Definitions Flashcards
Oocyte
Egg produced from the ovary
Follicle Stimulating Hormone FSH
produced by the anterior pituitary and signals the maturation of the oocyte and is released by the follicles. Pre ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle
Luteinizing Hormone LH
Hormone released by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovulation. continues to be released throughout ovulation and pregnancy, stimulates ovarian cells to release relaxin, progesterone, and estrogens
Ovum
Mature oocyte (egg)
Corpus Luteum
Remains of a follicle after an oocyte has been released, and which secretes progesterone
Progesterone
Hormone that influences the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle, when the oocyte either is fertilized or dies
Uterus
Pear shaped organ between the bladder and the rectum
Fundus
The dome shaped top of the uterus
Cervix
Narrowest portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina
Uterine cavity
The interior body of the uterus
Cervical Canal
Interior of the cervix
3 Layers of the uterus
Perimetrium (outer), Myometrium (middle), Endometrium (inner)
Vagina
Tubular organ lined with mucus membranes, that is the lower portion of the birth canal
Episiotomy
Incision in the perineal skin made to prevent tearing of the perineum during childbirth
Placenta
Tissue attached to the uterine wall that nourishes the fetus. Provides the following functions: respiratory gas exchange, transport of nutrients, excretion of wastes, transfer of heat, barrier against harmful substances
Blastocyst
Term for an oocyte once it is fertilized and multiples into cells
Umbilical cord
Conduit connecting mom to the fetus via the placenta, contains 2 arteries and 1 vein.
Amniotic sac
Fluid filled membrane where the fetus develops
Amniotic fluid
Watery fluid provides a weightless environment for the fetus
Gestational Period
38 weeks
Gravid
Total # of pregnancies including current pregnancy
Para
of live births
