Female Reproductive System and Cell Division

A collection of vocabulary terms covering the functions, cell division processes, hormonal cycles, and anatomical structures of the female reproductive system based on lecture notes.

Mitosis

A type of nuclear division where one parent cell produces two identical daughter cells with $46$ chromosomes; occurs in somatic cells for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A type of nuclear division occurring in reproductive cells to allow sexual reproduction; results in one parent cell producing four different haploid daughter cells with $23$ chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that follow nuclear division.

Crossing-over

The exchange of portions of homologous chromosomes occurring during Prophase I of meiosis to create genetic variety.

Independent Assortment

The random production of sets of maternal and paternal chromosomes during Metaphase I, producing $2^{23}$ ($8,388,608$) different combinations.

Spermatogenesis

The process occurring in the seminiferous tubules where spermatogonia undergo mitosis and meiosis to produce spermatozoa.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete production where a primary oocyte arrested in Prophase I eventually becomes a secondary oocyte arrested in Metaphase II.

Primordial follicle

The first type of ovarian follicle appearing in the fetus, consisting of a primary oocyte arrested in Prophase I and a single layer of flattened follicular cells.

Secondary follicle

An ovarian follicle appearing at puberty characterized by multiple layers of granulosa cells, the development of a fluid-filled antrum, the zona pellucida, and corona radiata.

Vesicular follicle

Also known as a Graafian follicle, it contains a secondary oocyte arrested in Metaphase II and ruptures to release its oocyte during ovulation.

Corpus luteum

A structure formed from a ruptured follicle that secretes progesterone and estrogen to stimulate the buildup of the uterine lining; lasts $10-13$ days if the egg is not fertilized.

Corpus albicans

A whitish connective tissue scar that is the remnant of a degenerated corpus luteum.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that triggers the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone secreted by a fertilized and implanted embryo that stimulates the corpus luteum to continue producing estrogen and progesterone.

Uterine tubes

Also called Fallopian tubes, these are fibromuscular passageways for the oocyte and sperm and the typical site of fertilization.

Endometrium

The innermost mucosa of the uterine wall composed of a basal layer and a functional layer that is shed during menstruation.

Myometrium

The thick middle tunic of the uterine wall consisting of three layers of smooth muscle.

Menstrual phase

The first phase of the uterine cycle (Days $1-5$) characterized by the shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium.

Proliferative phase

The second phase of the uterine cycle (Days $6-14$) characterized by the development of a new functional layer.

Secretory phase

The final phase of the uterine cycle (Days $15-28$) characterized by increased vascularization and uterine gland development due to progesterone secretion.

Vagina

A thick-walled fibromuscular tube connecting the uterus to the outside that serves as the birth canal and receiving site for the penis.

Mons pubis

An elevation of adipose tissue covered with hair that provides protection for the external genitalia.

Greater vestibular glands

Glands that increase the production of mucin during sexual intercourse to assist in reproduction.