topic 12 pt 1

• What is the chromosome number in oocytes?

  23 chromosomes
• What is the role of fertilisation in reproduction?

  It receives sperm cells and transports them to the fertilisation site
• What is the function of the uterus during pregnancy?

  It nurtures the developing individual until birth
• Why are reproductive hormones important?

  They are essential for the normal function of the reproductive system
• What are the main components of the female reproductive system?

  • Breasts/Mammary glands
  • External genitalia (vulva)
  • Vagina
  • Uterus
  • Uterine tubes
  • Ovaries

  
• What is the function of the nipple in the breast?

  It has openings for lactiferous ducts for milk release
• What is the areola and its significance?

  It is the pigmented region surrounding the nipple and contains sebaceous glands
• What happens to suspensory ligaments with age?

  They slacken over time
• What type of glands are mammary glands?

  Modified sweat glands
• How many lobes does each mammary gland consist of?

  15-20 lobes
• What stimulates the development of alveoli in mammary glands?

  Prolactin during late pregnancy
• What is colostrum?

  It is the first milk rich in proteins and antibodies
• What are the differences between inactive and active breasts?

  Inactive breast:

  • Few ducts
  • Lots of connective tissue

  
  

  Active breast (pregnancy):

  • Many ducts
  • Less connective tissue
• What is the mons pubis?

  An elevated area of adipose tissue over the symphysis pubis
• What is the clitoris composed of?

  Small mass of sensory and erectile tissue
• What is the function of the vestibule in the female reproductive system?

  It extends from the vaginal opening to the clitoris
• What do paraurethral glands produce?

  Fluid to moisten the vestibule
• What are the labia minora and labia majora?


  Skin folds that protect the vaginal opening
• What is the perineum?

  A diamond-shaped region containing external genitals and the anus
• What is the function of the vagina?

  It allows for menstrual flow and childbirth
• How long is the vagina?

  Approximately 10 cm
• What is the hymen?

  A thin mucous membrane covering the vaginal opening
• What are the three layers of the vagina?

  Mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia

  
• What is the role of the mucosa in the vagina?

  It stores glycogen which decomposes into lactic acid
• What is the function of the muscularis layer in the vagina?

  It can stretch to accommodate intercourse and childbirth
• How does the vagina receive blood supply?

  Through the internal vaginal artery branching off the uterine artery
• What is the primary function of the uterus?

  It is the site of implantation for the fertilised ovum
• What is the shape of the uterus?

  Size of an inverted pear
• What are the anatomical subdivisions of the uterus?

  Fundus, body, and cervix
• What are the three histological layers of the uterus?

  Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium

  
• What is the broad ligament?

  An extension of the peritoneum that attaches the uterus to the pelvic wall
• What is the ectocervix?

  The portion of the cervix projecting into the vagina
• What is the cervical canal?

  The narrow passageway between the external os and the uterine cavity

  
• What type of epithelium is found in the endocervix?

  Simple columnar epithelium

  
• What happens to cervical mucus during ovulation?

  It thins and increases in volume due to estrogen
• What is the purpose of the antibacterial mucosal plug during pregnancy?

  It prevents infection by blocking the cervix
• What are the two layers of the endometrium?

  Stratum functionalis and stratum basalis

  
• What is the function of the stratum functionalis?

  It lines the uterine cavity and sloughs off during menstruation

  
• What is the role of the stratum basalis?

  It gives rise to a new stratum functionalis after each menstruation

  
• What are the uterine tubes also known as?

  Fallopian tubes or oviducts