Overview of the Female Reproductive System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the female reproductive system, including anatomy, functions, and processes involved in oogenesis, the menstrual cycle, and hormonal regulation.

Oogenesis

The process of egg (ova) development in females, involving meiotic divisions.

Ovarian Cycle

The monthly series of events associated with the maturation of an egg, including the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

Endometrium

The mucosal lining of the uterus, which contains glands and blood vessels and is the site of implantation.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle after ovulation, which secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Menstrual Cycle

A regular cycle of changes in the female reproductive system, characterized by the menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase.

Fertilization

The process where a sperm cell unites with a secondary oocyte.

Follicle

A structure in the ovary that contains the oocyte and secretes hormones.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Estrogen

A key female sex hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum, crucial for preparing the endometrium for implantation.

Vesicular Follicle

The mature follicle that contains a fluid-filled antrum and is ready for ovulation.

Cervical Mucus

Fluid secreted by the cervix that changes in consistency to facilitate or inhibit sperm passage.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation.

Follicular Phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where follicles grow in the ovaries, lasting from day 1 to day 14.

Secretory Phase

The phase of the uterine cycle (days 15–28) following ovulation where the endometrium prepares for potential embryo implantation.

Primordial Follicle

The earliest stage of ovarian follicle development, containing a primary oocyte.

Granulosa Cells

Cells surrounding the oocyte in the follicle that support oocyte development and hormone production.

Menstrual Phase

Days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle characterized by the shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium.

Mittelschmerz

A twinge of pain sometimes felt at the time of ovulation.

Zona Pellucida

The thick transparent layer surrounding the oocyte, involved in fertilization.

Clitoris

The erectile tissue in females, which plays a key role in sexual arousal.

Hormonal Control of Menstrual Cycle

The regulation of the menstrual cycle by the interplay of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH.

Embryological Sex Determination

Determination of sex at the embryonic stage, influenced by the presence of specific sex chromosomes.

Perineum

The diamond-shaped region between the pubic arch and the coccyx.