Female Reproductive System and Endocrine Glands

Ovaries:

• Composed of ovarian follicles (sac-like structures)

Gametes

produced by gonads

Uterus:

• Located between the urinary bladder and rectum
• 3 layers: 1. Endometrium 2. Myometrium 3. Perimetrium
• Functions of the uterus:
  • Receives / retains a fertilized egg
  • Nourishes the fertilized egg

Penis:

• Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract
• Regions:
  • Shaft
  • Glans penis (enlarged tip)
  • Prepuce (foreskin)
• Internally 3 areas of spongy erectile tissue around the urethra

Ovulation:

when the egg is mature the follicle ruptures

Haploid:

1N

Oocyte:

The oocyte is viable for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation

Sperm:

are viable for 12 to 48 hours after ejaculation

• Sperm cells must make their way to the uterine tube for fertilization to be possible

Fertilization:

When sperm nucleus enters oocyte

Fetus:

9th week of development

• All organ systems are formed
• Activities of growth and organ specialization
• A stage of tremendous growth and change in appearance

Embryo:

start of cleavage ---> the 9th week

• Enters the uterus at 16-cell state
• Floats free in the uterus temporarily
• Uterine secretions are used for nourishment

Labor:

the series of events that expel the infant from the uterus, stages dilation of the cervix, expulsion delivery of the infant, delivery of the placenta

Neonatal:

- 1st month

Infancy:

- 2-15 months

Childhood:

- adolescence

Adulthood:

- 20 years and beyond

Puberty:

usually begins between ages 10 and 15, onset of menstrual periods in females

Endocrine Glands

Thymus:

Located posterior to the sternum

• Largest in infants and children
• Produces thymosin
• Matures some types of white blood cells
• Important in developing the immune system

Thyroid gland:

Found at the base of the throat

• Produces two hormones: 1. Thyroid hormone (controls metabolism) 2. Calcitonin

Parathyroid:

hormone and calcitonin are produced in response to changing levels of blood calcium levels

Adrenal:

Sit on top of the kidneys

• Adrenal cortex —outer glandular region has three layers that produce corticosteroids
  • Mineralocorticoids: Regulate water and electrolyte balance
  • Glucocorticoids: Promote normal cell metabolism
  • Sex hormones: Act on ovaries and testes
• Adrenal medulla —inner neural tissue region

Pineal:

Located posterior to the 3rd ventricle of the brain

• Secretes melatonin
• Helps establish the body’s sleep/wake cycles as well as biological rhythms
• Believed to coordinate the hormones of fertility in humans

Acromegaly:

results from hypersecretion of GH during adulthood

Synapse:

Gap between called a synapse

Acetylcholine:

is an organic chemical that functions in the brain and body of many types of animals, including humans, as a neurotransmitter—a chemical released by nerve cells to send signals to other cells.

Oligodendrocytes:

support cells

Negative feedback:

Hormone levels in the blood are maintained mostly by

Diencephalon:

Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Epithalamus