Overview of the Female Reproductive System

Ovary

Germ cell development site, surrounded by tunica albuginea.

Fallopian Tubes

Uterine tubes, 10 cm long, transport eggs.

Infundibulum

Flared end of fallopian tube with fimbriae.

Ampulla

Middle and longest section of fallopian tube.

Isthmus

Narrow section of fallopian tube near uterus.

Uterus

Muscular chamber opening into vagina, pear-shaped.

Cervix

Connects uterus to vagina, contains cervical canal.

Cervical Canal

Passageway between uterus and vagina.

PAP Test

Screening for cervical abnormalities and cancer.

Endometrium

Inner mucosa of uterus, sheds during menstruation.

Vagina

Distensible muscular tube, 8-10 cm long.

Vaginal Rugae

Transverse ridges at lower vaginal end.

Hymen

Mucosal folds across vaginal opening.

Clitoris

Erectile organ, contains glans and body.

Labia Majora

Thick skin folds, protect vulva.

Labia Minora

Thin, hairless folds medial to labia majora.

Breast

Tissue mound over pectoralis major, lactates.

Mammary Glands

Develop during pregnancy, active in lactation.

Oogenesis

Development of female gametes from oogonia.

Folliculogenesis

Development of ovarian follicles during oogenesis.

Menstrual Cycle

Monthly changes in uterus and ovaries.

Follicular Phase

First half of menstrual cycle, follicles mature.

Ovulation

Release of secondary oocyte from ovary.

Luteal Phase

Post-ovulation phase, corpus luteum forms.

Menstruation

Discharge of menstrual fluid from vagina.

Estradiol

Primary estrogen, promotes female secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Prepares uterus for potential pregnancy.

Menarche

First menstrual period, average age 12.5.

Climacteric

Midlife hormonal changes leading to menopause.

Menopause

Cessation of menstruation, hormonal changes occur.

Vaginal Metaplasia

Change in vaginal epithelium type at puberty.

Functional Layer

Endometrial layer shed during menstruation.

Basal Layer

Endometrial layer that regenerates after menstruation.

Cervical Glands

Secrete mucus to protect uterus from infection.

Greater Vestibular Glands

Secrete lubrication for vulva.

Lesser Vestibular Glands

Provide additional lubrication in vestibule.

Paraurethral Glands

Homologous to prostate, secrete fluid near urethra.

Thelarche

Onset of breast development during puberty.

Pubarche

Appearance of pubic and axillary hair.

FSH

Stimulates ovarian follicle growth.

LH

Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Atresia

Degeneration of ovarian follicles.

Secondary Oocyte

Oocyte arrested at metaphase II until fertilization.

Corpus Luteum

Secretes hormones post-ovulation, prepares uterus.

Corpus Albicans

Scar tissue left after corpus luteum involution.

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

Retrograde menstruation

Backward flow of menstrual fluid into the pelvic cavity.

Uterine fibroids

Noncancerous growths from the myometrium.

Leiomyoma

Another term for uterine fibroids.

Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Medical emergency with sudden fever and rash.

S. aureus

Bacteria causing toxic shock syndrome.

Yeast infection

Fungal infection causing severe vaginal itching.

Candida albicans

Fungus responsible for yeast infections.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Hormonal imbalance causing increased androgen production.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation for 6 months or more.

Primary amenorrhea

Failure to initiate menstruation at puberty.

Breast cancer

Ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma.

Ovarian cancer

Cancer affecting one or both ovaries.

Cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix caused by HPV.

Gardasil vaccine

Vaccine to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV.

Precocious puberty

Early onset of puberty, exemplified by Lina Medina.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Bloating, fullness, pelvic discomfort, constipation.

Signs of breast cancer

Lump in breast, skin changes, underarm bumps.

Treatment for cervical cancer

Cryotherapy or hysterectomy with cervix removal.

Treatment for breast cancer

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.