Lecture 2 – Female Reproductive Anatomy, Physiology & Menstrual Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards covering external and internal reproductive anatomy, hormonal regulation, menstrual cycle phases, related health conditions, and life-span changes presented in Lecture 2.

Vulva

Collective term for the external female genitalia, including mons pubis, labia, clitoris, urethral opening and introitus.

Vagina

Stretchable internal canal leading from the vulva to the cervix; composed of muscular, fibrous, and mucous layers.

Mons Pubis (Mons Veneris)

Fleshy mound over the pubic bone that cushions, holds vaginal scent, and reduces friction.

Labia Majora

Outer lips of the vulva that protect underlying structures and contain sweat & oil glands.

Labia Minora

Inner lips that meet at the clitoral hood; rich in nerves and blood vessels.

Clitoris

Highly innervated erectile organ homologous to the glans penis; primary function is sexual pleasure.

Clitoral Hood (Prepuce)

Fold of skin formed by the labia minora that covers and protects the clitoral glans.

Clitoral Complex

Entire network of clitoral tissue—including glans, shaft, crura, vestibular bulbs, Skene’s gland, and perineal sponge—that engorges during arousal.

Vestibule

Space between the labia minora containing the urethral opening and introitus; rich in nerves and blood vessels.

Introitus

The vaginal opening within the vestibule.

Hymen

Thin membrane partially covering the introitus in some individuals; has little biological function.

Imperforate Hymen

A hymen that completely covers the vaginal opening, sometimes requiring medical intervention.

Sebum

Waxy substance secreted in the vulva that waterproofs tissue and repels urine, blood and bacteria.

Vestibular Bulbs

Erectile tissue masses beneath the labia minora that swell during arousal.

Bartholin’s Glands

Glands near the introitus that secrete mucus into the vestibule during arousal; homologous to Cowper’s glands.

Skene’s Glands (Urethral Sponge)

Para-urethral glands that may contribute to female ejaculation; part of clitoral complex.

Perineal Sponge

Erectile tissue between the vagina and anus that engorges during arousal.

Grafenberg Spot (G-Spot)

Term used for the erotically sensitive area on the anterior vaginal wall involving the clitoral complex and urethral sponge.

Pelvic Floor Muscles (PC Muscles)

Multidirectional muscles supporting pelvic organs; can be strengthened by Kegel exercises.

Kegel Exercises

Voluntary contractions of pelvic floor muscles to enhance urinary control and sexual sensation.

Genital Piercing

Body art of inserting jewelry (e.g., through clitoral hood or labia); carries risks of infection and scarring.

Labiaplasty

Cosmetic surgery to resize or reshape the labia minora; may remove sensitive tissue.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Non-medical procedures that injure female genitals to ensure chastity or tradition; cause severe health risks.

Vaginal Rugae

Folded mucosal walls of the vagina that allow expansion and secrete lubrication.

Cervix

Lower, narrow portion of the uterus protruding into the vagina; contains the os opening for sperm passage.

Os

Central opening in the cervix through which menstrual flow and sperm pass.

Uterus

Pear-shaped muscular organ where a fetus develops.

Perimetrium

Outer thin membrane covering the uterus.

Myometrium

Thick muscular middle layer of the uterus that contracts during labor and menstruation.

Endometrium

Vascular inner lining of the uterus that thickens each cycle and is shed during menstruation.

Anteflexed Uterus

Uterus tipped forward toward the abdomen.

Retroflexed Uterus

Uterus tipped backward toward the spine; can cause menstrual discomfort.

Fallopian Tubes

Pair of 4-inch tubes that transport ova; typical site of fertilization.

Fimbriae

Fringed ends of fallopian tubes that sweep released ova into the tube.

Cilia

Microscopic hair-like cells lining the fallopian tubes that move the ovum toward the uterus.

Ampulla

Middle section of the fallopian tube near the ovary where fertilization usually occurs.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Implantation of a zygote outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube—medical emergency.

Ovary

Female gonad that produces ova and hormones (estrogen & progesterone).

Follicle

Fluid-filled ovarian sac where an ovum matures.

Ovulation

Release of a mature secondary oocyte from an ovarian follicle, triggered by LH surge.

Endocrine Gland

Organ that secretes hormones into the bloodstream; ovaries act as endocrine glands.

Estrogen

Hormone group regulating menstrual cycle and secondary sexual traits; produced in ovaries, placenta, liver, adipose.

Progesterone

Hormone from corpus luteum that prepares and maintains uterine lining for pregnancy.

Testosterone (in females)

Androgen that supports growth, repair, and maintenance of reproductive tissues.

Oogenesis

Meiotic process by which oogonia develop into mature ova.

Menarche

First menstrual flow marking onset of fertility.

Menstruation

Monthly shedding of endometrium resulting in blood and tissue flow through the vagina.

Menstrual Cycle

Cyclic physiological changes preparing the body for pregnancy; counted from first day of flow to next flow.

Mittelschmerz

Mid-cycle abdominal twinge corresponding to ovulation.

Hormone

Chemical messenger produced by endocrine glands that regulates physiological processes.

Negative Feedback (Hormonal)

Regulatory mechanism where rising hormone levels inhibit further release to maintain balance.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Hormone from hypothalamus that prompts pituitary release of FSH and LH.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle maturation and estrogen production.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Corpus Luteum

Hormone-secreting structure formed from ruptured follicle; produces progesterone.

Menstrual Phase

Cycle days 1-5; endometrium is shed due to falling estrogen & progesterone.

Proliferative Phase

Cycle days 5-14; FSH stimulates follicle growth, estrogen rebuilds endometrium, ovulation ends phase.

Secretory Phase

Cycle days 14-28; progesterone from corpus luteum thickens endometrium and secretes nutrients.

Follicular Phase

Ovarian phase from menstruation to ovulation characterized by follicle growth and estrogen rise.

Luteal Phase

Ovarian phase after ovulation where corpus luteum secretes progesterone; ends with menstruation if no pregnancy.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Cluster of physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation, such as bloating and mood changes.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Severe form of PMS that impairs daily functioning; often treated with SSRIs.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation caused by excess prostaglandins.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain from identifiable conditions like PID, endometriosis, or IUD use.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Chronic infection of reproductive organs that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea.

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial-like tissue outside uterus causing pain and infertility risks.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation.

Primary Amenorrhea

Failure to begin menstruation by puberty.

Secondary Amenorrhea

Cessation of established menstrual cycles due to factors like low body fat, anorexia, extreme exercise or hormones.

Climacteric

Gradual transition from fertility to infertility marked by hormonal changes between ages 40-65.

Perimenopause

Time leading up to menopause when cycles become irregular.

Menopause

Permanent cessation of menstruation, typically around age 51 in the U.S.

Hot Flashes

Sudden feelings of heat associated with declining estrogen during menopause.

Osteoporosis

Bone density loss accelerated after menopause due to lower estrogen.

Leptin

Hormone produced by adipose tissue; sufficient levels help trigger menarche.

Kegel Benefits

Exercises that improve urinary control post-childbirth and enhance sexual sensation.

Primary Oocyte

Diploid cell that begins meiosis I and is arrested in prophase I until puberty.

Secondary Oocyte

Haploid cell resulting from the completion of meiosis I; released during ovulation and arrests in metaphase II.

Polar Body

Small, non-viable cell formed during unequal cytokinesis in oogenesis, containing genetic material but little cytoplasm.