CHAPTER 8 Female Reproductive System

Sexual Reproduction

The union of the ovum and sperm to create a new organism, involving the fusion of gametes with half the chromosomes each.

Gonads

Special organs in males (testes) and females (ovaries) that produce egg and sperm cells.

Fertilization

The process where nuclei of two gametes unite to form a zygote with genetic material from both parents.

Zygote

The fertilized ovum resulting from the union of sperm and egg.

Menarche

The first menstrual cycle marking the onset of menstruation in females.

Gestation

The period of development within the uterus during pregnancy.

Placenta

A new organ that develops to nourish the embryo, connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord.

Menstrual Cycle

A recurring cycle lasting about 28 days involving menstruation, ovulation, and hormonal changes in females.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle that secretes hormones to support early pregnancy.

Lactation

The process of producing and secreting milk from the mammary glands after childbirth.

LH Surge

The spike in luteinizing hormone levels triggering ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Ovulation

The release of the ovum from the ovary, usually occurring 24 hours after the onset of the LH surge.

Menopause

The gradual ending of menstrual cycles due to decreased estrogen levels, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.

Birth Control Pills

Contain estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation by signaling the pituitary gland to stop producing FSH and LH.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing estrogen and progesterone, but may have risks like increased breast cancer or stroke.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

A small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting embryo implantation.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate ovum maturation in the ovary.

Estrogen

Hormone produced by the ovary and placenta, building up the endometrial lining and sustaining pregnancy.

Progesterone

Hormone from the ovary and placenta that sustains the uterine lining and placenta during pregnancy.

hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone produced by the placenta to sustain pregnancy by stimulating the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone.