Midterm2ANSC

Female reproductive system

More complex than the male reproductive system; functions include hormone production, gamete development, fertilization, embryo growth, and childbirth.

Broad Ligaments

Suspensory tissue that supports the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, and anterior vagina.

Ovaries

Primary reproductive organs in females, responsible for hormone production and developing female gametes (ova).

Endocrine functions of ovaries

Hormone production, particularly estrogens and progestins, which regulate reproductive cycles.

Estrogens

Hormones produced by developing ovarian follicles; responsible for physical and behavioral changes in preparation for breeding.

Progestins

Hormones produced by the corpus luteum; prepare the uterus for implantation and maintain pregnancy.

Ovulation

Release of an ovum from a mature follicle after follicular rupture.

Corpus luteum

Glandular structure formed after ovulation, primarily producing progesterone.

Uterine tubes (Oviducts)

Structures that guide oocytes from the ovary to the uterus and serve as a site for fertilization.

Infundibulum

Wide distal portion of the uterine tube that captures the ovum during ovulation.

Myometrium

Muscular layer of the uterus involved in contractions during childbirth.

Endometrium

Innermost layer of the uterus, where the embryo implants.

Placenta

Develops in the uterus during pregnancy, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange between mother and fetus.

Amnion

Internal layer surrounding the fetus, forming the amniotic cavity filled with amniotic fluid.

Allantois

Layer surrounding the amniotic sac, enabling vascular communication between the developing fetus and its mother.

Chorion

Outer membrane of the placenta that attaches to the uterine lining.

Chorion-endometrial junction

Site where maternal and fetal blood vessels intertwine for exchange of nutrients and waste.

Diffuse attachment

Placental attachment type with uniform distribution of chorionic villi across the placenta and uterus.

Zonary attachment

Placental type forming a band of tissue surrounding the fetus, seen in dogs and cats.

Cotyledonary attachment

Type of placental attachment where multiple areas called cotyledons interact with caruncles in the uterus.

Discoidal attachment

A single, disk-shaped placenta formation seen in primates and humans.

Follicular development

Stages of oocyte maturation in the ovaries, starting from primordial follicles to tertiary follicles.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm formation occurring in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Tunica albuginea

Fibrous capsule covering the testes and ovaries.

Leydig cells

Interstitial cells in the testes that secrete testosterone.

Sertoli cells

Supportive cells in the seminiferous tubules that nourish developing sperm.

Efferent ductules

Tubules that transport sperm from the testes to the epididymis.

Seminal fluid

Alkaline fluid produced by accessory glands that provide nourishment and a medium for sperm transport.

Prostate gland

An unpaired gland that produces alkaline secretions, surrounding the pelvic urethra.

Bulbourethral glands

Paired glands producing pre-ejaculate fluid to neutralize acidity in the urethra.

Penile erectile tissue

Tissue responsible for penile erection, composed of corpus cavernosum.

Sigmoid flexure

An S-shaped bend in the penis of some animals, allowing for retraction into a non-erect state.

Vagina

Muscular tube that receives the penis during mating and acts as the birth canal during parturition.

Cervix

Smooth muscle sphincter between the uterus and vagina; normally closed except during estrus and parturition.

Vulva

The visible portion of the female genitalia which includes the vestibule, clitoris, and labia.

Primordial follicles

Dormant follicles in the ovaries at birth, each containing a primary oocyte.

Primary follicle

Follicles that mature from primordial follicles under hormonal stimulation.

Secondary follicle

Follicles containing a larger oocyte and multiple layers of granulosa cells.

Tertiary follicle

Mature follicle ready for ovulation, characterized by antrum formation.

Antrum

Fluid-filled cavity within the tertiary follicle that surrounds the oocyte.

Cumulus oophorus

Mound of granulosa cells that supports the oocyte in a mature follicle.

Zona pellucida

Glycoprotein shell surrounding the oocyte, formed during follicular development.

Cervical fornix

Blind-ended pocket that surrounds the cervical opening in the vagina.

Clitoris

Sensory organ located on the floor of the vestibule, part of the vulva.

Oviduct (Uterine tube)

Coiled tubes connecting ovaries to the uterus where fertilization occurs.

Ampulla (of oviduct)

Wider section of the uterine tube where fertilization typically takes place.

Isthmus (of oviduct)

Narrow segment of the uterine tube connecting to the uterus.

Fertilization site

Location within the uterine tube where sperm and ovum unite.

Uterine body

Central portion of the uterus where implantation occurs.

Uterine horns

Proximal parts of the uterus that connect to the oviducts.

Pregnancy

Period of gestation during which the embryo or fetus develops in the uterus.

Ultrasound (in pregnancy detection)

Diagnostic imaging method used to visualize the embryo or fetus during pregnancy.

Alkaline semen

Semen whose pH is adjusted to counteract the acidity of the female reproductive tract.

Fructose (in semen)

Sugar that serves as the energy source for spermatozoa.

Prostaglandins (in semen)

Bioactive compounds that may stimulate the female reproductive tract.

Endocrine System

A system that works with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis by producing hormones.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target tissues.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream without using ducts.

Nervous System

A system that responds quickly to stimuli through nerve impulses and neurotransmitters.

Peptide Hormones

Hormones consisting of chains of amino acids, hydrophilic and travel easily in blood.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones synthesized from cholesterol, hydrophobic and require transport proteins to travel in plasma.

Monoamine Hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids that can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

Feedback System

A regulatory mechanism where the output of a system influences its input.

Negative Feedback

A process where rising hormone levels decrease the hormone's production.

Positive Feedback

A process where falling hormone levels increase the hormone's production.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that controls hormone release from the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland

Also known as the hypophysis, directs the activity of other endocrine glands.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Prolactin

Hormone that triggers and maintains milk secretion by mammary glands.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Stimulates growth and development of ovarian follicles and spermatogenesis.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Completes the process of follicle development and stimulates ovulation.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Mineralocorticoid Hormones

Hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that regulate mineral salts in the body.

Glucocorticoid Hormones

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex with a hyperglycemic effect.

Adrenal Medulla

Inner part of the adrenal glands that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Calcitonin

Hormone produced by the C cells of the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that increases blood calcium levels.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels.

Oxytocin

Hormone that induces contractions during childbirth and facilitates milk ejection.

Thyroid Gland

Gland that produces hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism.

T3 and T4

Active forms of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rate.

Anterior Pituitary

Part of the pituitary gland that produces hormones such as GH, TSH, and FSH.

Posterior Pituitary

Stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as ADH and oxytocin.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that helps the body retain water by affecting kidney function.

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that initiates the fight-or-flight response.

Norepinephrine

A hormone similar to epinephrine associated with the body's stress response.

Hyperglycemia

An increased level of glucose in the blood.

Hypoglycemia

A decreased level of glucose in the blood.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone that increases blood glucose levels and affects metabolism.

Thyroid Hormones

T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Parturient Paresis

Also known as milk fever; a condition in dairy cows due to low calcium levels.

Thyroid Follicular Epithelium

Epithelial cells in the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormones.

C Cells (Medullary Cells)

Cells in the thyroid gland that produce calcitonin.

Portal Blood Vessels

Carry hormones from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary.

Neurosecretory Cells

Cells in the hypothalamus that produce hormones stored in the posterior pituitary.

Stress Response

Physiological changes induced by stress that affect hormone levels and metabolic processes.

Sertoli Cells

Cells in the testes that support spermatogenesis.