Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on female reproductive anatomy and physiology.

Mitosis

A type of cell division where one cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

The segment of the nephron in the kidney where reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients occurs.

Primordial Follicles

The earliest stage of ovarian follicles which contain an immature egg.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterus, composed of smooth muscle, responsible for contractions.

Stratum Basale

The permanent inner layer of the endometrium that remains after menstruation.

Endometrial Ablation

A medical procedure that removes or destroys the endometrial lining of the uterus.

Endometriosis

A painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone.

Corpus Luteum

The structure that forms from the follicle after ovulation and produces hormones to support pregnancy.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone produced during pregnancy that signals the corpus luteum to maintain hormone production.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain the uterine lining.

Hormonal Feedback Loop

The regulatory cycle where hormone levels influence the production of other hormones.

Oocyte

An immature egg cell that undergoes meiosis to become a mature egg.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens in preparation for potential implantation of an embryo.

Estrogen

A group of hormones that play a key role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system.