Repro Test 1 Female Reproductive Tract

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the structure, development, and function of the female reproductive tract.

Central lumen

The central passageway within the reproductive tract structures for gametes and the fetus.

Mucosal layer

A single layer of mucosal cells surrounding the central lumen that functions primarily in secretion.

Submucosal layer

The layer below the mucosa containing stromal cells that support mucosal function, as well as blood vessels (arteries and veins).

Muscularis

Two surrounding layers of smooth muscle that function in contraction to expel the fetus or move sperm deeper into the reproductive tract.

Serosal layer

An outer layer of connective tissue that surrounds the entire reproductive tract to keep all components together.

Broad ligament

The suspensory ligament holding the uterine horns and supporting blood vessels supplying the reproductive tract.

Mesovarium

The region of the broad ligament that supports the ovary.

Mesometrium

The region of the broad ligament that supports the uterus.

Mesosalphinx

The region of the broad ligament that supports the oviduct.

Genetic sex

The chromosomal makeup determined at fertilization that dictates whether an individual is male or female.

Phenotypic sex

The visual evaluation or physical characteristics of an individual determined later in gestation.

Testes determining factor (TDF)

A gene on the Y chromosome (also called SRY) activated during the first third of gestation that initiates testes development.

Sertoli cells

Cells within the developing testes that produce anti-Mullerian hormone in response to TDF activation.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)

A hormone secreted by Sertoli cells that causes differentiation of Leydig cells and degeneration of the paramesonephric duct.

Leydig cells

Testes cells differentiated in response to AMH that produce testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

Paramesonephric duct

The fetal precursor duct that develops into the female reproductive tract (oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina) in the absence of AMH.

Bipotential gonad

An early fetal gonad present before phenotypic sex determination that can develop into either a testes or an ovary.

Freemartin

A sterile female calf born twin to a male calf, resulting from shared embryonic blood supply exposing the female to male hormones like AMH.

Utero ovarian plexus

A convoluted vascular network of the ovarian artery and uterine vein that transports PGF2 alpha directly from the uterine vein to the ovarian artery, bypassing metabolism in the lungs.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)

A hormone produced by the uterus that destroys the corpus luteum to eliminate progesterone.

Medulla

The central structure of the ovary containing blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, located on the exterior in mares.

Cortex

The outer region of the ovary (inner region in mares) that houses gametes and developing follicles.

Oocyte

The female gamete contained within an ovarian follicle. layer of unorganized cells that becomes organized during the cycle and then becomes a primary follicle.

Follicle

An ovarian structure that grows and supports the development and maturation of an oocyte while producing estrogen. more follicle = more estrogen

Primordial follicle

A resting oocyte surrounded by a single layer of unorganized cells.

Primary follicle

An oocyte surrounded by a single, organized (polarized) layer of cells.

Secondary follicle

A follicle featuring multiple layers of cells surrounding the oocyte and a newly formed shell called the zona pellucida.

Zona pellucida

A protective shell surrounding the oocyte that develops during the secondary follicle stage.

Dominant follicle

A large follicle (also known as a Graafian follicle) containing a fluid-filled antrum that secretes high amounts of estrogen prior to ovulation.

Estrogen

A hormone produced by growing ovarian follicles that increases in concentration as the follicle enlarges.

Ovulation

The release of a mature oocyte from a dominant follicle on the ovary.

Corpus hemorrhagicum

A temporary bloody structure formed immediately after ovulation from broken blood vessels before transitioning into a corpus luteum.

Corpus luteum

An ovarian structure formed after ovulation that secretes progesterone to maintain pregnancy.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that is required for the maintenance of pregnancy.

Luteolysis

The destruction or killing of the corpus luteum that removes progesterone and allows a female to restart her cycle if not pregnant.

Corpus albicans

An inactive, white scar tissue structure remaining on the ovary after luteolysis.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped segment of the oviduct lined with cilia that catches the oocyte upon ovulation.

Ampulla

The middle segment of the oviduct characterized by extensive mucosal branching that secretes factors for early embryo survival and serves as the site of fertilization.

Isthmus

The lower segment of the oviduct featuring a developed muscularis layer that contracts to move sperm up towards the ampulla.

Embryo

A fertilized pair of gametes resulting from the fusion of sperm and oocyte.

Ovulation fossa

A specific anatomical concavity in the mare's ovary where all oocytes must exit during ovulation due to internal cortex orientation.

Duplex

A uterine classification characterized by two completely independent cervices, found in marsupials and rabbits.

Bicornuate

A uterine classification characterized by two uterine horns and a common uterine body, found in cows, mares, ewes, and sows.

Simplex

A uterine classification characterized by a single uterine body without uterine horns, found in primates.

Endometrium

The uterine wall layer consisting of the mucosa and submucosa, containing uterine glands and producing PGF2 alpha.

Myometrium

The muscularis layer of the uterus responsible for smooth muscle contractions.

Uterine glands

Specialized mucosal glands in the endometrium that secrete essential factors required for early embryo survival and pregnancy maintenance.

Caruncles

Non-glandular vascularized bumps on the ruminant endometrium that form the maternal portion of the placenta.

Annular rings

Ring-like structural folds within the cow cervix (typically 4 to 5) through which an AI gun must pass.

Cranial vagina

The region of the vagina anterior to the urethra, serving as the common site of semen deposition.

Caudal vagina

The region of the vagina (also called the vestibule) posterior to the urethra.

Winking

Rhythmic labial contractions in mares during estrus that open the vulva to expose engorged, bright red tissue to attract stallions.

Mesonephric duct

An embryonic structure that develops into the male reproductive tract, including the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.

Developing antral (tertiary) follicle

A stage of ovarian follicle maturation characterized by the presence of an antrum, a fluid-filled cavity, and is involved in the production of eggs before ovulation. Shows up on ultrasounds.