Female Anatomy and Histology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering female reproductive tract anatomy, histology, epithelial cell classifications, species-specific uterine and cervical variations, oviduct structure, folliculogenesis stages, and luteal dynamics.

Broad Ligament

A fold of peritoneum that provides support to and suspends the female reproductive tract within the pelvic cavity.

Mesovarium

The specific subdivision of the broad ligament that supports and suspends the ovary.

Mesosalpinx

The specific subdivision of the broad ligament that supports and suspends the oviduct.

Mesometrium

The largest subdivision of the broad ligament that supports and suspends the uterine body and uterine horns.

Vagina

The portion of the female reproductive tract that connects the cervix to the external genitalia and serves as the female copulatory organ.

Vulva

The external tissue of the female reproductive tract that receives the penis during copulation.

Vestibule

The common pathway for the reproductive and urinary systems located between the hymen and the vulva.

Ectocervix

The outer region of the cervix lined with hard, stratified squamous epithelium that provides protection against physical trauma.

Endocervix

The inner region of the cervix lined with soft, simple columnar glandular cells that function in mucus secretion.

Cervix of Cow

Cervical tissue measuring $8 \times 2$\,in ($200 \times 50$\,mm) characterized by prominent annular rings (single fold).

Cervix of Ewe

Cervical tissue measuring $3 \times 1$\,in ($75 \times 25$\,mm) characterized by annular rings with double fleshy folds.

Cervix of Sow

Cervical tissue measuring $6 \times 1$\,in ($150 \times 25$\,mm) characterized by interdigitating prominences arranged in a corkscrew-like configuration.

Cervix of Mare

Cervical tissue measuring $12 \times 2$\,in ($300 \times 50$\,mm) characterized by longitudinal cervical folds.

Endometrium

The inner mucosal and submucosal layer of the uterine wall containing simple columnar epithelium and uterine glands.

Myometrium

The muscular middle layer of the uterine wall composed of circular and longitudinal muscle layers that facilitate contractions.

Perimetrium

The outer serosal layer covering the uterine wall.

Sow Uterus

Uterine structure measuring $2.5$\,feet ($75$\,cm) in length with very long uterine horns and a small uterine body, allowing for larger litter sizes.

Mare Uterus

Uterine structure measuring $12$\,inches ($300$\,mm) in length with well-developed uterine horns and a medium-sized uterine body.

Cow Uterus

Uterine structure measuring $15$\,inches ($37.5$\,cm) in length with distinct uterine horns and a prominent uterine body.

Ewe Uterus

Uterine structure measuring $5$\,inches ($130$\,mm) in length with distinct uterine horns and a prominent uterine body.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped opening of the oviduct fringed with fimbriae that catches the ovulated oocyte.

Ampulla

The highly folded middle portion of the oviduct that occupies half or more of its total length.

Ampullarly-Isthmic Junction (AIJ)

The specific site within the oviduct where fertilization occurs.

Isthmus

The narrow, muscular lower portion of the oviduct that connects the ampulla to the uterine horn.

Uterotubal Junction (UTJ)

The anatomical junction regulating transport between the isthmus of the oviduct and the uterine horn.

Ovarian Cortex

The outer zone of the ovary (except in the mare) housing follicles, oocytes, and luteal structures.

Ovarian Medulla

The central core of the ovary containing blood vessels, lymphatic tissue, and nerves, devoid of follicles.

Ovulation Fossa

A specific indented region on the mare ovary through which all ovulations occur.

Folliculogenesis

The developmental process of ovarian follicles progressing from a primordial state to a preovulatory Graafian follicle and ovulation.

Primordial Follicle

An immature follicle containing a primary oocyte encircled by a single layer of flattened, squamous granulosa cells, lacking an antrum and theca cells.

Primary Follicle

An ovarian follicle surrounded by a single layer of cuboidal or columnar granulosa cells where the zona pellucida begins to form, lacking an antrum and theca layer.

Secondary Follicle

An ovarian follicle with a stratified granulosa layer, an intact zona pellucida, and a forming theca layer, lacking an antrum.

Tertiary (Antral) Follicle

An ovarian follicle characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled cavity (antrum), a stratified granulosa layer, and a differentiated theca layer.

Preovulatory (Graafian) Follicle

A fully matured antral follicle with a large antrum, differentiated theca and granulosa layers, capable of ovulating in response to an LH surge.

Antrum

The fluid-filled cavity within a tertiary or preovulatory follicle containing follicular fluid.

Zona Pellucida

An acellular glycoprotein membrane surrounding the oocyte plasma membrane.

Corona Radiata

The innermost layer of cumulus granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte that is expelled alongside the egg during ovulation.

Cumulus Oophorus

A mound of granulosa cells anchoring the oocyte to the inner wall of an antral follicle.

Theca Interna

The middle layer of the follicle wall that produces androstenedione, which is converted to estrogen by granulosa cells.

Theca Externa

The outer connective tissue layer of the follicle wall composed of fibrous tissue and blood vessels.

Membrana Granulosa

Granulosa cells lining the inner follicle wall that support and regulate oocyte maturation.

Vitelline Membrane

The plasma membrane surrounding the oocyte cytoplasm.

Luteogenesis

The process of forming a corpus luteum from the ruptured follicle following ovulation.

Luteolysis

The regression of the corpus luteum, primarily induced by prostaglandin $\text{PGF}_{2\alpha}$.

Corpus Hemorrhagicum

A temporary, blood-filled structure formed by collapsed follicular tissue immediately after ovulation.

Corpus Luteum

A solid endocrine structure formed on the ovary following ovulation that secretes progesterone.

Corpus Albicans

A white, fibrous scar remaining on the ovary after complete luteolysis of a corpus luteum.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flattened cells lining lung air sacs and blood vessels, allowing material transport via diffusion and filtration.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multi-layered flat epithelial cells lining the esophagus, mouth, and vagina that protect against abrasion.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells located in the uterus and digestive tract that functions in absorption and secretion of mucus and enzymes.