Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Name the main components of the Female Reproductive System.
The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vaginal cervix and vagina.
What is the main function of the uterus?
The main function of the uterus is the nourishment of an embryo in case of fertilization and the maintenance of the endometrium. If pregnancy is not established, the endometrium sheds away in a process called menstruation. It is regenerated every month in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle.
What are the layers of the uterus?
The uterus has 3 layers:
Perimetrium (Outer layer)
Myometrium (Middle layer)
Endometrium (Inner layer)
- The endometrium contains 2 layers:
* S. functionalis (functional layer)
* S. basalis (base layer)
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the process by which the Graffian Follicle releases the Secondary Oocyte. The remaining follicle forms the Corpus Luteum. The oocyte travels through the fallopian tube and reaches the uterus ready for fertilization.
It is driven by Leutinising Hormone (LH).
How many phases does the female reproductive cycle have?
The female reproductive cycle has 2 phases:
- Menstrual cycle
- Ovulatory cycle
Describe the menstrual phase.
The menstrual cycle has 3 sub-phases
- Menstruation - Proliferative Phase - Secretory Phase
The endometrial lining of the uterus sheds during menstruation. Since the lining contains coiled blood vessels, there is also blood loss.
Proliferative phase has the regeneration of the endometrial lining and the arteries (in a process called angiogenesis), and the thinning of the cervical mucus. This phase is regulated by estrogen.
The secretory phase includes the thickening of the endometrium, secretion of uterine glands to produce a mixture of glycogen, lipids and proteins and the thickening of the cervical mucus. This is done by progesterone.
What are the main phases of the ovulatory cycle?
The ovulatory cycle has the:
- Follicular phase
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase
What is the luteal phase?
The phase where the corpus luteum accumulates cholesterol and becomes yellow (lute = yellow) is called the luteal phase. It becomes stimulated and releases progesterone which drives the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy is established, beta-HCG is released which keeps the corpus luteum healthy and prevents degeneration. The progesterone levels remain high and help for the implantation and maturation of the embryo.
If pregnancy is not established, the corpus luteum regresses and dies off.
Describe the follicular phase.
