after ovulation?

1 to 2 days.

What is the timeframe for fertilization to potentially occur?

Over a 5-6 day span.

What hormonal changes occur during menopause?

A decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels.

What does the endometrial stratum functionalis do during the menstrual cycle?

It is shed during menstruation.

What is the primary anatomical part of the uterus where the fetus develops?

The body of the uterus.

What happens to the muscle layers of the uterus during pregnancy?

Estrogen increases the mass of the myometrium by 24 times.

What is the difference between the primary and secondary oocyte?

Primary oocyte is diploid and present at birth; secondary oocyte is haploid and is released at ovulation.

What is the biological process called that results in the formation of an egg?

Oogenesis.

What terms are used to describe a fertilized egg and its stages of development?

Zygote, embryo, fetus, infant.

What are the effects of progesterone post-ovulation?

Helps maintain the uterine lining and prevent further ovulation during early pregnancy.