Reproductive System - Ovarian and Uterine Cycles

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the reproductive system, specifically focusing on ovarian and uterine cycles, hormonal interactions, sexually transmitted diseases, and developmental aspects.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone released by the hypothalamus.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate follicle growth.

LH

Luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Follicular Phase

Days 1-14 of the ovarian cycle, involving FSH/LH stimulating follicle growth.

LH Surge

A sudden increase in luteinizing hormone triggered by high estrogen levels.

Ovulation

Release of an egg from the ovary on day 14 of the ovarian cycle.

Corpus Luteum

Structure formed from a ruptured follicle that produces progesterone.

Progesterone

Hormone produced by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation.

Menstrual Phase

Days 1-5 of the uterine cycle during which the endometrium sheds.

Proliferative Phase

Days 6-14 of the uterine cycle where the endometrium rebuilds.

Secretory Phase

Days 15-28 of the uterine cycle, preparing the endometrium for potential implantation.

Estrogen

Hormone that promotes oogenesis and secondary sex characteristics.

Oogenesis

The process of egg or ovum formation.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical features that distinguish males and females, such as breast growth and hip fat deposition.

Clitoris

Female sexual organ that engorges with blood during sexual arousal.

Vestibular Glands

Glands that produce lubrication in the female reproductive system.

Orgasm

The climax of sexual excitement characterized by muscular contraction and increased pulse.

Refractory Period

The recovery phase after orgasm during which a person cannot achieve another orgasm.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial STD characterized by painful urination and discharge.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Complication from STDs like gonorrhea that can cause serious reproductive health problems.

Syphilis

A bacterial STD that progresses through stages from painless sores to systemic infections.

Chlamydia

The most common bacterial STD in the U.S. that can lead to female sterility if untreated.

Genital Warts

Warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), increasing cancer risk.

Genital Herpes

A viral STD characterized by periodic flare-ups and latent periods.

XYZ Chromosomes

Chromosomal pair determining genetic sex: XX for female and XY for male.

SRY Gene

The gene on the Y chromosome responsible for male sex determination.

Gonadal Ridges

Structures that form in early fetal development, leading to the differentiation of gonads.

Wolffian Ducts

Male reproductive structures that develop under the influence of testosterone.

Müllerian Ducts

Female reproductive structures that develop without testosterone.

Testosterone

Hormone that stimulates the development of male external genitalia.

Genital Tubercle

Structure that develops into either the penis or clitoris.

Labioscrotal Swellings

Structures that develop into the scrotum in males and labia majora in females.

Gubernaculum

Fibrous cord that guides the descent of the testes into the scrotum.

Puberty

Period when reproductive organs mature and secondary sex characteristics develop.

Menarche

The first menstrual period in females.

Menopause

The cessation of ovulation and menstruation, leading to a decline in estrogen levels.

Hot Flashes

Sudden sensations of heat often experienced during menopause.

Bone Loss

Decrease in bone density that can occur due to lower estrogen levels in menopause.

Orgasm in Females

Females may experience multiple orgasms without a refractory period.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system.

Follicle Growth

The development of ovarian follicles stimulated by FSH during the follicular phase.

Hormonal Interaction

The complex interplay of hormones such as GnRH, FSH, and LH in the reproductive cycle.

Estrogen Functions

Promotes development of female features and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Luteal Phase

The phase in the ovarian cycle where the corpus luteum forms after ovulation.

Embryonic Development

The process of development of an embryo from fertilization through gestation.

Ovarian Cycle

The series of events in the ovaries that leads to ovulation and menstruation.

Impact of STDs

STDs can lead to serious reproductive health issues, such as infertility.

PID Symptoms

Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may include abdominal pain and fever.

STI Awareness

Importance of being informed about sexually transmitted infections for prevention.

Progesterone Role

Supports the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy after ovulation.

Follicle Stimulation

Process of follicular development initiated by FSH and LH.

Endometrial Preparation

The process during the secretory phase preparing the uterus for implantation.

High Estrogen Levels

Trigger the LH surge necessary for ovulation.

Reproductive Atrophy

Shrinking of reproductive tissues due to decreased hormone levels during menopause.

Pubertal Changes

Physical transformations that occur in the body during puberty due to hormonal influences.

Vaginal Mucosa

The lining of the vagina that becomes engorged with blood during arousal.

Pelvic Brim

The boundary of the pelvis at which the ovaries stop descending during development.

Male Sexual Response

Includes erection, ejaculation, and potential refractory period.