Question 1
The Female Reproductive System
1. The female reproductive system includes what internal organs?
Internal organs: the ovaries, the oviducts (fallopian or uterine tubes), the uterus, and
the vagina.
2. What is ovulation? How often does it occur?
The release of a mature egg; occurs approximately every 28 days.
3. What is the ovarian cycle?
An egg is released from the ovarian follicle.
4. What does the ovarian follicle become after ovulation?
The corpus luteum
5. What is the purpose of the corpus luteum?
It helps maintain pregnancy if an egg is fertilized; if not, it disintegrates.
6. What are the three sections and three coats of the oviducts?
Infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus and three coats: the outer serous coat, the middle
muscular coat, and an inner mucosa coat.
7. What is the function of the fimbriae?
The fimbriae capture an egg from the ovary at the time of ovulation. When an egg
(oocyte) bursts from follicle within an ovary during ovulation, it is swept into an
oviduct
8. An egg is most often fertilized in what region?
Ampulla
9. Describe the shape and location of the uterus.
The uterus is a hollow, thick-walled muscular organ shaped like an inverted pear
connecting the uterine tubes and the vagina and, in a forward-tilted position between
the bladder and the rectum.
10. What are the three layers of the uterus?
The outer serous perimetrium, the middle muscular myometrium and the inner
, glandular endometrium.
11. What is the function of the myometrium?
It expands during pregnancy to hold the growing fetus and contracts during labor to
push the baby out of the uterus.
12. What are the three regions of the uterus?
Fundus, body, and cervix
13. What is the fundus?
The height of the fundus 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).
14. What is the function of the cervix just prior to ovulation?
Just prior to ovulation, the cervix swells, softens and secretes mucus allowing sperm
better access to and viability within the uterus.
15. What are the three layers of the vaginal wall?
An inner tissue layer, intermediate muscle layer and outer tissue layer
Question 2
The Female Reproductive System
16. What is the function of the mucosal lining in the vaginal wall?
The mucosal lining of the vagina lies in folds and can extend which is important when the
vagina serves as the birth canal and it also facilitates intercourse.
17. The _____ is a fat pad located in front of the pubic symphysis and is covered with hair after
puberty.
Mons pubis
18. The _______is an outer fold of skin that is located posterior to the mons pubis.
labia majora
19. The urethral orifice is located ________ the vaginal orifice.
anterior to