Term | Definition |
Ovary | In the female reproductive system of animals, an organ that produces eggs; in flowering plants the lower part of a pistil that produces eggs in ovules |
Fallopian Tube | The tube through which eggs move from the ovary to the uterus |
Uterus | In female mammals, the hollow, muscular organ in which a fertilized egg is embedded and in which the embryo and fetus develop |
Cervix | The neck of the uterus |
Vagina | The female reproductive organ that connects the outside of the body to the uterus and that receives sperm during reproduction |
Vulva | The external part of the female reproductive organs |
Labium | In some female animals, one of the two pairs of folds of skin and mucous membranes that cover and protect the openings of the vulva |
Ovum | A mature egg cell |
Ovarian Cycle | A series of hormone-induced changes in which the ovaries prepare and release a mature ovum each month |
Menstrual Cycle | The female reproductive cycle, characterized by a monthly change of the lining of the uterus and the discharge of blood |
Follicular phase | The stage in which an immature egg completes its first meiotic division |
Follicle | A small, narrow cavity or sac in an organ or tissue, such as the ones on the skin that contain hair roots or the ones in the ovaries that contain the developing eggs |
Corpus Luteum | The structure that forms from the ruptured follicle in the ovary after ovulation; it releases hormones |
Luteal Phase | The menstrual stage in which the corpus luteum develops |
menstruation | The discharge of blood and discarded tissue from the uterus during the menstrual cycle |
Menopause | The termination of the menstrual cycle; occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 |