Female Reproductive System Vocab

Breast Self Exam Is a cancer screening procedure in which a female visually examines her breasts, palpates them to detect any lumps, and squeezes her nipples to check for a clear or bloody discharge. Breast self-examination should be done once a month to become familiar with the usual appearance and feel of your breasts. Most lumps are not cancerous, but any lump should be checked out by a doctor to make sure.  

Cervix The base of the uterus, which bulges down into the vagina. Has a small opening through which sperm can enter the uterus.

cilia Align the fallopian tubes and are responsible for pushing the egg through the fallopian tubes. Movement of cilia move against sperm.

Clitoris Is a small knob of erectile tissue in the front of the vaginal opening.

Corpus Luteum Referred to as the yellow body. Is a temporary gland that secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which cause the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus, to thicken. Where egg releases from the ovary. Releases hormones to prepare the uterus for the arrival of the egg

Estrogen Is a hormone essential for normal female sexual development and for the healthy functioning of the reproductive system. Estrogen controls the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics and reproductive organs, and the menstrual cycle.

Fallopian Tube Is a three to five inch tube that carries the egg to the uterus from the ovaries.

FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Is a hormone that telegraphs the message from the brain to the gonads to start producing sex cells and sex hormones. Occurs during puberty

Graafian Follicle Is the egg that matures and bursts out first. All of the other potential eggs degenerate.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) In females, helps to create a duct work system in the breasts for breast feeding. Is the other hormone, other than FSH, to be produced by the pituitary gland.  

Is the first menstrual cycle. Menarche Is the first menstrual cycle. Usually, the menstrual cycle occurs in regular phases.

Is the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle pattern. Menopause Is the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle pattern. It usually occurs somewhere between the ages of forty-eight and fifty-two.

Menstruation Is the process by which the lining of the uterus is expelled each month that pregnancy does not occur.

Ovary (Gonad) Female reproductive gland Place where egg cells develop. Secretes hormones

Ovulation Releasing of a mature ovum (egg) from an ovary Begins journey down the Fallopian Tube (3-7 days)

Another word for the egg Ovum (Ova) Another word for the egg

Pap Test (Smear) Is a screening test for cervical cancer in which cells are scraped from the cervix and examined for abnormalities.

Progesterone Along with estrogen, is the major female sex hormone. These female sex hormones cause female changes at puberty.

Urethra Tube which connects to the bladder for elimination of urine

Uterus (Womb) Strongest muscle in the female body. Hollow pear shaped organ where the baby grows.

Vagina Tube from cervix to outside the body Female reproductive structure that receives the sperm. Passageway for menstrual flow

Vulva The external female reproductive genitalia Includes labia minora, labia majora, and clitoris