FEMALE REPRO LIST OF TERMS

INTERNAL GENITALIA – ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina

EXTERNAL GENITALIA - Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule and opening of the
vagina, hymen, and external urethral orifice

FEMALE REPRO ORGANS - These organs undergo regular cyclic changes from puberty to menopause.
Produces the female gametes (ova) by the process of oogenesis. Provides the environment for
fertilization. Holds the embryo during its complete development through the fetal stage until birth

MENARCHE – first menstruation occurs

MENOPAUSE – variably timed period where cyclic changes become irregular and eventually disappear.

OVARIES – simple cuboidal epith (surface/germinal epith). Continuous with the mesothelium and tunica
albuginea. Attached to the posterior surface of the broad ligament by a peritoneal fold, the mesovarium

ANATOMICAL REGIONS – cortex, medulla

CORTEX – contains ovarian follicles embedded in highly cellular CT

MEDULLA – has loose CT, vasculature, nerve and lymphatics

EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF OVARY

PRIMORDIAL GERM CELLS – migrates from yolk sac to gonadal primordia

OOGONIA – produced from synchronized mitotic divisions w/ incomplete cytokines

OOCYTES – female gametes

PRIMARY OOCYTES – cells in meiotic arrest. Has completed synapsis and genetic recombination

FOLLICULAR CELLS – flattened support cells w/c surround primary oocytes

ATRESIA – degenerative process

OVARIAN FOLLICLES - Consists of an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of epithelial cells within a
basal lamina

PRIMORDIAL FOLLICLES – formed at 3rd month of fetal life. Primary oocyte enveloped w/ 1 layer of
flattened follicular cells. Undergo growth when FSH is released

FOLLICULAR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

OOCYTE DIFFRENTIATION – growth of cell and nuclear enlargement, mitochondria more numerous,
extensive rER and golgi complex enlarging, formation of cortical granules

CORTICAL GRANULES – specialized secretory granules contain various proteases lying outside oocyte’s
plasma membrane and undergo exocytosis in fertilization

TYPES – unilaminar, multilaminar

UNILAMINAR - Follicular cells undergo mitosis and form a simple cuboidal epithelium around the
growing oocyte

MULTILAMINAR - Follicular cells forms granulosa (stratified epithelium). Follicular cells become
granulosa cells

PRIMARY FOLLICLES - As the primary follicles grow, they move deeper in the ovarian cortex

ZONA PELLUCIDA – eosinophilic refractive layer rich in GAGs and glycoproteins secreted by oocyte

FOLLICULAR THECA – differentiated stromal cells outside primary follicles

DIVISIONS – theca interna, theca externa

THECA INTERNA - Vascular zone whose cuboidal cells secrete the precursors to estrogen

THECA EXTERNA – w/ fibroblasts & smooth muscle

SECONDARY FOLLICLES – antrum, follicular fluid, cumulus oophorus, corona radiata

ANTRUM – fluid-filled spaces formed from zona granulosa

FOLLICULAR FLUID/LIQUOR FOLLICULI – accumulates in antrum

CUMULUS OOPHORUS – thick area of granulosa where oocyte is attached

CORONA RADIATA - cells of the cumulus oophorus that immediately surround the oocyte and remain
with it at ovulation

MATURE/GRAAFIAN FOLLICLES - Single large antrum develops with more follicular fluid accumulation.
Oocyte is seen projected into the antrum. Granulosa becomes thinner because the mitotic activity of the
granulosa cells decreases and thecal layers become more prominent

FOLLICULAR ATRESIA - Process where follicles that do not complete maturation degenerate or
disappear. Occurs at any stage of follicular development and involves apoptosis and detachment of the
granulosa cells, autolysis of the oocyte, and collapse of the zona pellucida

DOMINANT FOLLICLE – most developed follicle that undergoes ovulation. Other follicles undergo atresia

OVULATION & ITS HORMONAL REGULATION - Hormone-stimulated process by which the oocyte is
released from the ovary. Hours before ovulation, the mature dominant follicle bulging against the tunica
albuginea develops a whitish or translucent ischemic area called the stigma

SECONDARY OOCYTE – chromosomes equally divided, retains almost all of cytoplasm

FIRST POLAR BODY – other daughter cell of oocyte

GNRH – releases LH w/c triggers completion of Meiosis I of primary oocyte, release of large amounts of
follicular fluid contents (hyaluronan) by the granulosa cells, weakening of the ovarian wall, smooth
muscle contractions, and follicle ruptures and expels the oocyte and its surrounding corona radiata

INHIBIN – polypeptide hormone produced by granulosa and luteal cells

EVENTS IN DOMINANT FOLLICLE – completion of meiosis I, granulosa cells produce more follicular fluid
containing prostaglandins, proteoglycans and proteases. Granulosa cells in cumulus oophorus-oocyte
complex release hyaluronan, increasing fluid viscosity. Ovarian wall weakens due to degrading collagen
and smooth muscle contraction begins in theca externa triggered by prostaglandins

CORPUS LUTEUM - Cells of the granulosa and thecal layers left in the ovary after ovulation are
reorganized to form the endocrine gland called the corpus luteum

GRANULOSA LUTEIN CELLS – produce estrogen

THECA LUTEIN CELLS – produce progesterone

COURPUS ALBICANS – collagen-filled region formed when the corpus luteum degenerates as LH levels
drop after ovulation

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG) – glycoprotein hormone w/ targets and activity similar to
LH

CORPUS LUTEUM OF PREGNANCY – becomes large and is maintained by hCG for 4-5 months

UTERINE TUBES

ANATOMICAL REGIONS – infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, uterine/intramural part

INFUNDIBULUM - distal-most portion and lies adjacent to the ovary, funnel-shaped opening fringed with
fingerlike extensions called fimbriae

AMPULLA - Longest and expanded region where fertilization normally occurs

ISTHMUS - More narrow portion nearer the uterus

UTERINE/INTRAMURAL PART - Passes through the wall of the uterus and opens into the interior of this
organ

LAYERS OF THE WALL – serosa, muscularis, mucosa

SEROSA - consists of a mesothelium and underlying connective tissue layer

MUSCULARIS – smooth muscle arranged into 2 indistinct layers. peristaltic contractions of these layers
helps transports the ova through the tube

MUCOSA - simple columnar epithelium with an underlying lamina propria. convoluted forming
complex, longitudinal folds

CELLS IN MUCOSAL EPITH – ciliated cells, secretory peg cells

CILIATED CELLS – ciliary movements sweep fluid to uterus

SECRETORY PEG CELLS - Nonciliated and often with an apical bulge into the lumen. Secrete glycoproteins
of a nutritive mucus film that covers the epithelium
MAJOR EVENTS OF FERTILIZATION

ACROSOMAL REACTION – hyaluronidase released by exocytosis at multiple locations around the sperm
head

ACROSIN – activated by specific proteins on sperm w/c bind w/ ZP3 and ZP4 receptors

COTICAL REACTION – 1st sperm penetrates zona pellucida, fuses w/ oocyte plasmalemma & triggers
calcium release inducing exocytosis of proteases from cortical granules

PERIVITELLINE BARRIER – constitutes a permanent block to polyspermy

FEMALE PRONUCLEUS – of haploid ovum, produced from completion of meiosis II

MALE PRONUCLEUS – formed from haploid nucleus of single penetrating sperm undergoing
decondensation

ZYGOTE – new diploid cell formed from fusion of the 2 pronuclei

UTERUS

DIVISIONS OF UTERUS – body, cervix

BODY W/ FUNDUS - forms the bulk of the organ. function is gestational, and uterine tubes open into the
cranial end of the uterine cavity

ISTHMUS – area where uterus narrows

CERVIX - forms the caudal portion that extends into the vagina. functions with the vagina in
reproduction. lumen is referred to as the cervical canal

CONSTRICTED OPENINGS – internal & external os

INTERNAL OS – opens to main uterine lumen

EXTERNAL OS – opens to the vagina

LAYERS OF THE WALL – perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium

PERITREUM – outer CT, some covered w/ mesothelium to form serosa

MYOMETRIUM – thick, highly vascularized smooth muscle

HYPERPLASIA – increased number of smooth muscle cells

PARTURITION – myometrium contracts forcefully to expel infant from uterus

ENDOMETRIUM – mucosa of cyclically varying composition and thickness lined by simple columnar
epithelium

UTERINE GLANDS – penetrate full thickness of endometrium

2 CONCENTRIC ZONES OF ENDOMETRIUM – functional, basal layers

FUNCTIONAL LAYER – superficial, both mucosa and arterial supply proliferate and degenerate
BASAL LAYER – forms base of mucosa, retained during menstruation, cells serve as source for
regeneration of stratum functionale

ARTERIES SENT TO ENDOMETRIUM – straight & spiral arteries

STRAIGHT ARTERIES – supply only basal layer

SPIRAL ARTERIES – long, progesterone sensitive. Extend farther, bring blood throughout functional layer

VASCULAR LACUNAE – drained by venules. Thin-walled dilated component of superficial capillary beds
supplied w/ numerous arterioles

MENSTRUAL CYCLE – proliferative & secretory phase

PROLIFERATIVE/FOLLICULAR/ESTROGENIC PHASE – rapid growth of a small group of ovarian follicles

growing as vesicular follicles. They actively secrete estrogen and increase plasma concentration

SECRETORY/LUTEAL PHASE – starts as result of progesterone secreted by corpus luteum. Progesterone

stimulates epith cells of uterine glands formed during proliferative phase and then secrete & accumulate
glycogen, dilating the glandular lumen & causing glands to become coiled.

MENSTRUAL PHASE – onset of menstruation. Dropoff in progesterone produces spasms of muscle

contraction of small spiral arteries in functional layer w/c interrupts blood flow and increased synthesis
by arterial cells of prostaglandins producing strong vasoconstriction and local hypoxia

EMBRYONIC IMPLANTATION

BLASTOMERES – cells of uterus

MORULA – compact aggregate

BLASTOCYST STAGE

TROPHOBLAST – peripheral layer

EMBRYOBLAST/INNER CELL MASS

IMPLANTATION – attachment of blastocyst to surface epith cells of endometrium

AMNION AND YOLK SAC

BILAMINAR EMBRYONIC DISC

EPIBLAST – continuous w/ amnion

HYPOBLAST – continuous w/ yolk sac

CYTOTROPHOBLAST – layer of mitotically active cells around amnion and yolk sac]]

SYNCYTIOTROPHOBLAST – more superficial, nonmitotic mass of multinucleated cytoplasm invading

surrounding stroma

DECIDUA – portion of endometrium undergoing changes after embryo implantation, eventually shed w/
placenta at parturition

DECIDUAL CELLS – fibroblasts that are enlarged, polygonal and more active in protein synthesis

3 REGIONS – decidua basalis, decidua capsularis, decidua parietalis

DECIDUA BASALIS – between implanted embryo and myometrium

DECIDUA CAPSULARIS – between embryo and uterine lumen which thins as embryo gets larger

DECIDUA PARIETALIS – on side of uterus away from embryo

PLACENTA – site of exchange for nutrients, wastes, oxygen and carbon dioxide between mother and
fetus

PRIMARY VILLI – appear 2 days after implantation as simple cords of proliferationg cytotrophoblast cells
covered by syncytiotrophoblasts extend into lacunae containing blood

SECONDARY VILLI – form on 15th day of embryonic development when primary villi are invaded by
extraembryonic mesenchyme

TERTIARY VILLI – develop within a few more days as mesenchyme in secondary villi differentiate forming
capillary loops continuous w/ embryonic circulatory system

CHORIONIC VILLI - highly vascularized projections of the extraembryonic trophoblast into the vascular
lacunae of the endometrium

TISSUES FROM BOTH INDIVIDUALS – in chorion, decidua basalis

CHORION – from embryo, developed from trophoblast

DECIDUA BASALIS – maternal in origin

CERVIX – mucosa does not change cyclically under hormone influence. No shedding during
menstruation, lacks spinal arteries

INTERNAL CERVICAL CANAL/ENDOCERVIX – simple columnar epithelium w/mucus secreting cervical

glands

EXTERNAL CERVICAL CANAL/ECTOCERVIX – non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

TRANSFORMATION ZONE – junction between endo & ectocervix, simple columnar epith changes
abruptly into stratified squamous epithelium

CERVICAL MUCUS – consistency changes cyclically under influence of progesterone. Plays significant role
in fertilization and early pregnancy

CERVICAL EFFACEMENT – CT undergoes extensive remodeling & collagen removal w/c softens cervix,
making childbirth easier

VAGINA – forms internal portion of vulva. A muscular sheath extending from vestibule to cervix

VULVA – female copulatory organ

BARTHOLIN GLANDS – greater vestibular gland w/c secretes mucus

LAYERS OF THE WALL – (no glands) adventitia, muscularis, mucosa

ADVENTITIA - Inner dense connective tissue is rich in elastic fibers, making the vaginal wall strong and
elastic. Outer loose connective tissue contains an extensive venous plexus, lymphatics, and nerves

MUSCULARIS – has 2 indistinct smooth muscle layers

MUCOSA – numerous rugae, consists of stratified squamous epith overlying thick lamina propria

RUGAE – transverse folds

EXTERNAL GENITALIA – lined by stratified squamous epith

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS – vestibule, labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, mons pubis

VESTIBULE – space whose wall includes tubuloacinar vestibular glands

SKENE’S GLANDS – lesser vestibular glands

BARTHOLIN’S GLANDS – greater vestibular glands

LABIA MINORA – folds of skin lacking hair follicles but has many sebaceous glands

LABIA MAJORA – homologous, histologically similar to skin of scrotum

CLITORIS – erectile structure homologous to penis w/ paired corpora cavernosa

MONS PUBIS – formed by underlying adipose tissue

MAMMARY GLANDS - Develop embryologically from bilateral, epidermal thickenings called mammary
ridges

MAMMARY RIDGES - extend from the axilla (armpit) to the groin

TUBULOALVEOLAR GLANDS – 15-25 lobes w/c consist of terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs), each lobe is
drained by its own excretory lactiferous duct

NIPPLE/MAMMARY PAPILLA – epidermis & surrounding skin (areola) is highly pigmented

LACTIFEROUS SINUSES - Lined with stratified cuboidal epithelium

LACTIFEROUS DUCTS AND TERMINAL DUCTS - Lined with simple cuboidal epithelium with many
myoepithelial cells

TERMINAL DUCT LOBULAR UNIT - Surrounded by a hormonally sensitive intralobular stroma. Represents
a cluster of small secretory alveoli (in active lactating gland) or terminal ductules (in inactive gland)

LACTATION - begins in late pregnancy and continues until weaning. Involves both protein exocytosis and
apocrine secretion of lipid droplets

ALVEOLI – cell proliferation at ends of intralobular ducts during lactation. Composed of cuboidal epith

COLOSTRUM – fluid rich in proteins and has leukocytes produced under influence of prolactin

PROCESSES INVOLVED IN LACTATION – large amts of protein synthesized w/c undergo merocrine
secretion to the lumen; lipid droplets form from short chain fatty acids synthesized in epith cells w/c
undergo apocrine secretion; lactose, a major carb and energy source in milk, is synthesized by golgi
apparatus and secretes w/ lactalbumin

POSTLACTAL REGRESSION

WEANING – when breastfeeding stops

EPITH CELLS – undergo apoptosis, autophagy or sloughing

DUCT SYSTEM – returns to general appearance in inactive state

MENOPAUSE – alveoli and ducts reduced futher in size and lsoe fibroblasts, collagen and elastic fibers in
soma