CBL Flashcards
List the aims of the menstrual cycle
- Prepare the body for potential pregnancy.
- Regulate hormonal balance.
- Maintain reproductive health.
- Facilitate the shedding of the uterine lining if no pregnancy occurs.
Detail the key hormones of the HPG axis and the mechanisms controlling their synthesis and secretion
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Released from the hypothalamus; stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Promotes follicle maturation in ovaries.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
- Estrogen and progesterone: Produced by ovaries; regulate feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary.
Describe the phases of the menstrual cycle and its endocrinological control
- Menstrual phase: Shedding of the uterine lining; low hormone levels.
- Follicular phase: FSH stimulates follicle growth; estrogen rises.
- Ovulation: Surge in LH causes release of an egg.
- Luteal phase: Corpus luteum produces progesterone; prepares the endometrium for implantation.
Define the menstrual transition and menopause in physiological terms
- Menstrual transition: Perimenopause; characterized by irregular cycles due to fluctuating hormone levels.
- Menopause: Cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 months; decreased estrogen and progesterone production due to ovarian senescence.
Describe the basic anatomy of the female pelvis & genitalia
- Pelvis: Includes the bony pelvis, pelvic cavity, and pelvic floor muscles.
- Genitalia: Includes external structures (vulva, labia, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries).
Give a differential diagnosis for testicular pain
- Testicular torsion: Sudden, severe pain due to twisted spermatic cord.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, often due to infection.
- Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicle, sometimes associated with mumps.
- Inguinal hernia: Intestine protrudes through abdominal wall near groin.
- Trauma: Injury to the testicle or scrotum.
- Hydrocele: Fluid accumulation around the testicle.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum.
- Testicular cancer: May present as a painless lump or dull ache.
Identify the components of semen analysis
- Volume: Total amount of ejaculate.
- Sperm concentration: Number of sperm per milliliter.
- Motility: Percentage of moving sperm.
- Morphology: Percentage of normally shaped sperm.
- pH level: Acidity or alkalinity of semen.
- White blood cells: Indicate infection if present.
Describe, in general terms, the anatomy of the components of the male reproductive system
- Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
- Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm.
- Vas deferens: Transports sperm from epididymis to urethra.
- Seminal vesicles: Produce seminal fluid.
- Prostate gland: Produces prostatic fluid, part of semen.
- Urethra: Passage for urine and semen.
- Penis: Organ for sexual intercourse and urination.
Appreciate some of the common clinical conditions related to the male reproductive system
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Enlarged prostate causing urinary symptoms.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland.
- Erectile dysfunction: Inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
- Male infertility: Issues with sperm production or function.
- Testicular cancer: Malignant growth in the testicles.
- STIs: Sexually transmitted infections affecting the genital area.
Describe the process of spermatogenesis
- Initiation: Begins at puberty in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
- Mitosis: Spermatogonia divide to form primary spermatocytes.
- Meiosis I: Primary spermatocytes divide to form secondary spermatocytes.
- Meiosis II: Secondary spermatocytes divide to form spermatids.
- Spermiogenesis: Spermatids mature into spermatozoa (sperm cells).
Give an overview of the clinical and hormonal changes in pregnancy and explain how these may be used in the diagnosis of pregnancy
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Detected in blood and urine; confirms pregnancy.
- Progesterone: Increases to maintain uterine lining.
- Estrogen: Rises to support fetal development and maternal adaptation.
- Clinical signs: Missed menstrual period, nausea, breast tenderness, and positive pregnancy test.
Describe the maternal changes of pregnancy in relation to respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and metabolic and endocrine systems
- Respiratory: Increased tidal volume and oxygen consumption.
- Cardiovascular: Increased blood volume, cardiac output, and heart rate; decreased blood pressure.
- Gastrointestinal: Slowed motility, increased risk of reflux and constipation.
- Genitourinary: Increased kidney size, GFR, and urinary frequency.
- Metabolic and endocrine: Increased insulin resistance, weight gain, and altered thyroid function.
Define the functions of the extra-embryonic structures and describe the key steps in their development
- Placenta: Nutrient and waste exchange between mother and fetus; hormone production.
- Amniotic sac: Cushions and protects the fetus.
- Yolk sac: Early blood cell formation.
- Development: Trophoblast invades endometrium, forming chorionic villi; placenta develops from chorion and decidua.
Relate pathological conditions of pregnancy to normal physiology with reference to gestational diabetes
- Normal physiology: Increased insulin resistance to ensure glucose availability for the fetus.
- Gestational diabetes: Exaggerated insulin resistance; inability to maintain normal glucose levels, leading to hyperglycemia.
Demonstrate awareness of the workings of integrated health and social care teams for people with an intellectual disability
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Involves healthcare professionals, social workers, and caregivers.
- Individualized care plans: Tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual.
- Support services: Include education, occupational therapy, and psychological support.
Perform a basic antenatal examination on a manikin competently
- Steps: Measure fundal height, palpate fetal position, auscultate fetal heart, and assess maternal vital signs.