Female Reproductive Anatomy and Cycles (Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major anatomical structures, uterine shapes, layers, cycles, and estrus detection concepts described in the notes.

Ovary

Gonadal organ that contains follicles and the corpus luteum; site of ovulation.

Follicle

Ovarian structure that contains the developing oocyte.

Corpus Luteum (CL)

Structure formed after ovulation that secretes progesterone.

Ovulation

Release of an oocyte from a ovarian follicle.

Luteolysis

Breakdown of the corpus luteum, ending the luteal phase.

Oviduct (Fallopian tube)

Tube that carries oocytes from the ovary to the uterus; site of fertilization.

Uterus

Womb; organ with serosa, myometrium, and endometrium where embryos implant and develop.

Serosa

Outer tissue layer of the uterus.

Myometrium

Muscular middle layer of the uterus (longitudinal and circular fibers).

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus; epithelium and stroma; contains the lumen where embryos reside before implantation.

Epithelium

Lining cells of the endometrium that support implantation and secretion.

Stroma

Connective tissue of the endometrium containing fibroblasts, immune cells, and blood vessels.

Broad ligament

Peritoneal fold that supports the female reproductive tract.

Mesometrium

Section of the broad ligament that supports the uterus.

Mesovarium

Section of the broad ligament that Supports the ovary.

Mesosalpinx

Section of the broad ligament that supports the oviduct.

Duplex uterus

Uterus with two cervices and two uterine horns (horns typically do not fuse).

Bipartite uterus

Two uterine horns with partial fusion; usually a single cervix or shared body.

Bicornuate uterus

Two uterine horns with partial fusion forming a single uterine body; typically one cervix.

Simplex uterus

Single uterine body with no uterine horns; often one cervix.

Vagina

Distal part of the female reproductive tract; birth canal.

Cervix

Neck of the uterus; connects the uterus to the vagina and regulates passage between them.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity; broad ligament attachments are peritoneal extensions.

Lumen

The hollow interior space of the uterus where the embryo resides before implantation.

Estrus

Sexual receptivity or “heat” the female shows when fertile.

Estrous cycle

Reproductive cycle that includes estrus; animals that display estrus generally do not menstruate.

Proestrus

Phase preceding estrus with rising estrogen levels.

Diestrus

Part of the cycle when the female is not sexually receptive; progesterone is high.