Compilation of classical and contemporary terminology used to describe morphological aspects of ovarian dynamics in cattle

Veterinarians and scientists involved in applied and basic research in cattle require a lexicon of terms that is used uniformly so that diagnoses and inference of results between and among studies can be correctly interpreted and substantiated or negated and therapy and hypotheses can be formulated without unnecessary confusion and redundancy in treatments and experiments. This review provides a compilation of many of the classical and contemporary terms used in association with ovarian dynamics primarily during the estrous cycle in cattle, which can also apply to other reproductive states. While many classical terms used to describe healthy and diseased conditions associated with follicles and corpora lutea are still applicable today, there are some that have become antiquated (e.g., cystic corpus luteum, cystic ovarian degeneration, luteolysis, and granulosa cell tumor), due, in part, to advanced technology (e.g., ultrasonography) and a more thorough understanding of ovarian function. In this regard, older terms have been revised (e.g., corpus luteum with a cavity, follicular and luteinized-follicular cysts, structural and functional luteal regression, and granulosa-theca cell tumor) and newer terms have been coined (e.g., follicle deviation) and advocated herein. Defining and adopting terminology used in bovine reproduction that is clear, precise and understandable and available in a single source, is expected to make the exchange of clinical and research information and outcomes more effective, safe, and economical.