Lecture on Female Anatomy, Fertilization, and Gestation

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to female anatomy, fertilization, and gestation, elaborating on processes, key terms, and hormonal functions.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from a mature follicle in the ovary, typically occurring once a month.

Menstrual Cycle

The series of changes a woman's body goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy, typically lasting about 28 days.

Gametes

Sex cells involved in reproduction; sperm in males and eggs (ova) in females.

Testes

The male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone.

Ovaries

The female gonads that produce eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining when fertilization does not occur, marking the start of a new menstrual cycle.

Embryo

The early developmental stage of a fertilized egg, prior to becoming a fetus.

Fertilization

The process by which a sperm cell joins with an egg cell to form a zygote.

Corpus Luteum

A hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary after an egg has been discharged.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Estrogen

A female sex hormone responsible for the development of reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

A hormone released by the ovaries that helps prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands in males that produce a fluid to nourish sperm and help with motility.

Semen

The fluid containing sperm and other secretions that is expelled during ejaculation.

Ejaculation

The release of semen from the male reproductive system through the penis.

Scrotum

The external pouch that holds the testes and regulates their temperature for sperm production.