Reproduction and Development - Female Reproductive System and Hormonal Control

Flashcards covering the key concepts related to female reproduction, including anatomy and hormonal control.

Gonads

The primary reproductive organs; in females, the ovaries.

Oogenesis

The process of egg (ovum) production in female gametogenesis.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the ends of the fallopian tubes that help guide the ovum.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Cervical plug

A barrier formed by cervical mucus that protects the fetus from pathogens.

Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine structure involved in the production of progesterone following ovulation.

Folliculogenesis

The maturation process of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary follicles.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced during pregnancy that maintains the corpus luteum.

Menstrual cycle

A cyclic series of events in the female reproductive system, including the ovarian and uterine cycles.

Granulosa cells

Cells that surround the oocyte in the follicle and produce hormones.

Zona pellucida

A glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte, essential for fertilization.

Estrogen

A hormone primarily responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of estrogens.

Progesterone

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

Uterine cycle

The monthly changes in the endometrium in response to ovarian hormones, comprising the menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases.