Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Female Reproductive System Functions
Produce gametes called ova, produce hormones to maintain reproductive health, and mature/protect the developing fetus for pregnancy
Ovaries
Primary female reproductive organs consisting of 500,000 ovarian follicles
Uterine (Fallopian) tubes
Receive the ovulated oocyte, provides a place for fertilization, and guides the oocyte into the uterine tube
Infundibulum
Funnel shaped opening of the uterine tube lined with fingerlike fimbriae that “wave” the oocyte into the uterine tube
Uterus
Hollow, muscular organ that receives, retains, and nourishes a fertilized egg
3 Layers of the uterus
Endometrium
Myometrium
Perimetrium
Cervix
The slender opening of the uterus
Vagina
Muscular “birth” canal that leads from the cervix to the outside of the body
Ovarian cycle
Cyclic maturation and release of ovarian follicles
Menstrual Cycle
Cyclic changes in the endometrium (mucosa) of the uterus in response to changing hormonal conditions (over about 28 days)
Menstrual Cycle : Days 1-5
Menstrual Phase
-When estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, the endometrial lining is stimulated slough off creating the menstrual flow (about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup over several days)
Menstrual Cycle : Days 6-14
Proliferative Phase
- Maturing follicles begin to produce more estrogen stimulating the endometrial layer to grow thickeer agian with increased blood supply
- Simultaneously, ovulation is occurring in the ovaries near the end of this phase
Menstrual Cycle : Days 15-28
Secondary phase
- Corpus luteum development increases progestrine levels which in turn cause the endometrium to thicken even more in preparation to nourish a developing zygote if fertilization occurs
- If fertilization does not occur the corpus luteum dies off, progesterone and estrogen levels decrease, bood supply to the endometrium is cut off, and the body is ready to enter the menstrual phase again
