Female Reproductive

• Ovaries:

  • Female reproductive organs that produce eggs (ova) and hormones.

• Estrogen, Progesterone:

  • Estrogen: A group of hormones responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system.

  • Progesterone: A hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

• Primordial Follicles:

  • Small, undeveloped ovarian follicles that contain immature eggs.

• Ovulation:

  • The release of a mature egg from an ovarian follicle, typically occurring midway through the menstrual cycle.

• Corpus Luteum:

  • A temporary endocrine structure formed from the remnants of an ovarian follicle after ovulation, producing hormones to support early pregnancy.

• Fallopian Tubes:

  • Tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and where fertilization often occurs.

• Twins - Monozygotic/Dizygotic (Fraternal vs Identical):

  • Monozygotic (Identical): Twins resulting from the division of a single fertilized egg into two embryos.

  • Dizygotic (Fraternal): Twins resulting from the fertilization of two separate eggs by two sperm.

• Ectopic Pregnancy:

  • A pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

• Uterus:

  • A muscular organ where the fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy.

• Fundus:

  • The upper part of the uterus.

• Endometrium:

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

• Cervix:

  • The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

• Hormones: FSH, LH, GnRH, Progesterone, Estrogen, Inhibin:

  • FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Triggers ovulation and supports the development of the corpus luteum.

  • GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone): Released by the hypothalamus, stimulates the release of FSH and LH.

  • Progesterone and Estrogen: Regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.

  • Inhibin: Inhibits the secretion of FSH.

• Menses:

  • The menstrual flow, the shedding of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

• Menarche:

  • The onset of the first menstrual period, marking the beginning of puberty.

• Menopause:

  • The natural cessation of menstruation and fertility, typically occurring in midlife.

• Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis:

  • Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.

  • Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.

  • Endometriosis: A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and fertility issues.

• Vagina & Vaginal Flora:

  • Vagina: The muscular tube connecting the external genitals to the cervix.

  • Vaginal Flora: The microorganisms present in the vagina, including bacteria.

• Vulva:

  • The external female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

• Labia Majora & Minora:

  • Labia Majora: The outer, larger folds of the vulva.

  • Labia Minora: The inner, smaller folds of the vulva.

• Urethral Meatus:

  • The opening of the urethra, where urine is expelled.

• Clitoris:

  • A small, sensitive organ at the front of the vulva, involved in sexual arousal.

• Perineum:

  • The area between the vulva and anus.

• Mammary Glands:

  • Glands in the breasts that produce milk.

• Areola:

  • The darkened area surrounding the nipple.

• Lactation:

  • The production and secretion of milk from the mammary glands.

• Colostrum:

  • The first milk produced by the mammary glands, rich in antibodies and nutrients.

• Fore & Hind Milk:

  • Fore Milk: The initial, less fatty milk produced during a breastfeeding session.

  • Hind Milk: The later, more fatty milk produced during a breastfeeding session.

• Tubal Ligation:

  • A surgical procedure for female sterilization involving the blocking, cutting, or sealing of the fallopian tubes