Female reproductive system

• What is the primary function of the female reproductive system?

  Production of gametes
• How does the female reproductive system enhance fertilization?

  It transports sperm to the fertilization site
• Where does the development of a new individual occur?

  In the uterus
• What is produced after birth to nourish the newborn?

  Milk
• What role do reproductive hormones play in the female reproductive system?

  Control development of gender-specific body form
• What are the internal organs of the female reproductive system?

  • Ovaries
  • Uterus
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Vagina
  • Cervix

  
• What are the external organs of the female reproductive system (vulva)?

  • Labia Majora
  • Labia Minora
  • Clitoris
  • Opening of the Vagina
  • Opening of the Urethra
  • Hymen
• What are the ovaries in the female reproductive system?

  Female gonads producing sex hormones and ova
• Where are the ovaries located?

  In the lateral walls of the pelvis
• What are the two layers of tissue in the ovaries?

  Cortex and medulla
• What does the cortex of the ovaries contain?

  Ovarian follicles in various stages of maturity
• What controls the maturation of ova?

  Hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland
• What hormones do the ovaries produce?

  Oestrogen and progesterone
• How long are the fallopian tubes?

  About 10 cm long
• What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

  Propel ovum to uterus and route for sperm
• Where does fertilization of the ovum usually take place?

  In the fallopian tube
• What are the four portions of the fallopian tube?

  1. Fimbriae
  2. Infundibulum
  3. Ampulla
  4. Isthmus
• What shape is the uterus?

  Pear-shaped
• Where is the uterus located?

  Between the urinary bladder and rectum

  
• What are the three parts of the uterus?

  Fundus, body, and cervix
• What are the layers of the uterine wall?

  Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium
• What happens to the functional layer of the endometrium if the ovum is not fertilized?

  It is shed during menstruation
• What is the role of the cervix in the female reproductive system?

  Connects the uterus to the vagina
• What are the three layers of the vaginal wall?

  Areolar tissue, smooth muscle, stratified squamous epithelium
• What maintains the pH of the vagina?

  Lactic acid secreted between puberty and menopause
• What is the function of the vagina during childbirth?

  Provides an elastic passageway for the baby
• What is the function of the labia majora?

  Form the boundary of the vulva
• What is the clitoris analogous to in males?

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

  It begins to produce less progesterone
• What are the phases of the ovarian cycle?

  1. Follicular phase
  2. Ovulatory phase
  3. Luteal phase

  
• What occurs during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?

  Development of ovarian follicles and endometrium proliferation

  
• What triggers ovulation during the menstrual cycle?

  Surge in LH around the 14th day
• What happens during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle?

  Transformation of follicular cells into corpus luteum

  
• What occurs if fertilization does not take place after ovulation?

  The corpus luteum egresses and menses follows

  
• What are the phases of the uterine cycle?

  1. Proliferative phase
  2. Secretory phase
  3. Menses

  
• What happens during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

  The endometrium proliferates and secondary follicles mature

  
• What is the role of progesterone during the secretory phase?

  Stimulates endometrial cells to enlarge and secrete fluid
• What happens on the 28th day of the menstrual cycle if fertilization does not occur?

  The endometrium sloughs away
• What is a blastocyst?

  A group of cells formed after zygote division
• How long after ovulation does the blastocyst arrive in the uterus?

  7-8 days