Female Reproductive System and Oogenesis

Flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, oogenesis, the menstrual cycle, and related health topics.

Oocytes

Female sex cells, also known as egg cells.

Ovaries

Primary female sex organs located in the lateral wall of the pelvic cavity that produce ova and female sex hormones.

Broad ligament

A fold in the peritoneum that attaches to the ovary, uterus, and uterine tubes.

Suspensory ligament

A small fold in the peritoneum located superior to the ovary.

Ovarian ligament

An inferior thickening of the broad ligament that attaches to the ovary.

Inner Medulla

The internal part of the ovary consisting of connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels, and nerves for nourishment and support.

Outer Cortex

The outer layer of the ovary containing ovarian follicles covered by germinal epithelium.

Primordial Follicles

Follicles that form in the ovarian cortex during prenatal development, each containing a primary oocyte and a layer of flattened epithelial follicular cells.

Uterine Tubes

Also called Fallopian Tubes, these pass medially from ovaries to the uterus and are where fertilization typically occurs.

Fimbriae

Finger-like extensions at the distal ends of the uterine tubes that are expanded over the ovary.

Uterus

Organ that receives the embryo and sustains its development; it consists of an upper $\frac{2}{3}$ called the Body and a lower $\frac{1}{3}$ called the Cervix.

Endometrium

The inner mucosal layer of the uterine wall.

Myometrium

The thick middle muscle layer of the uterine wall.

Perimetrium

The outer serosal layer of the uterine wall.

Vagina

The passageway from the cervix to the outside that receives the erect penis and transports offspring during birth.

Hymen

A membrane composed of epithelium and connective tissue that partially closes the vaginal orifice.

Vulva

The collective term for the female external accessory reproductive organs, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule.

Labia Majora

External rounded folds of adipose tissue and skin that enclose and protect underlying organs and merge to form the Mons pubis.

Clitoris

A small projection at the anterior end of the labia, corresponding to the male penis, composed of two columns of erectile tissue.

Vestibule

The space between the labia minora that encloses the vaginal and urethral openings.

Oogenesis

The process by which female gametes (ova/eggs) are produced in the ovaries, beginning before birth and resuming at puberty.

Secondary oocyte

A large cell produced by the completion of meiosis I that pauses in metaphase II of meiosis II and is released during ovulation.

Polar body

Small, nonfunctional cells produced during meiosis I and II in oogenesis that eventually degenerate.

Zona pellucida

A glycoprotein layer that forms around the oocyte during the primary follicle stage.

Antrum

A fluid-filled space that begins to form in the secondary follicle and dominates the mature follicle.

Ovulation

A process triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone where the follicle ruptures and releases a secondary oocyte.

Corpus luteum

A structure formed from a ruptured follicle that secretes progesterone to support a potential pregnancy.

Corpus albicans

The fibrous mass that remains after the corpus luteum degenerates if fertilization does not occur.

Menstrual Cycle

A monthly cycle, typically lasting $ext{28}$ days, regulated by hormones that prepare the body for pregnancy.

Menstrual Phase

Occurring during days $1 ext{--}5$, characterized by low levels of progesterone and estrogen and the shedding of the uterine lining.

Proliferative Phase

The phase from days $6 ext{--}14$ where increasing estrogen stimulates the thickening and repair of the endometrium.

Secretory Phase

The phase from days $15 ext{--}28$ where progesterone from the corpus luteum makes the endometrium more receptive to implantation.

Menopause

The cessation of menstrual cycles characterized by low estrogen concentrations and continuous secretion of FSH and LH.

Mammary Glands

Specialized exocrine glands containing $15 ext{--}20$ lobes that produce milk (lactation) for infant nutrition.

Alveoli

Milk-producing units clustered within the lobules of the mammary glands.

Depo-Provera

An injectable contraception that provides protection for $3$ months by preventing the maturation and release of a secondary oocyte.

STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections, formerly known as STDs, which can be spread through sexual contact even if the person is asymptomatic.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

A complication associated with infections like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea that can result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy.