Skip to main content
Back

Female Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/21
  • What are the major organs of the female reproductive system?

    Ovaries, uterine (fallopian) tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, and mammary glands.

  • What is the function of the ovaries?

    Produce eggs (ova) and female hormones; located in the upper pelvic cavity on each side of the uterus.

  • What ligaments anchor the ovary?

    Ovarian ligament attaches ovary to uterus; suspensory ligament attaches ovary to lateral pelvic wall.

  • Describe the uterine (fallopian) tubes and their function.

    Muscular tubes about 5 inches long that transport eggs to the uterus; lined with cilia and smooth muscle to propel the ovum.

  • What is the role of fimbriae in the fallopian tubes?

    Finger-like projections that catch the ovum after ovulation and help guide it into the fallopian tube.

  • Where does fertilization typically occur in the female reproductive tract?

    In the lateral third of the fallopian tubes.

  • What are the three layers of the uterus?

    Endometrium (mucosa), myometrium (thick smooth muscle), and serosa (visceral peritoneum).

  • What ligaments support the uterus?

    Broad ligament, round ligament, and lateral ligament.

  • Describe the vagina and its key features.

    Muscular tube 3-4 inches long from cervix to external genitalia; pH 3.5-4.5; contains blood vessels and smooth muscle; includes the fornix and hymen.

  • What is the vulva and its main components?

    External female genitalia including mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, urethral and vaginal orifices, Skene's and Bartholin's glands.

  • What is the ovarian cycle?

    A 28-day cycle involving maturation and release of the ovum, including follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation.

  • What happens during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?

    Primary follicles develop under FSH stimulation; one follicle matures into a Graafian follicle; estrogen production increases.

  • What triggers ovulation and when does it occur?

    A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, typically on day 14 of the cycle.

  • What is the corpus luteum and its function?

    Formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation; produces progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation.

  • What occurs if fertilization does not happen after ovulation?

    The corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, and menstruation begins.

  • What is the menstrual cycle?

    A 28-day cycle involving growth and shedding of the endometrium, synchronized with the ovarian cycle.

  • Describe the phases of the menstrual cycle.

    Menstrual phase (days 1-5), proliferative phase (days 6-13), ovulation (day 14), and secretory phase (days 15-28).

  • What hormonal changes occur during the menstrual cycle?

    Estrogen rises during the follicular phase to thicken endometrium; progesterone rises in luteal phase to maintain it.

  • What are the mammary glands and their function?

    Glands in the breast that produce milk; contain lobes, lobules, alveoli, and ducts leading to the nipple.

  • What is the role of the suspensory ligaments of Cooper?

    Support the breast by connecting skin to deep fascia; made of collagen fibers and non-elastic.

  • Explain the let-down reflex in lactation.

    Suckling stimulates oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary, causing myoepithelial cells to contract and release milk.