Ch 8 Female Reproductive System

• what is sexual reproduction

  it is the union of nuclei of ovum and sperm cell

  • ovun and sperm cells are called gametes
  • each gamete contains half the number of chromosomes of a normal body cell
• what are gametes

  ovum and sperm cells

  • produced in the gonads
  • female gonads = ovaries
  • male gonads = testes
• how does fertilization occur

  ovum leaves the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tubes

  • takes place if sperm cells are present and unit with ovum
  • fertilized egg implants then divides to form a ball of cells (zygote) -> embryo to fetus
• the fertilized egg implants, then divides to from a ball of cells is called what?

  zygote
• what happens in day 1-5 of menstrual cycle

  blood cells, endometrail cells, and glandular secretion discharge from the body
• what happens day 6-12 of menstrual cycle

  estrogen aid repair of endometrium. ovum grows in the follicle
• what happens day 13-14 of menstrual cycle

  egg leaves the ovary and passes through the fallopian tube
• what happens day 15-28 of menstrual cycle

  the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, the uterus lining builds up
• what happens during pregnancy

  if fert occurs, the egg implants in the uterine endometrium

  • placenta forms and attaches to uterine wall
  • amnion holds the fetus in amniotic cavity
  • nutrients, oxygen, and wastes exchange between fetus and mother
  • placenta produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
  • progesterone maintains placenta development
  • uterus expands as fetus grows
  • normal delivery fetal position in cephalic presentation (head first)
• the corpus luteum secretes this monthly to build up the lining of the uterus

  progesterone
• what does the placenta secrete during pregnancy

  hCG
• what are the three phases of labor

  phases:

  1. dilation and thinning of the cervix
  2. birth of the infant
  3. delivery of the placenta
• what does the pituitary secrete

  FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone

  LH - luteinizing hormone
• when does the pituitary stop producing FSH and LH

  during pregnancy and with oral contraceptives
• what is menopause

  gradual ending of the menstrual cycle

  • normally begins ages 45-55
  • falling estrogen levels
  • option for estrogen replacement therapy
• adnexa uteri

  fallopian tubes, ovaries, and supporting ligaments
• amnion

  innermost membrane sac surrounding a developing fetus
• areola

  dark pigmented area surrounding the nipple
• bartholin glands

  small, mucus secreting exocrine glands at the vaginal orifice

  • named after Casper Bartholin (danish anatomist 1637)
• cervix

  lower, neck like portion of the uterus
• chorion

  outer most layer of the two membranes surrounding the embryo
• clitoris

  sensitive erectile tissue anterior to the opening of the female urethra
• coitus

  sexual intercourse, copulation
• corpus luteum

  empty ovarian follicle, secrete progesterone after the release of egg cell, means "yellow body"
• cul-de-sac

  region in lower abdomen, midway between the rectum and uterus
• embryo

  stage in prenatal development from 2-8 weeks
• endometrium

  inner, mucous membrane lining of the uterus
• estrogen

  hormone produced by the ovaries that promotes female secondary sex characteristics
• fallopian tube

  one of a pair of ducts through which the ovum travels to the uterus, oviduct

  • Gabriello Fallopia anatomist
• fertilization

  union of sperms cell and ovum from embryo
• fetus

  stage in prenatal development from 8-39 or 40 weeks
• fimbriae

  finger or fringe like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes
• follicile stimulating hormone (FSH)

  secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate maturation of the ovum
• gamete

  male or female sexual reproductive cell -> sperm or ovum
• genitalia

  reproductive organs/genitals
• gestation

  period from fertilization of the ovum to birth
• gonad


  male or female reproductive organ that produces sex cells and hormones, ovary or testes
• gynecology

  study of the female reproductive organs including the breast
• human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

  hormone produced by the placenta to sustain pregnancy by stimulating ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone
• hymen

  mucous membrane partially or completely covering the opening to the vagina