Female Reproductive System

Flashcards about the female reproductive system.

What are the gonads called in the female reproductive system?

Ovaries

What is the function of the ovaries?

Ovaries produce a limited amount of gametes (ova, oocytes, eggs).

What is the process of producing eggs called?

Oogenesis

How do the ovaries function to produce eggs?

They alternate producing an egg each month and are held by ligaments in the abdominal cavity.

What are follicles?

Specialized cell structures where ova develop; one follicle develops one ovum.

What is ovulation?

When a follicle matures, ruptures, and releases one egg per month.

What is the function of Fimbriae?

Sweep over ovaries and bring ova into the oviduct (fallopian tube).

What is the function of the Oviduct (Fallopian Tube)?

Carries ovum to uterus, via cilia that create a current; it is the site of fertilization; the ovum can survive in the oviduct for 24 hours after ovulation.

Describe the characteristics of the OVA.

Non-motile, 20 times larger than sperm, lots of cytoplasm, thick membrane covering.

What is the function of the uterus?

Hollow, pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and anus in females; functions to hold and nourish a fetus; the site of implantation.

What are the two major tissues of the uterus?

Muscular outer lining and glandular, inner lining (endometrium).

What is the function of the endometrium?

Has blood vessels to supply nutrients to the developing baby; it will thicken if it receives a zygote.

Where is the cervix located?

At the base of the uterus; it is a narrow opening.

What is the function of the vagina?

The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outer environment; the 'birth canal'; where sexual intercourse occurs; it has an acidic environment.

What is the vulva?

Female external genital organs where the vagina opens; protected by two pairs of skin folds (labia); includes the glans clitoris.