Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

27. The Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Anatomy & Physiology

27. The Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

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2:07 minutes

Problem 34

Textbook Question

Crystal had both her left ovary and her right uterine tube removed surgically at age 17 because of a cyst and a tumor in these organs. Now, at age 32, she remains healthy and is expecting her second child. How could Crystal conceive a child with just one ovary and one uterine tube, separated on opposite sides of the pelvis?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the female reproductive system: The ovaries produce eggs (ova), and the uterine tubes (fallopian tubes) transport the eggs to the uterus. Normally, each ovary is connected to a uterine tube on the same side of the pelvis.

Recognize the adaptability of the reproductive system: When one ovary and one uterine tube are removed, the remaining ovary can still release eggs. These eggs can be picked up by the uterine tube on the opposite side due to the mobility of the uterine tube and the proximity of the ovary to the pelvic cavity.

Consider the process of ovulation: During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg into the pelvic cavity. The fimbriae (finger-like projections) of the uterine tube can sweep the egg into the tube, even if the ovary and tube are on opposite sides of the pelvis.

Understand fertilization: Once the egg is in the uterine tube, it can meet sperm for fertilization. The fertilized egg then travels down the uterine tube to implant in the uterus, where it develops into a fetus.

Appreciate the body's ability to compensate: Crystal's reproductive system adapted to the surgical removal of one ovary and one uterine tube, allowing her remaining ovary and uterine tube to work together to conceive and carry a child.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ovarian Function

The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. A woman can conceive with just one ovary because the remaining ovary can still release eggs. Additionally, the hormonal balance maintained by the single ovary can support ovulation and pregnancy.

Uterine Tube Function

The uterine tubes, or fallopian tubes, are essential for the fertilization of the egg and the transport of the fertilized egg to the uterus. Even with one tube, if it is functional, it can capture the egg released from the ovary and facilitate fertilization, allowing for conception.

Compensatory Mechanisms in Reproductive Health

The human body often exhibits compensatory mechanisms that allow it to adapt to the loss of organs. In Crystal's case, her body may have adjusted to the absence of one ovary and one tube, enabling her remaining reproductive structures to function effectively, thus allowing her to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following ligaments does not attach to the ovaries?

a. Lateral cervical ligaments

b. Broad ligament

c. Ovarian ligament

d. Suspensory ligament

e. All of these attach to the ovaries

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Textbook Question

Gina Marciano, a 44-year-old mother of eight children, visited her physician complaining of a 'bearing down' sensation in her pelvis, low backache, and urinary incontinence. A vaginal examination showed that the external os of her cervix was just inside the vaginal orifice and her perineum exhibited large keloids (masses of scar tissue). What do you think Gina's problem is and what caused it? (Be anatomically specific.)

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Textbook Question

Name the female gonad, and describe its two major functions.

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Multiple Choice

The uterine wall and the vaginal wall share some superficial similarities. For example, in both structures, the middle layer is composed of: