Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the female duct system, the three layers of the uterine wall, phases of the menstrual cycle, and external genitalia based on Chapter 28 lecture notes.

Oviducts (Fallopian tubes)

A pair of tubes approximately $10\,cm$ long that serve as a route for an oocyte from the ovary to the uterus and represent the usual site for fertilization.

Infundibulum

The portion of the oviduct closest to the ovary that contains finger-like projections called fimbriae used to coax an ovulated oocyte into the tube.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the infundibulum that perform a sweeping motion to guide the oocyte into the oviduct.

Ampulla

The curved or "crook around" portion of the oviduct located between the infundibulum and the isthmus.

Isthmus (Oviduct)

The narrow part of the oviduct that is directly attached to the uterus.

Mesosalpinx

The specific portion of the broad ligament (mesentery) that anchors and supports each oviduct.

Ectopic pregnancy

A non-viable condition, also called a tubal pregnancy, where a fertilized ovum implants in the walls of the oviduct rather than the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus composed of simple columnar epithelium on top of a lamina propria, consisting of a basal layer and a functional layer.

Stratum basalis (Basal layer)

The deeper, permanent layer of the endometrium that undergoes mitosis to produce the superficial functional layer.

Stratum functionalis (Functional layer)

The superficial layer of the endometrium that proliferates in response to estrogen and progesterone and is shed during menstruation if fertilization does not occur.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone secreted by an embryo that signals the corpus luteum to remain intact and continue producing progesterone to maintain the pregnancy.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterine wall composed of thick, interlacing smooth muscle that contracts during labor in response to oxytocin.

Perimetrium

The outermost layer of the uterus wall, which consists of visceral peritoneum.

Fundus

The upper, dome-shaped portion of the uterus located above the body.

Cervix

The "neck" of the uterus that connects to the vagina and contains the cervical canal with internal and external os openings.

Menstrual phase

The first phase of the uterine cycle (days $1$ through $5$) characterized by the sloughing off of the functional layer of the endometrium.

Proliferative phase

The second phase of the uterine cycle (days $6$ through $14$) characterized by the maturation of the follicle and the regrowth of the endometrial functional layer.

Secretory phase

The third phase of the uterine cycle (days $15$ through $28$) where progesterone from the corpus luteum promotes increased vascularization and glandular development of the endometrium.

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

The specific type of tissue lining the vagina that provides strength and lubrication while preventing tears and abrasions during copulation and childbirth.

Hymen

An incomplete partition of tissue that partially closes the vaginal orifice and is intended to protect the system prior to puberty.

Vaginal fornix

The recessed areas or little recesses found on either side of the cervix within the vaginal canal.

Perineum

The diamond-shaped region between the pubic symphysis, coccyx, and ischial tuberosities that contains the external genitalia.

Mons pubis

A cushion of adipose tissue located superficial to the pubic symphysis for protection.

Labia majora

The larger, outer folds of the female external genitalia.

Labia minora

The smaller, inner folds of the female external genitalia that enclose the vestibule.

Vestibule

The area within the boundaries of the labia minora containing the urethral opening and the vaginal orifice.

Greater vestibular glands

Glands flanking the vaginal orifice that are homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males and secrete lubricating mucus.

Clitoris

An organ homologous to the male penis that is richly innervated and contains erectile columns called corpora cavernosa.

Prepuce

A hood of skin formed by the junction of the labia minora that covers the clitoris, homologous to the male foreskin.