Female Reproduction

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to female reproduction as discussed in the lecture.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce egg cells (ova) and sex hormones.

Uterus

Thick muscular chamber that opens into the roof of the vagina and harbors the fetus.

Menstrual Cycle

Consists of the buildup of endometrium followed by its breakdown and vaginal discharge.

Ovulation

The bursting of the follicle and the release of the egg.

Corpus Luteum

The remnants of the follicle after ovulation that secretes hormones.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates ovarian follicles and the secretion of estrogen.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Estradiol

Most abundant form of estrogen, crucial for female reproductive function.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and prevents premature childbirth.

Oogenesis

The process of egg production that produces haploid gametes by meiosis.

Puberty

Period marked by the onset of secondary sexual characteristics and hormonal changes.

Pap Smear

A procedure to test for cervical cancer by examining cells from the cervix.

Endometrium

Inner mucosal layer of the uterus, which thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Secretory Phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle where the endometrium thickens in response to progesterone.

Proliferative Phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle where the functional layer of the endometrium regenerates.

Menstrual Phase

Discharge of menstrual fluid from the vagina marking the start of a new cycle.

Cervix

Cylindrical inferior end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the uterine tubes that help guide the oocyte.

Clitoris

External female genitalia that is involved in sexual arousal and stimulation.

Labia Minora

Thin inner folds of skin that protect the vaginal opening.

Labia Majora

Outer folds of skin that protect the external genitalia.

Menopause

The time that marks the end of menstrual cycles and fertility in women.

Hormonal Regulation

The process by which hormones control reproductive functions and cycles.

Estrogen

Hormone that develops female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone Receptors

Cellular receptors that bind progesterone to regulate endometrial changes.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Hormone secreted by the blastocyst and placenta during pregnancy.

Endometriosis

Condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility.

Ovarian Cycle

Sequence of events in the ovaries that leads to ovulation and hormone secretion.

Cervical Mucus

Mucus produced by the cervix that changes in consistency during ovulation.

Mittelschmerz

Twinges of pain experienced during ovulation.

Oocyte

The female gamete produced during oogenesis.

Polar Body

Small cell produced during oogenesis that typically disintegrates.

Folliculogenesis

Process of follicle development within the ovaries.

Secondary Oocyte

The larger daughter cell produced from meiosis I that proceeds to ovulation.

Mammary Glands

Glands in the breast that produce milk during lactation.

Breast Cancer

A common type of cancer affecting breast tissue, characterized by abnormal growth of cells.

Lumpectomy

Surgical removal of a tumor from the breast while conserving surrounding tissue.

Mastectomy

Surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely.

Menstrual Fluid

Fluid composed of blood and endometrial shedding during menstruation.

Luteal Phase

Phase of the ovarian cycle after ovulation and before menstruation.

Gonadotropin Secretion

The release of hormones that stimulate the gonads, including FSH and LH.

Myometrium

Middle muscular layer of the uterine wall responsible for contractions during labor.

Perimetrium

Outer serosa layer covering the uterus.

Functional Layer

Layer of the endometrium that is shed during menstruation.

Basal Layer

Deep layer of the endometrium that remains after menstruation to regenerate the functional layer.

Vagina

The muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the cervix of the uterus.

Pregnancy

The condition of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female reproductive system.

Cumulus Oophorus

The cluster of cells surrounding the oocyte in a mature follicle.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

Inhibin

Hormone released by the ovaries that inhibits FSH secretion.

Breast Development

Changes in breast structure during puberty and pregnancy due to hormonal influences.

Nipple

The anatomical structure of the breast from which milk is delivered.

Areola

Pigmented area surrounding the nipple, containing glands that protect the nipple.

Stroma

Connective tissue that supports the functional cells of the ovary.

Ovulated Oocyte

The oocyte that has been released from the ovary during ovulation.

Granulosa Cells

Cells within the follicle that support oocyte development.

Theca Interna

Layer of cells surrounding a developing follicle that produces androgens.

Theca Externa

Outer connective tissue layer of the ovarian follicle.

Antrum

Fluid-filled space within a mature follicle.

Follicular Fluid

Fluid that accumulates within the antrum of a follicle.

Cervical Canal

The canal that runs through the cervix, connecting the uterus to the vagina.

Luteotropin

Hormone that supports the function of the corpus luteum.

Estrone

One of the forms of estrogen produced in the body.

Estriol

The weakest form of estrogen, produced during pregnancy.

Atresia

The degeneration of ovarian follicles that do not mature into ovulated eggs.

Lactation

The process of milk production and secretion from the mammary glands.

Adipose Tissue

Fatty tissue that provides cushioning and insulation in the breast.

Suspensory Ligaments

Tissues that support the breast and maintain its position.

Ovarian Fossa

Depression in the pelvic wall where the ovaries are located.

Involution

The process by which the corpus luteum shrinks and ceases to function.

Embryonic Development

The series of changes that occur in the embryo from fertilization to birth.

Hormonal Feedback

The mechanism by which hormones regulate their own production through negative feedback.

Estradiol Increase

The rise in estradiol levels that accompanies follicular development.

Sexual Cycle

The cyclical physiological changes associated with reproduction in females.

Ischemia

Reduced blood flow, often leading to tissue damage.

Hormonal Levels

Concentrations of hormones in the bloodstream that regulate reproductive functions.

Hysterectomy

Surgical procedure to remove the uterus.

Lactiferous Ducts

Ducts that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple in the breast.

Breast Tissue Composition

The structural makeup of the breast, including glandular and adipose tissues.

Cardinal Ligament

Ligament that supports the uterus in its position within the pelvis.

Embryo

The early stage of development of a fertilized ovum.