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Ch. 16 The Reproductive System
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 16 The Reproductive SystemProblem 34
Chapter 16, Problem 34

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?

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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.
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Functional Groups

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.
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The Uterine Tubes

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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What is the Reproductive System?
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Name the structures of the female duct system, and describe the important functions of each.

Textbook Question

Why is the term urogenital system more applicable to males than females?

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Textbook Question

Given that the uterine tubes are not continuous with the ovaries, how can you explain the fact that not all ovulated 'eggs' end up in the female's peritoneal cavity?

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