TERMS (Female Reproductive System)

Vulva

The collective components of the female external genitalia.

Mons Pubis

A pad of adipose tissue anterior to the pubic symphysis that cushions the pubic bone, located in males and females but more pronounced in females.

Labia Majora

The larger, outer folds of skin that surround and protect the vaginal orefice and external genital structures.

Labia Minora

The thinner, inner folds of skin that surround the openings of the vagina and urethra.

Vaginal Orifice

The external opening of the vagina.

Clitoris

An erectile organ whose head (glans) is externally located at the anterior end of vulva and is involved in sexual arousal.

Corpora Cavernosa (female)

Paired columns of erectile tissue in the clitoris.

Prepuce (female)

A fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris; clitoral hood.

Greater Vestibular Gland

A gland located on either side of the vagina, homologous to the male bulbourethral gland, that secretes mucus to lubricate the vaginal opening during arousal.

Vestibular Bulb

Paired masses of erectile tissue located on either side of the vaginal orifice that contribute to sexual arousal; Bartholin's glands.

Corpus Spongiosum (female)

Erectile tissue in the vestibular bulb.

Vagina

A muscular, elastic canal that connects the cervix of the uterus to the exterior of the body.

Vaginal Canal

The passageway extending from the vaginal orifice to the cervix.

Rugae

Folds of the vaginal lining that allow the vagina to stretch during intercourse and childbirth.

Hymen

A thin membrane that may partially cover the vaginal orifice.

Ovary

The paired female gonad located in the pelvic cavity, lateral to the uterus that produces oocytes, estrogen, and progesterone.

Uterine Tube

A duct that transports the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus and is the usual site of fertilization; fallopian tube.

Uterus

A hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvic cavity that supports embryonic and fetal development.

Oogenesis

The process by which female gametes (ova) are produced by mitosis and meiosis.

Oogonium (Oogonia)

A diploid germ cell located in the ovary that divides by mitosis to form a primary oocyte and polar body.

Primary Oocyte

A diploid cell that begins meiosis but remains arrested until puberty.

Secondary Oocyte

A haploid cell produced by meiosis I that is ovulated and capable of fertilization.

Ovum (Ova)

The mature female gamete formed after completion of meiosis II.

Ovarian cycle

The monthly cycle of follicular development in the ovary.

Primordial Follicle

An immature ovarian follicle containing a primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells.

Primary Follicle

A developing ovarian follicle containing a primary oocyte surrounded by multiple layers of granulosa cells.

Secondary Follicle

A developing ovarian follicle containing a primary oocyte surrounded by multiple layers of granulosa cells with a fluid-filled space known as an antrum.

Tertiary Follicle

A mature ovarian follicle containing a secondary primary oocyte surrounded by multiple layers of granulosa cells and a large antrum; Graafian follicle.

Ovulation

The forceful ejection of a secondary oocyte from the ovary.

Corpus Luteum

A temporary endocrine structure in the ovary formed from the ruptured follicle that secretes progesterone.

Corpus Albicans

The fibrous remnant of the corpus luteum after it degenerates.

Follicular Phase

The first phase of the ovarian cycle during which follicles mature.

Luteal Phase

The second phase of the ovarian cycle during which the corpus luteum is active.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped distal portion of the uterine tube near the ovary.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections of the infundibulum that help guide the oocyte into the uterine tube.

Ampulla

The widened middle portion of the uterine tube where fertilization typically occurs.

Isthmus

The narrow proximal portion of the uterine tube that connects to the uterus.

Fundus (of the uterus)

The rounded superior portion of the uterus above the openings of the uterine tubes.

Body (of the uterus)

The main portion of the uterus between the fundus and cervix.

Cervix

The inferior, narrow portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Perimetrium

The deep serous layer of the uterine wall.

Myometrium

The middle smooth muscle layer of the uterine wall.

Endometrium

The superficial epithelial lining of the uterus that undergoes cyclic changes.

Uterine Cavity

The hollow space within the uterus.

Internal Os

The opening between the uterine cavity and the cervical canal.

Cervical Canal

The passageway through the cervix connecting the uterus and vagina.

External Os

The opening between the cervical canal and the vagina.

Uterine Cycle

The monthly cycle of changes in the uterine endometrium.

Menarche

The first menstrual period.

Menopause

The cessation of menstrual cycles for a period of one year.

Menstrual Phase (of the Uterine Cycle)

The phase of the uterine cycle during which the endometrial lining is shed.

Proliferative Phase (of the Uterine Cycle)

The phase of the uterine cycle during which the endometrium undergoes rapid mitosis under the influence of estrogen to rebuild and thicken.

Secretory Phase (of the Uterine Cycle)

The phase of the uterine cycle during which the endometrium produces secretions under the influence of progesterone to support potential implantation.

Menses / Menstruation

The shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium.

Mammary gland

A gland in the mammary region specialized for milk production.

Lactation

The production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands.

Mammary Lobe

A subdivision of the mammary gland that contains multiple lobules.

Mammary Lobule

A subdivision of the mammary lobe that contains a cluster of secretory alveoli.

Secretory Alveoli

Small cavities within a mammary lobule that is lined with milk producing cells.

Nipple

The raised structure through which milk is released from the breast.

Areola

The pigmented area surrounding the nipple.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete LH and FSH.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (female)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle development in the ovary.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (female)

An anteriorituitary hormone that triggers the completion of meiosis I and ovulation at the ovary.

Inhibin (female)

A gonadal hormone produced by the follicle that inhibits FSH secretion to regulate follicle developement.

Estrogen

A female specific sex hormone produced by a developing follicle that promotes uterine development and regulates LH release.

Progesterone

A female specific sex hormone produced by the corpus luteum that promotes endometrial development and negatively feedbacks on GnRH.

Birth Control

Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

Female Condom

A barrier device placed inside the vagina to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive system.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped barrier placed over the cervix to block sperm entry into the uterus.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Rhythm Method

A natural birth control method based on avoiding intercourse during fertile periods.

Birth Control Pill

An oral hormonal contraceptive (progesterone only or progesterone and estrogen) that prevents ovulation.

Tubal Ligation

A surgical procedure in which the uterine tubes are cut or sealed to prevent fertilization.