Female Reproductive System and Cycles

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on female reproductive anatomy, physiology, and cycles.

Ovary

Female gonad that produces oocytes and secretes estrogen and progesterone.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the uterine tube that catch the ovulated egg.

Uterine Tube (Fallopian Tube)

Ciliated, muscular tube that transports the secondary oocyte; usual site of fertilization.

Uterus

Thick-walled muscular organ that protects, nourishes, and expels the developing fetus.

Vagina

Elastic, stratified squamous canal for intercourse, menstrual flow, and childbirth.

Oogenesis

Process of female gamete (oocyte/egg) formation through meiosis.

Follicle

Fluid-filled structure of follicular cells surrounding a developing oocyte.

Graafian (Mature) Follicle

Fully developed follicle ready to rupture at ovulation.

Ovulation

Rupture of a mature follicle releasing a secondary oocyte.

Corpus Luteum

“Yellow body” that remains after ovulation and secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Corpus Albicans

Fibrous white scar that forms when the corpus luteum involutes if no pregnancy occurs.

Primary Oocyte

Cell arrested in meiosis I from fetal life until puberty.

Secondary Oocyte

Cell produced after meiosis I, halted in meiosis II until fertilization.

Polar Body

Small, non-viable cell formed during unequal cytokinesis of oocyte meiosis.

Oogonia

Fetal stem cells that give rise to primary oocytes.

Cilia (in uterine tube)

Motile projections that propel the oocyte toward the uterus.

Peristalsis (uterine tube)

Smooth-muscle contractions aiding gamete or zygote movement.

Allurin

Chemoattractant released by the egg directing sperm into the correct uterine tube.

Myometrium

Thick smooth-muscle layer of the uterus responsible for contractions.

Endometrium

Inner uterine lining that proliferates and is shed during menstruation.

Spiral Arteries

Coiled vessels supplying the endometrium; their constriction triggers menstrual shedding.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multilayered lining of the vagina adapted to friction and cell sloughing.

Labia Minora

Inner paired folds protecting the vestibule of the external genitalia.

Labia Majora

Outer fatty skin folds homologous to the scrotum.

Hymen

Thin mucous membrane partially covering the vaginal opening.

Clitoris

Erectile tissue organ of female sexual arousal.

Greater Vestibular (Bartholin’s) Gland

Mucus-secreting gland that lubricates the vaginal orifice.

Mammary Lobules

Glandular clusters in the breast where milk is produced.

Lactiferous Ducts

Channels conveying milk from lobules toward the nipple.

Lactiferous Sinus

Slight dilation of a lactiferous duct serving as a small milk reservoir.

Nipple

Projection through which milk exits the breast.

Areola

Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple rich in sebaceous glands.

Suspensory Ligaments (Cooper’s)

Fibrous bands that support and suspend breast tissue.

Lactation

Production and ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

Colostrum

Antibody-rich pre-milk secretion produced during the first 2–3 postpartum days.

Milk Let-down Reflex

Oxytocin-mediated contraction of ducts causing milk to flow to the nipple.

Oxytocin

Posterior pituitary hormone that triggers uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Prolactin

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production in the breast.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Hypothalamic hormone that triggers pituitary release of FSH and LH.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Pituitary gonadotropin that promotes follicle growth and estrogen secretion.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Pituitary gonadotropin that triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Ovarian Cycle

Monthly sequence in the ovary: follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase.

Follicular Phase

Pre-ovulatory period dominated by FSH-driven follicle maturation.

Luteal Phase

Post-ovulatory period dominated by corpus luteum hormone secretion.

Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

Cyclic changes of the endometrium: menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases.

Menstrual Phase

Days 1–5; shedding of the endometrium due to falling hormones.

Proliferative Phase

Estrogen-driven rebuilding of the endometrium before ovulation.

Secretory Phase

Progesterone-driven glycogen secretion preparing the endometrium for implantation.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation often linked to uterine inflammation or prostaglandin release.

Estradiol (Estrogen)

Primary ovarian estrogen that stimulates endometrial growth and feedback to the pituitary.

Progesterone

Corpus luteum hormone that stabilizes and secretory-transforms the endometrium.

Menopause

Permanent cessation of ovarian follicular activity and menstrual cycles.

Rhythm Method

Fertility awareness birth control based on cycle timing and cervical mucus/temperature changes.

Basal Body Temperature

Resting body temperature that rises slightly after ovulation, aiding fertility tracking.