Chapters 12 & 13 Flashcards
(255 cards)
female reproductive system (function)
it is designed to produce and transport ova, discharge ova from the body if fertilization does not occur, and nourish and provide a place for the developing fetus throughout pregnancy if fertilization occurs
external genitalia
sex, or reproductive, organs visible on the outside of the body; also called genitals
gestation
length of time from conception to birth
lactation
production and release of milk by mammary glands
orifice
mouth; entrance, or outlet of any anatomical structure
internal organs of the female reproductive system
ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina
external genitalia of the female reproductive system
collectively known as the vulva; includes the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, Bartholin glands, and mons pubis
mons pubis
an elevation of adipose tissue covered by skin and coarse pubic hair that cushions the pubis
perineum
the area between the vaginal orifice and the anus
ovaries
pair of almond-shaped glands that contain thousand of saclike structure called graafian follicles (each which contain an ovum)
ovulation
when an ovum ripens, the mature follicle moves to the surface of the ovary, ruptures, and releases the ovum
corpus luteum (post-ovulation)
a small yellow mass that secretes estrogen and progesterone
estrogen and progesterone (purpose)
- influence the menstrual cycle and menopause
- prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg
- help maintain energy
- promote growth of the placenta
- play an important role in the development of secondary sex characteristics
fallopian tubes (oviducts, uterine tubes)
tubes on either side of the uterus through which the ovum travels to the uterus and where fertilization occurs
uterus
organ that contains and nourishes the embryo from the time the fertilized egg is implanted until the fetus is born; consists of three parts:
1) fundus - upper, rounded part
2) body - the central part
3) cervix - inferior constricted portion that opens into the vagina
vagina
a muscular tube that extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body; its lining consists of folds of mucous membrane that give the organ an elastic quality
Bartholin glands
releases secretions to lubricate the vaginal orifice during sexual excitement
clitoris
an organ composed of erectile tissue that is richly innervated with sensory endings
mammary glands (function)
their biological role is to secrete milk for the nourishment of a newborn; breasts enlarge due to the development of adipose tissue during puberty
mammary glands (structure)
each breast is composed of lobules of milk-producing glands that are drained by a lactiferous duct, which opens on the tip of the nipple
menarche
the initial menstrual period
menstrual phase (menstrual cycle)
uterine endometrium sloughs off because of hormonal stimulation, a process accompanied by bleeding; the detached tissue and blood are discharged through the vagina as menstrual flow
ovulatory phase (menstrual cycle)
when menstruation ceases, the endometrium begins to thicken as new tissue is rebuilt; as the estrogen level rises, several ova begin to mature in the graafian follicles, usually with only one ovum reaching full maturity; at about day 14, the graafian follicle ruptures, releasing the egg; the egg then leaves the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus
postovulatory phase (menstrual cycle)
the empty graafian follicle fills with a yellow material and is now called the corpus luteum; secretions of estrogen and progesterone by the corpus luteum stimulate the building of the endometrium in preparation for implantation of an embryo; if fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum begins to degenerate as estrogen and progesterone levels decrease