Menstrual Cycle, Disorders, and Fertilization Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, common menstrual disorders (PMS, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, etc.), menopause, and the biological process of fertilization based on lecture notes.

Luteal or Secretory Phase

A phase lasting from $15$ to $28$ days, initiated by ovulation in response to an LH surge, where the corpus luteum develops and secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Corpus Luteum

A yellow body formed from a ruptured follicle that secretes high levels of progesterone and estrogen to stimulate endometrial thickening to approximately $3.5\,mm$.

Corpus Albicans

A white body formed when the corpus luteum involutes approximately $7$ to $8$ days after ovulation if fertilization does not occur, persisting for $10$ to $12$ days.

Syncope

The medical term for a temporary, sudden loss of consciousness and muscle control (fainting) caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Methylxanthines

A group of alkaloid stimulants and purine derivatives including caffeine (coffee, tea, soda), theobromine (chocolate), and theophylline.

Amenorrhea

The medical term for the absence of menstruation, categorized as either primary (never occurred) or secondary (cessation for $3$ or more months).

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A genetic disease causing the production of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and blocks the pancreas, preventing nutrient absorption.

Dysmenorrhea

Medical term for painful menstruation, often corresponding to the secretory phase and indicating that ovulation has occurred.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Recurrent menstrual cramps not caused by pelvic disease, primarily triggered by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that cause uterine contractions.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual cramps caused by an underlying medical condition or structural problem like PID, endometriosis, or an IUD.

Metrorrhagia

Abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods (intercyclic bleeding).

Menometrorrhagia

Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding that can lead to hypovolemia and anemia.

Hypovolemia

A medical condition characterized by a dangerous decrease in the volume of circulating blood and fluids in the body.

Anemia

A condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen, commonly resulting from iron deficiency or blood loss.

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)

Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurring due to hormonal imbalances rather than structural uterine diseases.

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

The most common inherited bleeding disorder, characterized by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor and lower than normal levels of Factor VIII.

Menorrhagia

Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding clinically defined as losing more than $80\,ml$ of blood per cycle or bleeding longer than $7$ days.

Oligomenorrhea

Infrequent menstrual periods characterized by cycles occurring at intervals longer than $35$ days or having fewer than six to nine periods per year.

Menopause

The biological point in time when a woman has gone $12$ consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically occurring between ages $45$ and $55$.

The Climacteric

Also known as perimenopause, this is the midlife phase of declining ovarian function encompassing $4$ to $8$ years before and after the final period.

Dyspareunia

Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, which may occur during menopause due to atrophic changes in the vagina.

Fertilization

The union of a mature ovum and sperm cell occurring in the ampulla (outer third) of the fallopian tube, restored to a diploid number of $46$ chromosomes.

Zygote

The single-celled, genetically unique organism created by the fusion of male and female pronuclei.

Sperm Capacitation

The final functional maturation of sperm in the female reproductive tract that destabilizes the membrane and triggers hypermotility.

Acrosome

A cap-like structure on the sperm head containing hyaluronidase and other hydrolytic enzymes needed to penetrate the protective layers of the egg.

Hyaluronidase

The enzyme required to dissolve the hyaluronic acid cement substance that holds together the cells of the corona radiata covering the ovum.

Zona Pellucida

A thick, transparent glycoprotein matrix surrounding the oocyte that facilitates sperm binding and prevents polyspermy.

Vitelline Membrane

The innermost plasma membrane (oolemma) of the human ovum that encloses the ooplasm and regulates nutrient transport.

Male Pronucleus

The haploid nucleus of a sperm cell after it enters an egg, which swells and decondenses before fusing with the female pronucleus.