WEEK 12: 12.2 Continued

Question 1

Describe the 3 main functions of the vagina?

Answer 1

1. serves as a passageway for the elimination of menstrual fluids
2. receives the penis during sexual intercourse & holds sperm prior to their passage into the uterus
3. forms the inferior portion of the birth canal through which the fetus passes during delivery

Question 2

What is the acid secreted in the vagina called, and what does it do?

Answer 2

Lactic acid
protects the vagina by restricting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, yeast & other microorganisms that can enter and infect the vagina

Question 3

What structures are present in the external female genitalia

Answer 3

vestibule- space into which vagina and urethra opens
labia minora - small thin folds of skin that border the vestibule
clitoris - small rounded tissue projection that contains 2 erectile structures (corpus cavernosa)
prepuce - extensions of the labia minora that encircle the clitoris
labia majora - orominent skin folds that encircle and partially conceal the labia minora
Bartholin’s glands - secrete lubricating mucus into the vestibule

Question 4

Describe the events occurring in the ovaries and uterus during the menstrual phase

Answer 4

ovaries: follicles grow and enlarge
uterus: stratum functionalis layer of endometrium degenerates and is expelled along with blood from damaged tissue

Question 5

Describe events occuring in the ovaries and uterus during the pre-ovulatory phase

Answer 5

ovaries: follicles continue to grow and begin secreting estrogen. one follicle dominates and becomes a tertiary follicle
uterus: estrogen from ovarian follicles stimulate repaid and growth of the stratum functionalis of the endometrium

Question 6

Describe the events occurring in the ovaries & uterus during ovulation

Answer 6

ovaries: tertiary follicle ruptures and a secondary oocyte is released into the uterine tube
uterus: the stratum functionalis continues growing

Question 7

Describe the events occurring in the ovaries and uterus during post-ovulatory phase

Answer 7

ovaries: after ovulation the remaining follicle becomes the corpus luteum that secretes estrogen and progesterone. if pregnancy doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum degenerates into corpus albicans
uterus: estrogen and progesterone from corpus luteum activate uterine glands to begin to secrete mucous

Question 8

What 3 phases is the uterine cycle composed of?

Answer 8

menstrual phase
proliferative phase
secretory phase

Question 9

Briefly explain the 7 steps of the reproductive cycle

Answer 9

1. GnRH secreted by hypothalamus
2. GnRH stimulates FSH and LH release from anterior pituitary
3. FSH stimulates follicles which secrete estrogen
4. Estrogen thickens stratum functionalis
5. LH surge triggers ovulation (ruptures the follicle) and formation of corpus luteum (positive feedback)
6. Corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone, which prepare uterus for implantation of a fertilized oocyte