Female Reproductive System Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system based on the lecture transcript.

Ovaries

Primary sex organs that produce ova (female gamete) and steroid ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone), each measuring about $2-4\,\text{cm}$ in length.

Ovarian stroma

The internal tissue of the ovary covered by a thin epithelium and divided into an outer cortex and inner medulla.

Graafian follicles

Groups of cells in the ovary, also known as ovarian follicles, where each follicle carries a centrally placed ovum.

Oviducts

Also known as Fallopian tubes, these are accessory ducts measuring $10-12\,\text{cm}$ long consisting of the Infundibulum, Ampulla, and Isthmus.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped opening of the oviduct with finger-like fimbriae that helps to collect the ovum.

Ampulla

The wider part of the oviduct located between the infundibulum and the isthmus.

Isthmus

The narrow part of the oviduct that joins the uterus.

Uterus

An inverted pear-shaped organ supported by ligaments that consists of an upper fundus, middle body, and terminal cervix.

Perimetrium

The external thin membrane layer of the uterine wall.

Myometrium

The middle thick layer of smooth muscle in the uterine wall.

Endometrium

The inner glandular and vascular layer of the uterine wall.

Bartholin’s glands

Glands in the vagina that produce secretions to lubricate the penis during the sexual act.

Mons pubis

A cushion of fatty tissue covered by pubic hair, forming part of the external genitalia.

Labia majora

Large, fleshy, fatty, and hairy outer folds that surround the vaginal opening.

Labia minora

Small, thin, and hairless inner folds of the vestibule.

Hymen

A membrane which partially covers the vaginal opening; it is not a reliable indicator of virginity as it can be broken by sports, tampons, or jolts.

Clitoris

A highly sensitive organ located just in front of the urethral opening.

Mammary alveoli

Clusters of cells within the $15-20$ mammary lobes of each breast that secrete milk.

Sequence of milk conduction

The pathway of milk flow: Mammary alveoli $\rightarrow$ mammary tubules $\rightarrow$ mammary duct $\rightarrow$ mammary ampulla $\rightarrow$ lactiferous duct.