Anatomy & Physiology of the Female Reproductive System – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering external and internal female reproductive anatomy, structural components, and physiological functions to aid exam preparation.

Vulva

Collective term for the external female reproductive organs.

Mons Pubis

Rounded fatty tissue over the symphysis pubis, covered with pubic hair.

Labia Majora

Two large fleshy folds protecting the labia minora, urinary meatus, and vaginal introitus.

Labia Minora

Narrow inner folds situated between the labia majora; pink, moist, and highly vascular.

Clitoris

Small erectile organ rich in nerves and blood vessels; highly sensitive to touch, temperature, and pressure.

Vestibule

Oval space enclosed by labia minora containing the urethral meatus, vaginal introitus, and Bartholin’s glands openings.

Bartholin’s Glands

Pair of glands on each side of the vaginal opening that secrete lubricating mucus during sexual arousal.

Perineum

Area between the fourchette and anus; composed of fibrous and muscular tissue supporting pelvic organs.

External Urethral Meatus

Opening of the urethra within the vestibule for urine excretion.

Hymen

Thin mucous membrane partially covering the vaginal orifice.

Internal Female Structures

Collective term for the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Vagina

Elastic fibro-muscular tube (8–10 cm) connecting cervix to exterior; serves for menstruation, intercourse, and childbirth.

Vaginal Rugae

Transverse folds in the vaginal lining allowing expansion during childbirth.

Acidic Vaginal pH

Approximate pH of 4.5 that inhibits pathogenic growth.

Uterus

Hollow pear-shaped muscular organ (7.5 × 5 × 2.5 cm) that houses and nourishes a fertilized ovum.

Anteverted & Anteflexed

Normal forward-tilted and forward-bent position of the non-pregnant uterus.

Corpus (Body) of Uterus

Upper main portion of uterus; includes the fundus above tubal openings.

Fundus

Top dome-shaped portion of the uterus above fallopian tube entry points.

Isthmus of Uterus

Narrow transition zone between uterine body and cervix; forms lower uterine segment in late pregnancy.

Cervix

Lower neck of uterus (2.5–3 cm) connecting uterine cavity with vagina.

Internal Os

Opening between uterine cavity and cervical canal.

External Os

Opening between cervical canal and vagina.

Perimetrium

Outer serous layer of uterus continuous laterally with broad ligaments.

Myometrium

Middle thick muscular layer of uterus containing longitudinal, figure-8, and circular smooth-muscle fibers.

Longitudinal Fibers

Outer myometrial fibers concentrated in fundus; expel fetus during birth.

Figure-8 Fibers

Middle myometrial fibers that compress blood vessels postpartum to limit hemorrhage.

Circular Fibers

Inner myometrial fibers encircling tubal openings and internal os; prevent menstrual reflux and retain fetus.

Endometrium

Inner mucosal uterine layer responsive to estrogen and progesterone cycles.

Compact Layer

Superficial thin layer of endometrium.

Functional (Spongy) Layer

Endometrial layer shed during menstruation and postpartum lochia.

Basal Layer

Deep endometrial layer that regenerates new functional layer each cycle.

Menstruation

Monthly sloughing of the functional endometrium when no pregnancy occurs.

Placenta

Organ formed after implantation that nourishes and houses the fetus.

Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts)

Two 8–14 cm tubes transporting ova from ovaries to uterus and serving as fertilization site.

Interstitial Part

Segment of tube within uterine wall (1–2 cm).

Isthmus (Tube)

Narrow straight segment adjacent to uterus (2–3 cm).

Ampulla

Widest tubal segment (~5 cm) where fertilization commonly occurs.

Infundibulum

Trumpet-shaped distal segment of tube ending in fimbriae.

Fimbriae

Fingerlike projections that sweep ovum into fallopian tube at ovulation.

Gamete Transport

Movement of ovum and sperm through reproductive tract for potential fertilization.

Capacitation

Final maturation process sperm undergo in female tract enabling fertilization.

Ovary

Paired oval glands (3.5 × 2.5 × 1.5 cm; 4–8 g) producing ova, estrogen, and progesterone.

Cortex (Ovary)

Outer functional region of ovary housing follicles and hormone production.

Medulla (Ovary)

Central connective-tissue core containing blood vessels and nerves.

Hilum (Ovary)

Site where mesovarium attaches and vessels, nerves, lymphatics enter/exit ovary.

Broad Ligament

Peritoneal fold anchoring uterus, tubes, and ovaries to lateral pelvic walls.

Suspensory Ligament of Ovary

Ligament containing ovarian vessels extending to pelvic wall.

Round Ligament

Fibromuscular band helping maintain anteverted uterine position.

Bony Pelvis

Skeletal structure supporting and protecting pelvic organs.