Oogenesis and the Menstrual Cycle Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to oogenesis and the menstrual cycle, based on lecture notes.

Oogenesis

The production of ova (female gametes) through meiosis.

Ovaries

The site for oogenesis and production of ova.

Diploid Cells

Cells in the ovary with 46 chromosomes that undergo mitosis to form follicles.

Follicles

Cells formed from diploid cells via mitosis in the ovaries.

Puberty in Females

Starts around age nine and involves the enlargement of a follicle into a Graafian follicle.

Graafian Follicle

An enlarged follicle developed under the influence of FSH during puberty.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of a small follicle into a Graafian follicle.

Meiosis in Oogenesis

The process by which the cell inside the Graafian follicle divides to form four haploid cells.

Haploid Cells

Cells with half the number of chromosomes (23 in humans) produced during meiosis.

Mature Ovum

One of the four haploid cells that survives after meiosis and is used for fertilization.

Ovulation

The process when the ovum moves out of the Graafian follicle.

Menstrual Cycle

The changes that occur in the uterus and ovary of a female during a thirty-day period.

Uterine Cycle

The changes that occur in the uterus during the menstrual cycle.

Ovarian Cycle

The changes that occur in the ovary during the menstrual cycle.

Pituitary Hormones

Hormones (FSH and LH) secreted by the pituitary gland.

Ovarian Hormones

Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) coming from the ovaries.

Menstruation

The breakdown and release of the endometrium layer during days one to eight of the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen

A hormone secreted by the Graafian follicle that thickens the endometrium.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Corpus Luteum

The structure that remains after ovulation; secretes progesterone.