B8L8: Reproductive System III: Female System and Oogenesis

This flashcard set covers the anatomy of the female reproductive system, the process of oogenesis, and the hormonal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Ovaries

The primary sex organ or gonad of the female reproductive system and the site for producing ova/eggs.

Ova / Eggs

The gametes of the female reproductive system.

Vulva

The external genitalia of the female reproductive system.

Broad ligament

A peritoneal fold composed of a double layer of peritoneum that attaches the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries to the pelvis.

Tunica albuginea

The capsule that surrounds the ovary.

Follicles

The site of egg development within the ovary.

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped portion of the uterine tube nearest the ovary.

Fimbria

Fingerlike projections on the end of the fallopian tube that guide ova into the tubes.

Ampulla

The central portion of the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs.

Isthmus

The narrowest part of the fallopian tube that connects to the uterus.

Endometrium

The innermost layer of the uterine wall.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterine wall composed of smooth muscle.

Perimetrium

The outermost layer of the uterine wall.

Vagina

The birth canal and female copulatory organ that accommodates the penis during sexual intercourse.

Labia majora

Outer hairy skin folds that surround the opening of the vagina.

Labia minora

Inner hairless folds of the external genitalia.

Urethral orifice

The external opening of the urethra used for urine excretion.

Clitoris

A small sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals located at the anterior end of the vulva, formed by extensions of the right and left crus.

Greater vestibular glands

Glands that provide lubricating mucous to the vagina.

Mammary glands

Glands responsible for producing milk.

Prolactin

The hormone responsible for milk production.

Oxytocin

The hormone responsible for the ejection of milk.

Oogonia

Stem cells that create oocytes through mitosis.

Oogenesis

The process of egg production that occurs before birth and stops immediately after birth.

Polar body

A small cell that results from the unequal distribution of cytoplasm during meiosis.

Ovum

The mature egg produced after a secondary oocyte completes meiosis II.

Atresia

The degeneration of ovarian follicles.

Zona pellucida

The thick transparent membrane surrounding a mammalian ovum before implantation.

Granulosa cells

Supporting cells located outside the zona pellucida that are stimulated by FSH to assist in follicle growth and estrogen production.

Theca cells

The outer layer of a follicle that is stimulated by LH to produce androgens.

Follicular phase

The first phase of the menstrual cycle (days 1-14) characterized by the development and maturation of a new group of follicles and rising estrogen levels.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

The hormone that tells a follicle to grow into a mature dominant follicle.

Ovulation

The second phase of the menstrual cycle, occurring around day 14 or 15, where the oocyte and a ring of granulosa cells leave the ovary.

LH surge

A large amount of LH from the pituitary that causes the mature follicle to rupture and triggers ovulation.

Luteal phase

The third phase of the menstrual cycle (days 15-28) where remnants of the follicle form the corpus luteum.

Corpus luteum

Meaning "yellow body," this structure develops from a ruptured follicle and secretes progesterone and estrogen.