female reproductive

Female Reproductive System

Structured to support and develop an embryo, providing nourishment for infant growth.

Ovaries

Egg-like structures responsible for producing ova and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Uterine Tubes

Also known as oviducts or fallopian tubes, they conduct ova toward the uterus and are typical sites for fertilization.

Peritoneum

Protective membrane around the uterus, creating the vesicouterine and rectouterine pouches.

Vesicouterine Pouch

The pouch located between the bladder and the uterus.

Rectouterine Pouch

The pouch that differentiates the anus from the vagina.

Uterus

A thick muscle organ crucial for housing the embryo.

Ovarian Cortex

Part of the ovary where gametes are produced in sac-like follicles.

Ovarian Medulla

Contains blood vessels and nerves within the ovary.

Broad Ligament

A ligament that secures the ovaries in place.

Ovarian Ligament

A ligament that connects the ovaries to the uterus.

Suspensory Ligament

A ligament that helps support the ovaries.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections on the infundibulum that help capture the ovulated oocyte.

Ampulla

The region of the uterine tube where fertilization often occurs.

Isthmus

The part of the uterine tube that connects it to the uterus.

Interstitial Part

The region of the uterine tube embedded in the uterine wall.

Primary Oocyte

The cell that is expelled from the ovary during ovulation.

Ciliary Action

The movement of cilia that helps transport the oocyte through the uterine tube.

Uterine Wall Layers

Three layers: perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

Perimetrium

The outermost layer of the uterine wall.

Myometrium

The middle layer of smooth muscle in the uterine wall that contracts during childbirth.

Endometrium

The innermost layer of the uterine wall where implantation occurs.

Vagina

Serves as a passage for menstrual flow, receives the penis during intercourse, and acts as the birth canal.

Mons Pubis

Fatty tissue located above the pubic bone.

Labia Majora

Protective outer folds of skin for the vaginal and urethral openings.

Labia Minora

Inner folds of skin that protect vaginal and urethral openings.

Urethral Orifice

The opening below the clitoris for urine passage.

Clitoris

A structure containing sensitive erectile tissue, involved in sexual arousal.

Vestibule

The region that includes the openings for both the vagina and urethra.

Greater Vestibular Glands

Glands that provide lubrication in the vestibule.

Oogenesis

The process of ova production that starts before birth and continues until menopause.

Menopause

The cessation of ovulation typically occurring between ages 45 and 55.

Ovarian Cycle

A cycle that lasts about 28 days, including the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases.

Follicular Phase

The phase in the ovarian cycle where ovarian follicles mature.

Ovulation

The phase where a secondary oocyte is released from the ovary.

Luteal Phase

The phase where the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum.

Corpus Luteum

A structure that plays a crucial role in hormone secretion to maintain early pregnancy.

Reproductive Functions

The integrated functions of the female reproductive organs that facilitate reproduction and hormonal balance.