Reproductive Biology and Childbirth Lecture Notes

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the hormonal phases of the menstrual cycle, male and female reproductive systems during intercourse, fertilization, and the stages/mechanisms of childbirth.

Follicular Phase

The phase initiated when the hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone after puberty.

Ovulation

Occurs around day $14$ when LH and FSH spike and the egg has about $24 ext{ hr}$ to be fertilized.

Cervical Mucus (during ovulation)

A substance that becomes thinner and develops a higher PH around day $14$.

Luteal Phase

A phase where LH and FSH stimulate the formation of the Corpus luteum.

Corpus luteum

A structure that releases estrogen and progesterone; progesterone from this structure thickens the endometrium during pregnancy.

Proliferative Phase

A phase that overlaps with the Luteal phase where estrogen initiates a new layer of endometrium.

Menstruation

The process where progesterone levels fall, causing the endometrium to thin and break off.

Male Ejaculation

A process under sympathetic control where the vas deferens rhythmically contracts and accessory glands expel semen into the urethra.

Bulboston giosus

A muscle that rapidly contracts to move semen out of the urethra.

Latent Period

The period that follows male ejaculation.

Female Orgasm

Characterized by contractions of the perineum, uterus, and uterine tubes which aid in sperm transport; it has no refractory period.

Fertilization

The process that occurs in the fallopian tube.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A condition where the embryo plants and develops in a location other than the uterus.

Placenta

The organ that produces progesterone to maintain the endometrium during pregnancy.

Posterior pituitary

The site where oxycotin is stored after the hypothalamus sends impulses during labor.

Effacement

The thinning of the cervix during the birthing process.