Oogenesis Lecture Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards for Oogenesis lecture review.

Oogenesis

The process of egg cell formation in females, involving changes to the ovary, follicle cells, and uterus.

Ovary

The female gonad responsible for producing oocytes and hormones.

Follicle

A structure in the ovary containing an oocyte and surrounding cells.

Menstrual Cycle

The cyclical release of hormones that regulates the maturation of oocytes and prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Fallopian Tube

Duct that transports the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus, which changes during the menstrual cycle to prepare for implantation.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates follicle development in the ovary.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the corpus luteum.

Estrogen

Female sex hormone produced by the ovary, responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

Hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy.

Ovulation

The release of an oocyte from the ovary.

Hypothalamus

Gland in the brain that produces GnRH, which controls FSH and LH secretion by the pituitary.

Corpus Luteum

A structure that forms from the ovarian follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Corpus Albicans

The degeneration of the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur.

Cervix

The neck of the uterus, connecting it to the vagina.

Primordial Follicles

Dormant stage of oocytes protected by a single squamous layer of epithelial follicle cells.

Zona Pellucida

Glycoprotein layer between the follicle cells and oocyte

Antrum

Pocket within the layers of follicle cells, filled with fluid.

Graafian follicle

Fully developed follicle, large antrum with cumulus oophorus.

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)

Hormone used to measure ovarian reserve, synthesized by granulosa cells.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Hormonal disruption of the female reproductive system, characterized by cysts, elevated testosterone, and irregular menstrual cycles.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Early depletion or dysfunction of follicles before age 40.