Female - Tutorial 7
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State two functions of the ovaries
• Produce oestrogen and progesterone • Produce the secondary oocyte and expel it into abdominopelvic cavity (ovulation)
Name the structures located in the ovarian cortex and the ovarian medulla
• Ovarian cortex - contains ovarian follicles/oocytes Ovarian medulla - contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves
Name the two sections of the uterine (fallopian) tubes
Ampulla Isthmus
Describe the function of the uterine tubes
To transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus
State the usual location in the uterine tubes where fertilisation occurs
• Ampulla
State three functions of the uterus
• Route for transport of sperm • Receives, retains and nourishes the fertilized ovum (now called a blastocyst) • Muscular wall contracts during labour to expel the foetus
Name the three layers of the uterus and describe the function of each layer (state which layer is shed during menstruation and which layer contracts during labour and delivery)
Endometrium - Innermost functional layer is shed during menstruation - Basal layer replaces functional layer each month Myometrium - 3 layers of smooth muscle which expel the foetus during labour Perimetrium External layer that forms part of the visceral peritoneum
Describe three functions of the cervix
• When thick forms a cervical plug that physically impedes sperm penetration • It becomes thin under the influence of oestrogen in mid-cycle allowing sperm to pass through the cervix Blocks the entry of microorganisms from the vagina
Name the hormone that causes the cervical mucus to become thinner and explain why this happens.
Oestrogen, in mid-cycle allowing sperm to pass through the cervix
Explain how cervical cancer can be prevented
• Gardasil, a three dose vaccine, protects against HPV-induced cancer The cervical smear test scrapes some of these cells and examines them for abnormalities
Describe the location and function of the vagina
Location: lies between urinary bladder and rectum Function: receptacle for penis, outlet for menstrual flow, passageway for childbirth
Name the structures of the vulva (don’t need to label)
• Mons pubis • Labia Majora • Labia Minora Vestibule
State the functions of the Mammary glands
Synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk (lactation)
Name the two hormones involved in milk production and secretion
• Prolactin • Oxytocin
Describe the effects of (functions of) these two hormones
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): initiates growth of follicles including: nurture of the developing oocyte, secrete oestrogen from the cells lining the follicle Luteinizing Hormone (LH): stimulates ovulation and promotes formation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone and some oestrogen
There are four phases of the female reproductive cycle (there is an excellent overview table in the textbook and this is also a tutorial exercise) o Name the four phases and for each phase:
• Menstruation - Occurs from days 1-5, day 1 begins the 28 day cycle - Uterus: Low levels of progesterone cause the spiral arteries to constrict, the functional layer of the endometrium dies and causes the bleeding • Pre-ovulatory Phase • Occurs on days 16-13 • Ovary: development of mature follicle, that enlarges and is ready for release from the ovary, production and release of oestrogen occurs • Uterus (proliferative phase): creation of new functional layer to develop into the endometrium (with glands and spiral arteries growing into it • Ovulation • Occurs on day 14 • Surge in LH causes ovulation which is the rupture of the mature follicle and release of the secondary oocyte into the peritoneal cavity. • Signs: • Increase in basal body temperature • Cervical mucus thins and forms channels to allow sperm to pass through it (caused by rising oestrogen levels) • Cervix softens • Discomfort/pain • Once ovulation has occurred the ovarian follicle collapses and forms the corpus luteum (effect of LH), the corpus luteum then secretes progesterone and oestrogen • Post ovulatory phase • Occurs on days 15-28 (most constant timeline which lasts 14 days) • Ovary - Corpus luteum secretes oestrogen and progesterone. If secondary oocyte is not fertilized the corpus luteum becomes a corpus albicans (non-functional) • Uterus - Oestrogen and progesterone promote thickening of the endometrium (in preparation for receiving the fertilized ovum). If fertilization does not occur menstruation will begin a new cycle
Describe the age related changes that occur during puberty and at menopause
• Menarche - first menstruation • From late 20’s the ovaries become increasingly responsive to hormonal stimulation and ovarian function gradually declines • Menopause - cessation of ovulation and menstruation. Occurs over a varying age gap (46-64 years). Gradual process of cessation of oestrogen results in the signs and symptoms associated with menopause. Reproductive organs and breasts atrophy, vagina becomes dry, weight gain occurs, loss of bone mass, increase in total blood cholesterol, hot flushes, sweating, irritability and depression.