Cycle Terms: Reproductive System

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Cervix

The cervix is a cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus. Located at the lowermost portion of the uterus, the cervix is composed primarily of fibromuscular tissue. The cervix produces cervical mucus that changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle to prevent or promote pregnancy.

Corpus Luteum

Corpus Luteum is made from a follicle that housed a maturing egg. This structure starts to form as soon as a mature egg pops out of the follicle. The corpus luteum is essential for conception to occur and for pregnancy to last. The corpus luteum is responsible for the production of the hormone progesterone during early pregnancy. The role of the corpus luteum depends on whether or not fertilization occurs.

Endometrium Lining

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. Each month, the endometrium thickens and renews itself, preparing for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium sheds in a process known as menstruation. If conception takes place, the embryo implants into the endometrium.

Fallopian Tubes

The Fallopian Tubes are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall (endometrium lining.)

Ovaries

The ovaries are two small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.

Reproductive System

The biological system made up of all the anatomical organs involved in reproduction. This includes fluids, hormones, and pheromones. It is a system of functions that assists reproduction.

Uterus

The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ. The uterus is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows menstrual blood to exit.

Vagina

The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix to the outside of the body. Around mid-cycle, when estrogen is highest, vaginal tissue becomes thicker and fuller. The vagina changes throughout your cycle, during sex, and with age.

Vulva

The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora and clitoris.

Womb

The womb is another term for the Uterus.

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