NATS 1675 RNs 17 Definitions

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries

The primary female reproductive organ, where eggs form

Germ cells

The cell of sexual reproduction; germ cells give rise to gametes. Compare somatic cell.

Gametes

A haploid cell that functions in sexual reproduction. Sperm and eggs are examples.

Secondary sexual traits

Trait associated with maleness or femaleness, but not directly involved with reproduction. Beard growth in males and breast development in females are examples.

Estrogens

Sex hormones that help oocytes mature, trigger changes in the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and maintain secondary sexual traits; also influence body growth and development.

Oocyte

An immature egg.

Oviduct

Also known as a fallopian tube. Duct through which eggs travel from the ovary to the uterus; also called fallopian tube.

Uterus

[L. uterus, word] Chamber in which the developing embryo is contained and courted during pregnancy.

Endometrium

[Gk. metrios, of the womb] Inner lining of the uterus consisting of connective tissue, glands, and blood vessels.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus.

Vagina

Chamber of the female reproductive system that receives the male penis and sperm, forms part of the birth canal, and channels menstrual flow to the exterior

Menstrual cycle

The cyclic release of oocytes and priming of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to receive a fertilized egg; the complete cycle averages about 28 days in female humans.

Menstruation

Periodic sloughing of the blood-enriched lining of the uterus when pregnancy does not occur.

Progesterone

Female sex hormone secreted by the ovaries.

Menarche

A female’s first menstruation

Menopause

[L. mensis, month, and pausa, stop] End of the reproductive period of a human female’s life cycle.

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

Ovarian cycle

Cycle during which a primary oocyte matures and is ovulated.

Follicle

In an ovary, a primary oocyte (immature egg) together with the surrounding layer of cells.

Zona pellucida

(“transparent girdle”). A protein layer around an ovarian follicle.

Secondary oocyte

An oocyte (unfertilized egg cell) that has completed meiosis I; it is this haploid cell that is releases at ovulation.

Ovulation

During each turn of the menstrual cycle, the release of a secondary oocyte (immature egg) from an ovary.

Corpus luteum

(“yellow body”). A glandular structure that develops from cells of a ruptured ovarian follicle. It secretes progesterone and some estrogen, both of which maintain the lining of the uterus (endometrium.)