Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle in Developmental Zoology

Hormones

Chemicals coordinating reproductive changes in body.

Menstrual Cycle

Approximately 28-day cycle of uterine changes.

Menstruation

Flow of shed uterine tissue from vagina.

GnRH

Hormone stimulating FSH and LH secretion.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone promoting follicle maturation.

LH

Luteinizing hormone triggering ovulation.

Follicular Phase

Interval of follicle maturation before ovulation.

Estrogens

Hormones promoting endometrial thickening.

Corpus Luteum

Structure secreting progesterone post-ovulation.

Luteal Phase

Phase following ovulation with corpus luteum activity.

Progesterone

Hormone maintaining uterine lining for pregnancy.

Endometrium

Uterine lining thickening for potential implantation.

PMS

Premenstrual syndrome causing physical and emotional symptoms.

Aldosterone

Hormone increasing sodium reabsorption before menstruation.

Prostaglandins

Compounds stimulating uterine contractions during menstruation.

Endometriosis

Condition of misplaced endometrial tissue causing pain.

Menopause

Permanent cessation of menstrual cycles.

Secondary Sexual Traits

Physical characteristics developed during puberty.

Ejaculation

Release of semen containing sperm during orgasm.

Oviduct

Site of fertilization between sperm and egg.

Fertilization

Union of sperm and secondary oocyte.

Jelly Coat

Layer surrounding secondary oocyte aiding fertilization.

Meiosis II

Second meiotic division producing mature ovum.

Zygote

Fertilized egg forming from sperm and egg nuclei.

Contraception

Methods preventing pregnancy during sexual intercourse.

STDs

Infections transmitted through sexual contact.

Chlamydia

Common bacterial STD often asymptomatic in women.

Gonorrhea

Bacterial STD infecting oviducts, causing complications.

Syphilis

Bacterial infection damaging organs if untreated.

HPV

Virus causing genital warts and cervical cancer.

Pap Smear

Test screening for cervical cancer in women.

Gardasil

Vaccine preventing certain HPV infections.

HIV

Virus leading to AIDS, affecting immune system.

Sexual Intercourse

Act bringing sperm and egg together for fertilization.

Sympathetic Stimulation

Nervous system response during sexual arousal.

Oxytocin

Hormone promoting bonding and reducing anxiety.

Endorphins

Chemicals released during orgasm enhancing pleasure.

Sperm Lifespan

Sperm can live for about three days.

Follicle Cells

Cells surrounding oocyte, aiding in fertilization.

Cervical Mucus

Fluid secreted during sexual arousal aiding sperm.

Erectile Function

Ability to achieve erection, affected by various factors.

Tubal Ligation

Permanent surgical method preventing pregnancy.

Vasectomy

Surgical procedure preventing sperm release during ejaculation.

Benign Tumors

Non-cancerous growths in the uterus causing pain.

Menstrual Pain

Discomfort caused by uterine contractions during menstruation.

Hormonal Changes

Alterations in hormone levels affecting menstrual cycle.

Sodium Reabsorption

Process increased by aldosterone before menstruation.

Cramps

Painful contractions of the uterus during menstruation.

Sexual Excitement

Physiological response leading to lubrication and readiness.

Fertilization Process

Steps leading to the union of sperm and egg.

Sperm Binding

Process where sperm attaches to egg proteins.

Nuclear Fusion

Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei forming zygote.