Histology and Cell Biology Block 5

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the histology of the female reproductive system.

Ovary

The primary female reproductive organ that produces oocytes and hormones.

Cortex

The outer layer of the ovary, containing follicles at various stages of development.

Medulla

The inner part of the ovary containing blood vessels and connective tissue.

Follicle development stages

Progression from primordial to Graafian follicle.

Primordial follicle

The earliest stage of follicle development containing a primary oocyte.

Graafian follicle

The mature follicle that undergoes ovulation.

Corpus luteum

Temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation.

Corpus albicans

The scar tissue that forms from the degeneration of the corpus luteum.

Granulosa cells

Cells surrounding the oocyte in a follicle that produce estrogen.

Theca cells

Cells in the ovarian follicle that synthesize androgens.

Estrogen

A female hormone produced primarily by granulosa cells.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for implantation.

Oviduct

Also known as the Fallopian tube, the site of fertilization.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped end of the oviduct that captures the oocyte.

Ampulla

The widest section of the oviduct where fertilization occurs.

Isthmus

The narrow section of the oviduct that connects to the uterus.

Mucosa

The innermost layer of the oviduct, lined with ciliated columnar epithelium.

Muscularis

The layer of smooth muscle in the oviduct that aids in transport.

Serosa

The outermost layer of the oviduct.

Ciliated cells

Cells in the oviduct that help transport the oocyte.

Secretory cells

Cells in the oviduct that produce nutrients for sperm and oocyte.

Oocyte transport

The movement of the oocyte through the oviduct to the uterus.

Fertilization

The process of sperm penetrating the oocyte.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly cycle of physiological changes in the female reproductive system.

Folliculogenesis

The maturation process of ovarian follicles.

Atresia

The degeneration of unselected follicles during the menstrual cycle.

Meiosis I

The first meiotic division completed during ovulation by the primary oocyte.

Secondary oocyte

The product of Meiosis I that is arrested in metaphase II.

Acrosome reaction

The process that allows sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida of the oocyte.

Capacitation

The physiological changes that sperm undergo to penetrate the oocyte.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various body processes.

LH (Luteinizing hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)

Hormone that stimulates follicle growth and estrogen production.

Amnion

The innermost membrane surrounding the embryo.

Decidual cells

Cells in the endometrium that participate in implantation.

Chorionic villi

Fetal tissue that interacts with maternal blood for nutrient exchange.

Syncytiotrophoblast

The outer layer of trophoblast cells that invade the maternal endometrium.

Cytotrophoblast

The inner layer of trophoblast cells that forms part of the placenta.

Placenta

The organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall.

Breast

Mammary glands that produce milk after childbirth.

Myoepithelial cells

Cells that contract to help expel milk from the alveoli.

Lactation

The production and secretion of milk from the mammary glands.

Colostrum

The first milk produced after delivery, rich in antibodies.

Glycogen

A storage form of glucose and energy found in vaginal epithelial cells.

Lactobacilli

Bacteria that convert glycogen to lactic acid in the vagina.

Estradiol

A potent form of estrogen involved in the menstrual cycle.

Hormonal feedback

Regulatory mechanisms involving hormones that influence reproductive functions.

Follicular phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle characterized by follicle growth.

Luteal phase

The phase following ovulation when the corpus luteum forms.

Nabothian cysts

Cysts that form in the cervix due to blocked cervical glands.

Ejaculated sperm

Sperm that has been released and is capable of fertilizing an oocyte.

Uterine cycle

The cyclic changes in the uterus that prepare for a possible pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy occurring outside the uterine cavity, often in the oviduct.

Capacitation process

Changes sperm undergo to penetrate an oocyte's outer layers.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Vagina

The muscular canal leading from the external genitals to the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that undergoes cyclical changes.

Uterine glands

Glands in the endometrium that secrete substances to support implantation.

Estrone

An estrogen produced during menopause.

Theca interna

Layer of the follicle that produces androgens.

Theca externa

Outer layer of the follicle providing structural support.