Ch 27 Female Terms

alveoli

milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland

ampulla

middle portion of the uterine tube in which fertilization often occurs

areola

highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling

Bartholin’s glands

glands that produce a thick mucus that maintains moisture in the vulva area; also referred to as the greater vestibular glands

body of uterus

middle section of the uterus

cervix

elongate inferior end of the uterus where it connects to the vagina

clitoris

nerve-rich area of the vulva that contributes to sexual sensation during intercourse

corpus luteum

transformed follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone

endometrium

inner lining of the uterus, part of which builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds with menses

fimbriae

fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tubes

follicle

ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa (and later theca) cells

fundus

domed portion of the uterus that is superior to the uterine tubes

gonads

reproductive organs (testes and ovaries) that produce gametes and reproductive hormones

hymen

membrane that covers part of the opening of the vagina

labia majora

hair-covered folds of skin located behind the mons pubis

lactiferous ducts

ducts that connect the mammary glands to the nipple and allow for the transport of milk

mammary glands

glands inside the breast that secrete milk

menarche

first menstruation in a pubertal female

menses

shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out though the vagina; also referred to as menstruation

menstrual cycle

approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the uterus consisting of a menses phase, a proliferative phase, and a secretory phase

mons pubis

mound of fatty tissue located at the front of the vulva

myometrium

smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood

oocyte

cell that results from the division of the oogonium and undergoes meiosis I at the LH surge and meiosis II at fertilization to become a haploid ovum

ovarian cycle

approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the ovary consisting of a follicular phase and a luteal phase

theca cells

estrogen-producing cells in a maturing ovarian follicle