Chapter 28 - Female Reproductive System

A comprehensive review of key terms and definitions related to the female reproductive system, its functions, anatomy, and associated processes.

Uterus

Thick-walled, pear-shaped muscular chamber that opens into the vagina and tilts forward over the urinary bladder.

Ovaries

Almond-shaped organs that produce eggs and hormones, connected to the uterus by the ovarian ligament.

Menstrual cycle

The series of changes a woman's body goes through each month in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Oogenesis

The process of egg (oocyte) development in females.

Puberty

The period when a young person develops sexually and physically.

Clitoris

Erectile tissue located at the top of the vulva, involved in female sexual response.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Mammary glands

Glands in the breasts responsible for milk production.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Treatment to relieve symptoms of menopause by supplying estrogen and progesterone.

Genital tubercle

A structure in embryonic development that can develop into clitoris in females.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation in a female.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

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

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Primordial follicles

The initial stage of ovarian follicles containing immature oocytes.

Secondary follicle

A stage of follicular development characterized by an increase in the size and number of granulosa cells.

Corpus luteum

The structure that forms from the ruptured follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Vagina

The muscular tube that connects the external genitals to the uterus.

Pregnancy

The condition of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female reproductive system.

Gestation

The period during which an embryo or fetus develops in the uterus, averaging 266 days.

Breastfeeding

The process of feeding a baby with milk from the mother's breast.

Colostrum

The first form of milk produced by mammals immediately following delivery.

Estrogen

A hormone that plays a key role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system.

Prolactin

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that promotes milk production.

Lactation

The production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands.

Oxytocin

A hormone released during childbirth and breastfeeding that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Crowning

The stage in labor when the baby's head appears at the vaginal opening.

Puerperium

The period after childbirth during which the body gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

Menopause

The cessation of menstruation, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Secondary sex organs

Structures that are part of the reproductive system, including the uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Ovarian cycle

The cycle of changes in the ovaries that includes the follicular and luteal phases.

Menstrual phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle during which menstrual flow occurs.

Proliferative phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle during which the endometrium rebuilds itself after menstruation.

Secretory phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle during which the endometrium thickens due to hormone secretion.

Estradiol

A form of estrogen that plays a crucial role in the reproductive cycle and development.

Involution

The process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size and state.

Fertilization

The union of sperm and egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote.

Acini

Small, glandular structures in the breast that produce milk.

Mature follicle

The stage of the ovarian follicle right before ovulation.

Apocrine glands

Sweat glands associated with hair follicles that are active during puberty.

Myometrium

The middle muscular layer of the uterine wall that contracts during labor.

Perimetrium

The outer serosa layer of the uterus.

Urinary bladder

The organ that stores urine prior to its elimination from the body.

Suspensory ligament

The ligament that supports the ovaries, containing blood vessels and nerves.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped end of the uterine (fallopian) tube.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the uterine tubes that help guide the ovulated egg.

Labia majora

The outer folds of skin surrounding the vulva.

Labia minora

The inner, thinner folds of skin surrounding the opening of the vagina.

Vulva

The external part of the female genitalia.

Perineum

The area between the vaginal opening and the anus.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

A hormone secreted by the placenta shortly after conception.

Crowning

The moment during delivery when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening.

Gestational age

The age of the embryo or fetus calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period.

Spiral arteries

Blood vessels in the endometrium that undergo significant changes during the menstrual cycle.

Fibrocystic changes

Non-cancerous changes in the breast tissue that can cause lumpiness and discomfort.

Dilatation

The widening of the cervix during labor.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to assist delivery.

Menstrual fluid

The discharge that occurs during the menstrual phase of the cycle.

Gestational diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Montgomery glands

Glands in the areola that secrete lubricating fluid to protect the nipple.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland, more common in males.

Gonadal steroids

Hormones produced by the ovaries and testes, including estrogen and testosterone.

Breech presentation

When a baby is positioned feet or buttocks first in the womb for delivery.

Cesarean section (C-section)

A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen.

Nursing pads

Absorbent pads worn in the bra to soak up any leaking breast milk.

Gestational hypertension

High blood pressure that develops during pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid

The fluid surrounding a fetus within the amniotic sac.

Fetus

A developing human from 9 weeks gestation until birth.

Egg reserve

The number of oocytes remaining in a woman's ovaries.

Luteal phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle following ovulation.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Preconception care

Health care provided to women before conception to improve outcome.

Trophoblast

The outer layer of the blastocyst that provides nutrients to the embryo.

Breast tissue density

A measure of how much fat versus glandular tissue is present in the breasts.

Adipose tissue

Fat tissue that stores energy and provides insulation.

Climacteric

The transition period leading up to menopause.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation.

Chloasma

Darkening of the skin during pregnancy, also known as the 'mask of pregnancy'.

Rhythm method

A natural method of birth control based on tracking ovulation.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to complications.

Follicular phase

Part of the menstrual cycle when the follicles in the ovaries mature.

Hormonal imbalance

A disruption in the levels of hormones in the body.

Contraceptive methods

Various techniques used to prevent pregnancy.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the union of sperm and egg.

Lactiferous ducts

Ducts that carry milk from the lobules of the breast to the nipple.

Liberalization of childbirth

The trend towards more supportive practices in labor and delivery.

Feeling nausea

Common in the first trimester due to hormonal adjustments.

Gestational trophoblastic disease

A group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of cells inside a woman's uterus.

Cervical mucus

Secretions from the cervix that change in response to hormonal levels.

Pelvic floor

Muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs.

Luteotropic hormone

A hormone that supports the corpus luteum.

Scar tissue

Old tissue that can interfere with normal function after injury or surgery.

Uterine artery

Blood vessel that supplies blood to the uterus.

Urinary frequency

Increased need to urinate, often experienced during pregnancy.

Serous membranes

The thin layer of tissue that covers body cavities and organs.

Reproductive aging

The process through which women's reproductive capability declines with age.

Cycle length

The duration of the menstrual cycle from the first day of menstruation to the next.

Yolk sac

An early embryonic structure that provides nutrients to the developing embryo.

Acute pelvic pain

Sudden onset abdominal pain often associated with reproductive organs.