Glossary of Mammalian Anatomy Terms

Study Notes

Reproductive Anatomy Glossary

Alveoli (of the breast): Milk-secreting cells in the mammary glands critical for lactation.
Ampulla (of the uterine tube): The central part of the uterine tube where fertilization commonly occurs.
Areola: A pigmented area surrounding the nipple, containing glands that help lubricate during breastfeeding.
Bartholin’s glands: Also known as greater vestibular glands; produce mucus to maintain vulvar moisture.
Body of uterus: The central section of the uterus, crucial for fetal development.
Broad ligament: A wide ligament that supports the uterus, connecting it to the pelvic wall.
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands): Secrete mucus to clean and lubricate the urethra before and during ejaculation.
Cervix: The lower end of the uterus that connects to the vagina, playing a role during childbirth.
Clitoris (glans clitoris): Highly sensitive area of the vulva, essential for sexual arousal and pleasure.
Corpus albicans: A nonfunctional structure in the ovary formed after the corpus luteum regresses.
Corpus cavernosum: Two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that engorge with blood to facilitate an erection.
Corpus luteum: Transformed follicle post-ovulation, secreting progesterone to maintain pregnancy.
Corpus spongiosum: Erectile tissue surrounding the penile urethra, aiding in erection and urination.
Ductus deferens (vas deferens): Duct that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
Ejaculatory duct: Connects the ampulla of the ductus deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen: Key hormone in women, thickening the uterine wall monthly and aiding ovulation.
Epididymis: Coiled structure for sperm maturation and storage until ejaculation.
Fimbriae: Fingerlike projections at the end of the uterine tubes, assisting in the capture of the egg.
Follicle: Ovarian structure containing an oocyte and supporting granulosa cells.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormone from the pituitary that promotes follicle growth, used in fertility treatments.
Folliculogenesis: The process of ovarian follicle development influenced by gonadotropins.
Fundus (of the uterus): The upper dome-shaped part of the uterus located above the uterine tubes.
Gamete: A haploid reproductive cell, such as sperm or egg, contributing genetic material for offspring.
Glans penis: The sensitive bulbous tip of the penis containing numerous nerve endings.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Hormone from the hypothalamus that regulates FSH and LH production.
Gonads: Reproductive organs (testes and ovaries) that produce gametes and hormones.
Granulosa cells: Cells in the ovarian follicle that support oocyte development and produce estrogen.
Hymen: Membrane partially covering the vaginal opening, often associated with virginity.
Infundibulum (of the uterine tube): The wide distal part of the uterine tube that captures the ovulated egg.
Inguinal canal: An opening in the abdominal wall connecting the testes to the abdominal cavity.
Isthmus: The narrow part of the uterine tube connecting to the uterus.
Labia majora: Hair-covered outer folds of skin protecting the vaginal opening.
Labia minora: Thin, pigmented inner folds of skin located beneath the labia majora.
Lactiferous ducts: Ducts that transport milk from the mammary glands to the nipple during breastfeeding.