Passage
Endometriosis is a chronic, treatable disease of the female reproductive tract associated with infertility and pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. The endometrium, a layer of epithelial tissue that grows and sheds during the menstrual cycle, normally makes up the interior lining of the uterus. In individuals with endometriosis, endometrial tissue is also found ectopically (outside the uterine cavity) .The mechanism by which endometrial tissue successfully implants outside the uterine cavity is thought to be dependent on signaling molecules that promote the formation of blood vessels locally. One of these signaling molecules is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) , a protein that is normally synthesized and secreted by various tissues in response to reduced oxygen levels. Because VEGF is thought to be implicated in ectopic endometrial tissue growth, researchers hypothesize that the abdominal and pelvic structures of women with endometriosis would contain higher levels of VEGF compared to women without endometriosis.In an experiment, women ages 25-40 were divided into groups based on endometriosis disease status. Individuals on any type of medication were excluded from the study. Using minimally invasive surgery, samples of peritoneal fluid were taken from healthy subjects (n = 19) and from subjects diagnosed with endometriosis (n = 30) . An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to characterize the concentration of VEGF protein present within these samples.In a separate procedure that took place five days after peritoneal fluid collection, uterine endometrial samples were obtained from all subjects and visualized under a microscope to determine the menstrual cycle phase of each participant. Figure 1 shows the level of VEGF in the abdominal fluid categorized by disease status and menstrual cycle phase.
Figure 1 VEGF concentration in sampled peritoneal fluid (Note: * = p < 0.05; Proliferative phase = stage immediately preceding ovulation; Secretory phase = stage immediately following ovulation)
-Infertility in patients with endometriosis can result from ectopic endometrial tissue deposits in all of the following structures EXCEPT:

Question

Passage
Endometriosis is a chronic, treatable disease of the female reproductive tract associated with infertility and pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. The endometrium, a layer of epithelial tissue that grows and sheds during the menstrual cycle, normally makes up the interior lining of the uterus. In individuals with endometriosis, endometrial tissue is also found ectopically (outside the uterine cavity) .The mechanism by which endometrial tissue successfully implants outside the uterine cavity is thought to be dependent on signaling molecules that promote the formation of blood vessels locally. One of these signaling molecules is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) , a protein that is normally synthesized and secreted by various tissues in response to reduced oxygen levels. Because VEGF is thought to be implicated in ectopic endometrial tissue growth, researchers hypothesize that the abdominal and pelvic structures of women with endometriosis would contain higher levels of VEGF compared to women without endometriosis.In an experiment, women ages 25-40 were divided into groups based on endometriosis disease status. Individuals on any type of medication were excluded from the study. Using minimally invasive surgery, samples of peritoneal fluid were taken from healthy subjects (n = 19) and from subjects diagnosed with endometriosis (n = 30) . An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to characterize the concentration of VEGF protein present within these samples.In a separate procedure that took place five days after peritoneal fluid collection, uterine endometrial samples were obtained from all subjects and visualized under a microscope to determine the menstrual cycle phase of each participant. Figure 1 shows the level of VEGF in the abdominal fluid categorized by disease status and menstrual cycle phase.

Figure 1 VEGF concentration in sampled peritoneal fluid (Note: * = p < 0.05; Proliferative phase = stage immediately preceding ovulation; Secretory phase = stage immediately following ovulation)
-Infertility in patients with endometriosis can result from ectopic endometrial tissue deposits in all of the following structures EXCEPT:

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_1002_db11_a3bf_8ddb7ba24c89_MD0008_00 The female reproductive organs are the sex-specific structures that enable the conception and delivery of an infant. Impaired function within any of the female reproductive organs may result in infertility, the inability to become pregnant. The following are important female reproductive structures that, if affected by endometrial implants, may lead to infertility: Vagina: the sexual organ through which sperm enters the uterus. Endometrial implants within the vagina may impair the passage of sperm and decrease the likelihood that an ovulated oocyte will be fertilized (Choice B). Ovaries: the female gonads that produce gametes (oocytes) and secrete female sex hormones. Endometrial implants attached to the ovary may cause infertility by impairing follicular maturation or ovulation, the release of an oocyte (egg cell) (Choice D). Fallopian tubes: duct structures lined with motile cilia that transfer the ovulated oocyte from the abdominal cavity toward the uterus; also the primary site of fertilization. Endometrial implants that block or impair the function of the fallopian tubes would prevent a fertilized oocyte from reaching the uterus for implantation (Choice C). Cervix: the barrier separating the vagina and uterus. Endometrial implants that block the cervical canal may impair the passage of sperm and decrease the likelihood of fertilization. (Choice A) The urethra is the canal through which urine exits the body from the bladder. Endometrial implants affecting the urethra would impair urinary function, not fertility/reproduction. Educational objective: The female reproductive tract consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Each of these tissues performs specialized functions that enable pregnancy and delivery.