Module 3: Problem Set 2 (Female Reproductive System)

Describe, in detail, the process of ovulation.

Ovulation, or the release of an mature egg occurs approximately every 28 days. The ovarian follicle becomes the corpus luteum after ovulation. The corpus luteum helps maintain pregnancy if an egg is fertilized; if not it disintegrates.

Describe the detailed function of the uterus body.

The middle section, the body, receives the fertilized ovum where it becomes implanted in the endometrium to receive nourishment and develop from ovum to embryo to fetus and gestate until childbirth.

Describe the function of the myometrium of the uterus.

The muscular myometrium expands during pregnancy to hold the growing fetus and contracts during labor to push the baby out of the uterus.

Name the three types of ligaments associated with the ovaries and the function of each.

The ovaries are held in place by the suspensory, ovarian, and broad ligaments. The suspensory ligaments attach the ovaries to the pelvis wall. The ovarian ligaments attach the ovaries to the uterus. The broad ligaments hold the ovaries in place in the pelvis.

How can the condition of the fundus be used to provide vital information during pregnancy?

The upper part of the uterus is the fundus, the height of which can be measured from the top of the pubic bone during pregnancy to provide growth rates and a crude indication of an abnormality (breech presentation or twins).

Describe the appearance and location of the uterus.

The uterus is hollow, thick-walled muscular organ shaped like an inverted pear connecting the uterine tubes and the vagina in a forward-tilted position between the bladder and the rectum.

List the 3 functional areas of the uterus and its 3 layers of tissue.

Three areas: fundus, body, and cervix. Three layers: outer serous perimetrium, middle muscular myometrium, inner glandular endometrium.

Identify the parts of the female reproductive system shown in the diagram.

a. Ovary b. Fallopian (uterine) Tube d. Uterus e. Cervix f. Vagina

List the 3 sections of the fallopian tubes.

1) infundibulum 2) ampulla 3) isthmus

Describe how the cervix functions prior to ovulation.

Just prior to ovulation, the cervix swells, softens and secretes mucus allowing sperm better access to and viability within the uterus.

List 3 functions of the female reproductive system.

The female reproductive system has the following functions: to produce eggs and estrogen as well as be the site for the development of a baby after fertilization of an occurs.

What is the term used to describe the external genitalia of the female reproductive system?

Vulva.

Describe how the cervix functions during pregnancy.

When a woman becomes pregnant a mucus plug develops in the cervix protecting the fetus by preventing any bacteria or pathogens from entering the uterus. A firm, closed cervix also holds the developing fetus in the uterus until it reaches full term.

Explain the movement of an egg from ovary to uterus.

1) When an egg (oocyte) bursts from follicle within an ovary during ovulation, it is most often swept into and oviduct by the combined action of the fimbriae and the beating of the cilia that line the oviducts. 2) The egg is quickly moved into the ampulla region of the tube where it most often fertilized. 3) The mucosa layer of the ampulla provides nourishing fluids that allows repeated cell divisions. 4) Over the next several days, the combination of muscular contraction and cilia move the egg through the isthmus toward the uterus. 5) When the dividing egg (zygote) reaches the stage (blastocyst) where the outer membrane dissolves, it is delivered into the uterus.

List the 3 sets of ligaments that attach the uterus in place.

1) broad ligaments- attaches the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis 2) uterosacral ligament- attaches the back of the uterus to the front of the sacrum 3) round ligament- attaches to the uterus anteriorly

List the 3 coats of the fallopian tubes.

1) outer serous coat, 2) middle muscular coat, 3) inner mucosa coat.

List 3 functions of the vagina.

1) receives male penis during sexual intercourse 2) provides outlet for menstrual blood during menstruation 3) serves as the birth canal