Female Reproductive System: Mammary Glands, Uterus, and External Genitalia

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and function of female reproductive structures, including the mammary glands, uterine roles, and the components of the external genitalia (vulva).

Germinal Epithelium

The outer epithelial tissue layer covering the human ovary.

Mammary Glands

Paired structures containing variable amounts of fatty tissue and glandular tissue, characteristic of all female mammals, located on the pectoralis major muscle.

Pectoralis Major Muscle

The chest muscle over which the mammary glands are anatomically positioned.

Mammary Lobules

The $15\text{--}20$ glandular compartments present within each mammary gland that house clusters of milk-producing alveoli.

Mammary Alveoli

The small sac-like structures within the mammary lobules that produce and store milk.

Areola

The dark-pigmented circular area of skin surrounding the nipple of the mammary gland.

Lactiferous Duct

The duct in the mammary gland connected downstream from the mammary ampulla through which milk is conveyed to the nipple.

Uterus

A hollow reproductive organ situated between the urinary bladder and the rectum that accommodates embryo implantation, fetal development, menstrual cycle changes, and delivery contractions.

Implantation

The attachment of the fertilized egg to the inner wall of the uterus.

Fetal Development (Uterine Role)

The growth and development of the fetus inside the uterus over a gestation period of $9\text{ months}$.

Menstrual Cycle (Periods)

The periodic shedding of the uterine lining that occurs when pregnancy does not take place.

Parturition (Childbirth)

The process at the time of delivery wherein the uterus contracts to push the fetus downward toward and through the vagina.

Vulva

The collective term for the female external genitalia, comprising the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and hymen.

Mons Pubis

A cushion of fatty tissue covered by skin and pubic hair that develops at puberty and provides protection to the private genital region.

Labia Majora

Large, fleshy folds of tissue that extend below the mons pubis to cover and enclose the labia minora and the vaginal opening.

Labia Minora

Paired folds of tissue located underneath the labia majora that frame the vestibule.

Clitoris

A tiny, finger-like structure composed of erectile tissue located at the upper junction of the labia minora above the urethral opening, responsible for libido and sexual sensation.

Hymen

A thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal orifice; because it can tear from physical shock, sudden jolts, or activity other than coitus, its presence or absence is not a reliable indicator of virginity.

Urethral Meatus

The upper external opening of the urinary tract in the female external genitalia through which urine is voided.

Vaginal Orifice

The central external opening located between the urethral meatus and the anus that serves as the passage for menstrual discharge and childbirth delivery.