The Female Reproductive System

Flashcards covering the female reproductive system, its organs, functions, and hormonal control.

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Produce offspring, produce and store reproductive cells (gametes), produce hormones

Oocytes

Female sex cells (oocytes, or immature eggs)

Organs of the Female Reproductive System

Uterus, Fallopian Tubes, Ovaries, Vagina, Vulva, Breasts, Mammary Glands

Internal genitalia

Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina

External genitalia

Clitoris, labia minora, labia majora, associated subcutaneous glands and erectile tissues

Location of External Genitalia

Occupy the perineum

Ovaries

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

Ovulation

Bursting of the follicle and releasing of the egg

Fallopian Tubes

Canals about 10 cm long leading from ovary to uterus

Infundibulum

Flared distal (ovarian) end with feathery fimbriae

Ampulla

Middle and longest part of the fallopian tube

Isthmus

Narrowed portion of the fallopian tube near the uterus

Mesosalpinx

Superior margin of broad ligament

Uterus

Thick muscular chamber that opens into roof of vagina

Cervical canal

Passage that connects lumen of uterus to vagina

Perimetrium

Outermost layer of the uterine wall; thin serosa of simple squamous epithelium and loose connective tissue

Myometrium

Middle muscular layer of the uterine wall; constitutes most of the uterine wall

Endometrium

Inner mucosa of the uterine wall; simple columnar epithelium, compound tubular glands, and a stroma populated with leukocytes, macrophages, and other cells

Functional layer (stratum functionalis)

Superficial half to two-thirds of the endometrium, shed in each menstrual period

Basal layer (stratum basalis)

Deep layer of the endometrium, stays behind and regenerates a new functional layer with each menstrual cycle

Vagina

Distensible muscular tube 8 to 10 cm in length

Hymen

Mucosal folds across vaginal opening

External Genitalia

Collectively called the vulva

Mons pubis

Mound of fat over pubic symphysis bearing most of the pubic hair

Labia majora

Pair of thick folds of skin and adipose tissue inferior to mons; pudendal cleft is between

Labia minora

Thin, hairless folds medial to labia majora

Clitoris

Erectile, sensory organ; primary center for sexual stimulation

Vestibular Bulbs

Erectile tissue deep to labia majora

Greater Vestibular (Bartholin) Glands

Open into vestibule, keep vulva moist and provide lubrication

Breast

Mound of tissue overlying pectoralis major

Axillary tail

Extension toward armpit

Areola

Circular colored zone surrounding nipple

Areolar glands

Intermediate between sweat glands and mammary glands; secretions protect the nipple from chapping and cracking during nursing

Lactiferous duct

Drains each lobe, dilates to form lactiferous sinus that opens into nipple

Acini

Sacs surrounded by contractile myoepithelial cells that aid in milk release

Puberty

Begins at age 8 to 10 for most well-nourished girls in affluent countries

Thelarche

Onset of breast development and earliest noticeable sign of puberty

Pubarche

Appearance of pubic and axillary hair, sebaceous glands, and axillary glands

Menarche

First menstrual period

Climacteric

Midlife change in hormone secretion

Menopause

Cessation of menstruation

Reproductive cycle

Sequence of events from fertilization to giving birth and returning to fertility

Sexual cycle

Events that recur every month when no pregnancy

Oogenesis

Egg production

Ovarian cycle

Events in ovaries

Menstrual cycle

Parallel changes in uterus

Sexual cycle

Rhythmic changes in ovaries and uterus that correlate with oogenesis and folliculogenesis

Ovarian cycle

Cyclical events in the ovaries

Ovulation

Rupture of the mature follicle and release of egg

Luteal (postovulatory) phase

From day 15 to day 28, from just after ovulation to onset of menstruation

Involution

Shrinkage of the corpus luteum

Menstrual cycle

Consists of a buildup of endometrium during most of the sexual cycle, followed by its breakdown and vaginal discharge

Proliferative phase

Involves the rebuilding of the functional layer of endometrium that was lost in last menstruation

Secretory phase

Involves endometrium thickening as a result of secretion and fluid accumulation

Premenstrual Phase

A period of endometrial degeneration during the last 2 days of the cycle

Menstrual phase (menses)

The period where menstrual fluid is discharged from the vagina

Excitement

Marked by myotonia, vasocongestion, and increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate

Vaginal transudate

Serous fluid that seeps through the walls of the canal, providing lubrication

Orgasmic platform

Lower one-third of vagina constricts, forming narrower canal and vaginal rugae enhance stimulation

Tenting effect

Uterus stands nearly vertical, where normally it tilts forward over the bladder

Orgasm

Intense sensation spreading from clitoris through the pelvis, sometimes with pelvic throbbing and spreading sense of warmth

Gestation (pregnancy)

Lasts an average of 266 days from conception to childbirth

Gestational calendar

Measured from first day of the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

Stimulates corpus luteum: it doubles in size and secretes increasing amounts of progesterone and estrogen

Prolactin

Promotes milk synthesis