Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering female reproductive anatomy, histology, hormonal regulation, and physiological cycles.

Homologous

Structures that are similar in structure and origin, such as the testicles and the ovaries.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce oocytes and hormones ($progesterone$ and $estrogen$).

Tunica albuginea

The fibrous capsule surrounding the ovary.

Ovarian Cortex

The outer region of the ovary where gametes form.

Ovarian Medulla

The inner region of the ovary containing large blood vessels and nerves.

Ovarian Follicles

Tiny sac-like structures embedded in the cortex, each containing a developing oocyte.

Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

Tubular structures about $4\text{ inches}$ long that receive an ovulated oocyte and serve as the normal site of fertilization.

Fimbria

Ciliated projections of the infundibulum that drape over each ovary to sweep up the ovulated oocyte.

Uterus

A hollow, thick-walled, muscular organ functions to receive, retain, and nourish a fertilized ovum.

Fundus

The rounded superior region of the uterus.

Cervix

The narrow outlet of the uterus that projects into the vagina.

Cervical Glands

Glands that secrete thick mucus to block sperm and pathogen entry except during midcycle.

Perimetrium

The outermost serous membrane layer of the uterine wall (visceral peritoneum).

Myometrium

The thick middle layer of the uterine wall composed of interlacing layers of smooth muscle.

Endometrium

The mucosal lining of the uterus where embryo implantation occurs and part of which is shed during menstruation.

Vagina

A thin-walled tube, about $3-4\text{ inches}$ long, serving as the birth canal, passage for menstrual flow, and copulatory organ.

Mons Pubis

The fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis, typically covered with hair after puberty.

Perineum

The diamond-shaped region defined by the pubic symphysis, coccyx, and the two ischial tuberosities.

Episiotomy

An incision of the clinical perineum (the region between the vagina and anus) to aid in childbirth.

Labia majora

The outer fatty skin folds of the vulva, typically hair-covered after puberty.

Labia minora

The hairless, inner skin folds of the vulva located within the labia majora.

Vestibule

The space within the labia minora containing the urethral and vaginal openings.

Clitoris

A structure composed of erectile tissue located anterior to the urethral opening; homologous to the penis.

Greater Vestibular Glands

Also called Bartholin’s glands, these flank the posterior vaginal opening and release mucus for lubrication.

Mammary Glands

Modified sweat glands composed of $15-25\text{ lobes}$ functioning to produce milk to nourish newborns.

Alveoli

Specialized structures within the lobules of mammary glands that make milk.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

Hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce LH and FSH.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that causes follicles to complete maturation and undergo ovulation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that causes ovarian follicles to begin development.

Oxytocin

Posterior pituitary hormone that causes myometrium contraction during labor and milk letdown during lactation.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Placental hormone that maintains the corpus luteum and increases progesterone secretion during the first trimester.

Oogenesis

The production of female gametes; primary oocytes are produced during the fetal period only.

Oogonia

Germ cells that undergo mitosis during the fetal period to produce diploid daughter cells.

Primordial Follicle

A single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells surrounding a primary oocyte arrested in prophase I.

Vesicular (Antral) Follicle

A mature follicle containing a fluid-filled antrum; its secondary oocyte is arrested in metaphase II until fertilization.

Corpus Luteum

The structure developed after ovulation from granulosa cells; it secretes progesterone to maintain pregnancy.

Corpus Albicans

A fibrous scar tissue formed from the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur.

Zona Pellucida

A glycoprotein-rich substance secreted by the oocyte that encapsulates it during follicle development.

Follicular Phase

Days $1-14$ of the ovarian cycle during which vesicular follicles develop.

Ovulation

The event, typically on day $14$, where the oocyte is released from the ovary into the uterine tubes.

Luteal Phase

The period of the ovarian cycle (days $14-28$) during which the corpus luteum secretes progesterone.

Menarche

A female's first menstrual period.

Menstrual Phase

Days $1-5$ of the uterine cycle when the stratum functionalis detaches and is shed as menstrual flow.

Proliferative Phase

Days $6-14$ of the uterine cycle where rising estrogen prompts the generation of a new stratum functionalis.

Secretory Phase

Days $15-28$ of the uterine cycle where the endometrium prepares for embryo implantation under rising progesterone levels.