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Female Reproductive System Flashcards

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1
Q

1- name and describe the two subdivisions of the female reproductive system

A

External genitalia- collectively known as the vulva
Internal genitalia/reproductive organs- vagina, uterus, two uterine tubes and two ovaries

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2
Q

1- what is the external genitalia called?

A

The vulva

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3
Q

1- list as many parts of the external genitalia/vulva as you can

A

Labia minora
Labia majora
Fourchette
Mons pubis
Prepuce
Vestibule
Urethral orifice
Vaginal orifice
Greater vestibular glands

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4
Q

1-what is the mons pubis?

A

Rounded pad of fat
Anterior to the symphysis pubis (pubic bone)

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5
Q

1- what is the labia majora?

A

Two fat folds and areolar tissue
Outer surface- skin and pubic hair
Inner surface- smooth

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6
Q

1- what is the labia minora?

A

Two small subcutaneous folds within the labia majora
Upper layer fuses and forms the prepuce covering the clitoris
Fuse posteriorly to form the fourchette

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7
Q

1- what is the prepuce?

A

Retractable skin covering the clitoris
Formed by the labia minora

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8
Q

1- what is the fourchette?

A

Where the labia minora fuse posteriorly

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9
Q

1- what is the vestibule?

A

Enclosed by labia minora
An area where the orifices of the urethra and vagina are situates

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10
Q

1- what is the urethral orifice?

A

External opening of the urethra
Immediately in front of vaginal orifice
On either side lie the openings of skenes ducts

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11
Q

1- what is the vaginal orifice?

A

External opening of the vagina
Partially closed by the hymen (a thin membrane that can tear)

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12
Q

1- what are the greater vestibular glands?

A

Two small glands, they open on either side of the vaginal orifice
Secrete mucus for lubrication

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13
Q

1- what part of the female genitalia is both internal and external?

A

The clitoris

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14
Q

1- describe the external clitoris

A

The clitoral glans
Densely packed with nerve endings

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15
Q

1- describe the internal clitoris

A

Vascular, erectile tissue
The erectile bodies: paired bulbs, paired corpora. Both are continuous with the cura

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16
Q

1- describe the blood supply and nerves to the female genitalia

A

Blood supply-
Pudendal arteries and corresponding veins

Nerve supply-
Pudendal nerve branches

Lymphatic drainage-
Inguinal glands

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17
Q

1- what is the vagina?

A

Canal leading from vestibule to cervix
Passes upwards and backwards into the pelvis

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18
Q

1- what is the function of the vagina?

A

Escape of menstrual flow
Receives penis and it’s ejaculate in intercourse
Exit of foetus during birth

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19
Q

1- describe the anatomical location of the vagina

A

Anterior- bladder
Posterior- rectum
Superior- uterus
Inferior- vulva

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20
Q

1- describe the structure of the vagina

A

Posterior wall- longer (10cm)
Anterior wall- shorter (7.5cm)

Upper end= the vault
Cervix projects into the vault to form fornices

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21
Q

1- describe the three layers of the vagina

A

Lining-
Squamous epithelium
Arranged in rugae
Kept moist by cervical secretions
Acidic

Muscle layer-
Inner- weaker
Outer- stronger longitudinal fibres

Pelvic fascia-
Connective tissue surrounds the vagina

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22
Q

1- what is the uterus?

A

Hollow pear shaped muscular organ

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23
Q

1- describe the position of the uterus

A

Antiversion and antiflexion within the pelvis
Antiversion= leans forwards
Antiflexion= bends forwards upon itself

Weighs about 60 grams

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24
Q

1- what are the five parts of the uterus?

A

Fundus- domed upper wall
Cornuae- where uterine tubes join, outer corners
Body
Cavity- triangular shape within the body
Isthmus- junction of body and cervix

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25
1- name and describe the three layers of the uterus?
1- perimetrium Layer of peritoneum 2- Myometrium Lots of fibres 3- endometrium Functional layer- thickens and is shed Basal layer- regenerates every cycle
26
1- what is the cervix?
A canal that is part of the uterus Made up of columnar epithelium that secretes mucus Muscle fibres embedded in collagen- allows stretch during labour
27
1- describe the blood and nerve supply to the uterus
Blood supply- Uterine and ovarian arteries- branches if iliac arteries Venous drainage- corresponding veins Nerve supply- 11th and 12th thoracic 1st lumbar nerve Lymphatic drainage- Lumbar and hypogastric nodes
28
1- what are the uterine tubes?
Two tubes, each one leads from the ovary to the uterus
29
1- what is the function of the uterine tubes?
Propels ovum towards the uterus from the ovary Receives spermatozoa and acts as a space for fertilisation Ciliates columnar epithelium- waft ovum and provide nutrients
30
1- describe the position of the uterine tubes?
Extend laterally from the cornua of the uterus Arch over the ovaries Fringed at the ends to receive the ovum from the ovaries Held in place by attachment to ovaries using ovarian ligament
31
1- what are the ovaries?
Pair of female glands Ovum form inside Hormones oestrogen and progesterone are secreted from them
32
1- describe the position of the ovaries
Attached to uterus by ovarian ligaments Almond shaped No bigger than 2 or 3cm
33
1- what is the function of the ovaries?
Produce oocytes Produces hormones- oestrogen and progesterone Ovary is made of the medulla and the cortex Medulla- supporting framework of fibrous tissue Cortex- functioning part that contains ovarian follicles
34
2- describe the changes to the breast during puberty
Sexually dimorphic breast development= female breast development under the influence of sex hormones Ductal development and branching Lobular development Nipple size increase Areolar pigmentation Cyclical changes (cycle orientated)
35
2- describe the changes to the breast during the menstrual cycle
Changes in texture- glands increase in size Swelling- hormonal changes Tenderness All of these minimise when the hormones oestrogen and progesterone lower
36
2- describe the changes to the breast during pregnancy
Prickling sensation- due to increased blood supply Visible surface veins Areolar darkens Montgomery tubercles get larger and secrete more sebum Colostrum is synthesised and can be expressed, may leak at later stages Nipple more prominent- due to progesterone
37
3- describe the overall anatomy of the breast (in regards to fat, lobes and lobules)
Each breast are secretory glands, known as mammary glands Position: between second and sixth rib, extend laterally from the sternum, lie anterior to pectoralis major muscle Each breast has varying proportions of fat Each breast has varying proportions of glandular tissue- separated by connective tissue into lobes Lobes divide into lobules Lobules are made of alveoli and ducts
38
3- what is the function of the areolar?
Tough and supportive Acts as a visual guide for babies to find during breast feeding
39
3- what is the function of the nipple?
Around 20 ducts are connected to the nipple to provide an exit route for milk Smooth muscles allow it to become errect
40
3- what is the function of the Montgomery tubules?
Oil glands that appear as small bumps around the nipple They lubricate and keep germs away from the breast Secrete sebum
41
3- what are lobes?
Like segments if an orange 4-18 lobes in each breast Composed of glandular tissue divided by connective tissue
42
3- what are lobules?
Orange segment analogy Subdivisions of each lobe Consists of alveoli and ducts (up to 100 alveoli in each duct)
43
3- what are alveoli? Describe their function
Tiny hollow sacs connected by ducts The basi glandular unit of the breast Contain acini cells (secretory cells) that are responsible for secreting milk Surrounded by myoepithelial cells of smooth muscle Lymphocytes are wedged between the acini cells- locally produced antibodies (IgA) into milk
44
3- what is the Ductal system?
Road system analogy Complex network of lactiferous ducts Arise from alveoli to form even larger ducts Transport milk through the breast to the nipple Can dilate up to 58% during milk ejection Nearer to the nipple, the ducts are more easily compressed
45
3- what are the three types of fat in the breast tissue?
Subcutaneous- superficial and closest to surface Intraglandular- sits n the middle Retroglandular- deepest fat layer in the breast, closest to intercostal muscles
46
3- what is the function of coopers ligaments?
Maintain shape and structure of the breast and prevent sagging
47
3- what function does glandular tissue perform?
Glandular tissue is home to ducts and lobes that produce milk
48
3- describe blood and nerve supply to the breasts
Blood supply- Internal and external mammary arteries Intercostal arteries Venous return- corresponding veins Nerve supply- 4th, 5th and 6th thoracic nerves Lymphatic drainage- Lymph drains between both breasts into lymph nodes
49
4- why is breastfeeding important for the baby?
Natural form of protection from illness Includes: infection, obesity, SIDS, heart issues Connection and hormones are released Bonding
50
4- give three main reasons why human milk is so special
It is matched to the needs of the baby It has live constituents Protects the baby’s gut
51
4- explain how human milk is matched to the needs of the baby
Constituents if the milk change depending on baby’s age, when it’s born, it’s environment etc
52
3- explain how human milk has live constituents
Not been pasteurised Live microbes are crucial in providing baby with healthy bacteria
53
3- explain how human milk protects the baby’s gut
Newborns have something called ‘leaky gut’, which harmful bacteria easily latch onto Human milk coats the wall if the gut to stop harmful bacteria from entering
54
4- how does human milk support the baby’s immune system?
Human milk transfers immunoglobulins which support the immune system
55
4- describe the roles each of the five immunoglobulins in breast milk perform for the baby’s immune system
IgM- Increases responsiveness to vaccines IgA- Goats gut wall and prevents the mucosa from allowing entry if harmful bacteria Protection from: ecoli, salmonellae, streptococci… IgD- Combats disease without causing inflammation IgG- Transfers across placenta to provide passive immunity during breastfeeding IgE- There are small quantities in breast milk for a longer period than cows milk, but we do not know the implications it has
56
4- describe the composition of human milk
Water- 87% Protein- 1% Lipid- 4% Carbohydrate- 7%
57
5- what is the term that describes how milk is made?
Lactogenesis Prolactin- synthesises milk in the acini cell Glucose and amino acids in blood- later form milk Acini cell secretes milk, across cell membrane, into alveoli lumin
58
5- describe the role of prolactin in lactation, with reference to prolactin receptor theory
Prolactin ORDERS milk Anterior pituitary releases prolactin hormone, In pregnancy prolactin is produced, however, placental hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) suppress milk production Placenta birthed, Oestrogen and progesterone drop, Prolactin activates milk production in the acini cells At nighttime= higher prolactin Baby suckles= higher prolactin Need early and frequent access to breast- is like ordering lunch at breakfast time Prolactin receptor theory: Lock and key hypothesis - surges of prolactin prime the receptor sites - unprimed receptor sites shut down, so prevent potential for milk production - early skin contact and lots of feeds maintain this
59
5- describe the role of oxytocin in lactation
Oxytocin RELEASES milk Works on muscle (myo epithelial) cells to push out the milk Pulsates Induces feelings of love Baby near= oxytocin higher Stress= oxytocin lower Endogenous oxytocin- NATURAL and crosses the blood brain barrier Induces feelings of love and is stimulated by touch Synthetic oxytocin- UNNATURAL and does not cross the blood brain barrier Doesn’t evoke the same feelings that endogenous oxytocin does
60
5- describe the milk ejection reflex
Also known as the ‘let down’ reflex Tactile breast stimulation, Signals to posterior pituitary, Releases oxytocin, Oxytocin makes myo epithelial cells contract! Milk forced into lactiferous ducts, Milk ejected Starts off unconditioned and later becomes a conditioned reflex
61
5- what is FIL? What role does FIL play?
= Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation FIL is secreted within milk Regular removal of milk ensures ongoing production of milk Regular removal also prevents engorged breasts Build up of FIL= stops milk being produced Removal of FIL= promotes milk production
62
5- how is lactation controlled (with reference to auto crime and exocrine control)
ENDOCRINE control -systemic (both breasts receive hormones) -pituitary gland produces oxytocin and prolactin -oxytocin (for release of milk) -prolactin (for milk production) AUTOCRINE control -local (one breast receives messages) -FIL -FIL build up= stops milk creation -FIL removal= promotes milk creation

Pure- Anatomy And Physiology (11 decks)

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