Term | Definition |
ovary | a gamete-producing organ of the female reproductive system |
fallopian tube | a tube through which eggs move from the ovary to the uterus |
uterus | a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a small fist |
cervix | the lower entrance to the uterus |
vagina | a muscular tube that receives sperm from the penis, and is also the channel through which a baby passes during childbirth |
vulva | the external structures of the female reproductive system are collectively called this |
labium | folds of skin and mucous membranes that cover and protect the opening to the female reproductive system |
ovum | the mature egg that retains most of the cytoplasm, and provides nutrients for the egg through the early stages of development |
ovarian cycle | happens each month and is when the female reproductive system prepares and releases an ovum in a series of events |
menstrual cycle | the female reproductive cycle, characterized by a monthly change of the lining if the uterus and discharge of blood |
follicular phase | the stage in which an immature egg completes its first meiotic division |
follicle | a layer of cells that surrounds an immature egg |
ovulation | the release of an egg from a ruptured follicle |
corpus luteum | the structures 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 if the menstrual cycle; occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 |