Female Reproductive System - Structures and Oogenesis

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and physiological processes of the female reproductive system, including oogenesis and the uterine cycle.

Vagina

A structure that connects to the uterus, serves as the birth canal, provides an acidic environment hostile to microbes, and acts as a repository for sperm during copulation.

Hymen

A thin membrane that partially covers the vagina.

Uterus

The site where the embryo and fetus develop; it is able to stretch, change size and shape, and provides an environment with constant body temperature.

Cervix

An anatomical subdivision of the uterus consisting of a muscular ring that separates the vagina and the uterus.

Mucus plug

A small amount of thickened mucus that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy to hold the fetus in place.

PAP TEST

A screening process used for the early detection of cancer in the cervix.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus that acts as a nest for the embryo; it thickens and vascularizes during the follicular phase ($d1-14$) to receive the zygote and is the site of implantation.

Myometrium

The muscular wall of the uterus that contracts during labor and menstruation.

Fallopian tubes (oviducts)

The passageway for the ovum to travel from the ovary to the uterus and the site of fertilization during a $12-24$ hour window.

Fimbria

The open ends of the fallopian tubes through which the oocyte enters after being released from the ovary.

Cilia

Structures that move the ovum along the fallopian tube during its $3$ to $5$ day travel time.

Ovaries

Paired gonads located in the abdominal cavity that secrete estrogen and progesterone and produce eggs (ova).

Oogenesis

The production of ova from oogonia, characterized by unequal cytokinesis and long resting periods.

Follicles

Structures within the ovary composed of two types of cells: a primary oocyte and granulosa cells.

Oogonia

Cells that reach a peak of about $6-7 \times 10^6$ at $5$ months of gestation before production stops and they become primary oocytes.

Primary oocytes

Immature eggs; there are $1-2 \times 10^6$ at birth and approximately $400,000$ at puberty.

Corpus luteum

The follicular tissue remaining after ovulation that secretes estrogens and progesterone to maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy.

Corpus albicans

The scar that remains after the corpus luteum disintegrates if pregnancy does not occur.

Polar bodies

Three small cells produced during meiosis in oogenesis that are reabsorbed or degenerate, resulting in only one mature ovum.