Female Reproductive System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Female Reproductive System, aiding in exam preparation.

Gametes

Reproductive cells of an organism, known as sex cells.

Gonads

Organs responsible for producing gametes and sex hormones; testes in males and ovaries in females.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in a zygote with 46 chromosomes.

Ovaries

The female gonads that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Clitoris

An external organ equivalent to the corpus cavernosum in males, involved in sexual arousal.

Bulb of the vestibule

A mass of erectile tissue found in females, which engorges with blood during arousal.

Uterus

A pear-shaped muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus.

Vagina

A muscular canal connecting the uterus to the external genitalia.

Menstrual Cycle

The cyclic changes in the uterine lining influenced by estrogen and progesterone.

Follicular phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where follicles grow and mature before ovulation.

Luteal phase

The post-ovulation phase of the ovarian cycle where the corpus luteum secretes hormones.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation, marking the beginning of reproductive capability.

Menopause

The end of a woman’s reproductive capability, confirmed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful periods associated with menstruation.

Oogenesis

The process of producing eggs in the ovaries.

Corpus luteum

The structure formed from the follicle after ovulation, which secretes progesterone.

Estrogen

A hormone released by the ovaries that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Tubal ligation

A surgical procedure that prevents the egg from moving towards the uterus.

Ectopic pregnancy

A condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity.