Ch. 12 Female Reproductive System Flashcards
The female reproductive system (function):
produce and transport ova
discharge unfertilized ova
OR
nourish/provide place for developing fetus throughout pregnancy (fertilization)
The female reproductive system produces:
ova
female sex hormones
Female sex hormones and their function:
estrogen and progesterone
responsible for development of secondary sex characteristics (breast development and regulation of menstrual cycle)
external genitalia (define)
genitals
sex/reproductive organs visible on outside of body
gestation
Length of time from conception to birth
lactation
Production and release of milk by mammary glands
orifice
Mouth; entrance, or outlet of any anatomical structure
The female reproductive system is composed of:
internal organs of reproduction
external genitalia
The internal organs include:
ovaries
fallopian tubes
uterus
vagina
The external genitalia are collectively known as:
the vulva
external genitalia components:
labia minora labia majora clitoris Bartholin glands mons pubis
mons pubis:
an elevation of adipose tissue covered by skin and coarse pubic hair that cushions the pubis (pubic bone).
The area between the vaginal orifice and the anus is known as
the perineum
The female reproductive organs include:
ovaries
fallopian tubes
uterus
vagina
The female reproductive organs are designed to:
- produce reproductive cells (ova) & sex hormones
- transport ova to fertilization site
- provide favorable environment for developing fetus through pregnancy/childbirth
Hormones play an important role in:
the reproductive process, providing their influence at critical times during preconception, fertilization, and gestation.
Review Figure 12-1
pg 397
ovaries (anatomically)
almond-shaped glands located in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus.
Each ovary contains:
thousands of tiny, saclike structures called graafian follicles, each containing an ovum.
graafian follicle
saclike structures in the ovaries that contain a ovum
mature follicle
moves to surface of ovary, ruptures, and releases the ripened ovum (ovulation)
corpus luteum
empty follicle that transformed into small yellow mass that secretes estrogen and progesterone
degenerates at end of a nonfertile cycle
Estrogen and progesterone (function):
- regulate menstrual cycle/ menopause
- prepare uterus for implantation of fertilized egg
- help maintain pregnancy
- promote growth of placenta
- development of secondary sex characteristics
Review Figure 12-2
pg 398
fallopian tubes (AKA, anatomically)
AKA oviducts, uterine tubes
extend laterally from superior angles of uterus
fimbriae:
fingerlike projections that create wavelike currents in fluid surrounding ovary to move ovum into uterine tube.
uterus (location)
located in the pelvic area between bladder and rectum
normally tilts forward (anteflexion)
uterus (anatomically, function)
muscular, hollow structure shaped like an inverted pear
contains/nourishes embryo from fertilization to birth
3 parts of uterus:
fundus - upper, rounded part
body - central part
cervix - inferior constricted portion that opens into vagina (AKA neck of uterus or cervix uteri)
vagina (anatomically, location)
from cervix to exterior of body
muscular tube lined with (rugae) and
mucous membrane that give organ an elastic quality
Bartholin glands
lubricate the vaginal orifice during intercourse
vagina (function)
intercourse organ
semen receptor
discharges menstrual flow
passage for fetal birth
clitoris
located anterior to vaginal orifice
composed of erectile tissue with sensory endings
similar in structure to penis but smaller/no urethra.
episiotomy
surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth to enlarge vaginal opening for delivery
Each breast is composed:
adipose tissue 15-20 mammary lobules lactiferous duct nipple areola
lactiferous duct
drain mammary lobules of milk through nipple
Menarche
initial menstrual period
occurs at puberty
During a menstrual cycle, what changes in response to ovarian hormone levels?
uterine endometrium
3 phases of the menstrual cycle:
menstrual (days 1-5)
ovulatory (days 6-14)
postovulatory (15-28)
Menstrual Phase
Days 1-5
Uterine endometrium sloughs off because of hormonal stimulation.
Detached tissue/blood discharge through vagina.
Ovulatory Phase
Days 6–14
day 6 - menstruation stops
endometrium thickens/new tissue built
estrogen levels rise
ova matures in graafian follicles
day 14 - graafian follicle ruptures, releases egg (ovulation)
egg leaves ovary and travels down fallopian tube toward the uterus
Postovulatory Phase
Days 15–28
empty follicle fills with yellow material and becomes corpus luteum:
secretes estrogen and progesterone; stimulates regrowth of endometrium
degenerates as hormones decrease and cycle begins again
uterus during pregnancy
increases:
size/ muscle mass
vascularity/ elasticity of cervix & vagina
mucosa thickness & secretions
houses placenta
births developed fetus
vaginal canal elongates as uterus rises in pelvis
parturition
childbirth
embryo
up to 3 months gestation
fetus
3 months - birth
Toward the end of gestation, the myometrium:
begins to contract weakly at irregular intervals.
View Figure 12-4
pg 401
3 stages of labour:
dilation
expulsions
placental (or afterbirth)
stage of dilation
1st stage of labour
from uterine contractions
to complete dilation of cervix
stage of expulsion
2nd stage of labour
from complete cervical dilation
to birth of baby
placental stage (afterbirth)
final stage of labour
when uterine contractions discharge placenta from uterus
Menopause
end of ovarian activity (~age50)
- absence of menses for 1 year
- reduced hormone production
amenorrhea
absence of menses
The period in which symptoms of approaching menopause occur is:
known as the change of life or the climacteric.
Complete Anatomy Review
pg 402
Complete Anatomy Review
pg 403
The main function of the female reproductive system:
produce hormones
provide structures that support fertilization and development of a developing fetus
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Blood, Lymphatic, and Immune
- The female immune system has special mechanisms that inhibit destruction of sperm cells.
- The female reproductive tract secretes enzymes and other substances that inhibit entry of pathogens into the internal reproductive structures.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Cardiovascular
• Estrogens lower blood cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health in premenopausal women.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Digestive
• Estrogens have an effect on the metabolic rate.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Endocrine
- Estrogens provide a feedback mechanism that influences pituitary function.
- Estrogens assist in the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Integumentary
growth/distribution of body hair.
activity of sebaceous glands.
skin texture
fat distribution
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Male Reproductive
• The female reproductive system provides the ovum needed to make fertilization by sperm possible.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Musculoskeletal
• Estrogen influences muscle development/ size and bone growth/maintenance, and closure of epiphyseal plates.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Nervous
- Estrogen affects central nervous system development and sexual behavior.
- Estrogen provides antioxidants that have a neuroprotective function.
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Respiratory
- Sexual arousal/pregnancy alter breathing rate/depth
* Estrogen good for alveoli
The limited functional relationship between the female reproductive system and
Urinary
• Kidneys dispose of nitrogenous wastes and maintain the homeostatic mechanisms of the mother and fetus.
amni/o
amnion (amniotic sac)
amni/o/centesis
surgical puncture of the amniotic sac
cervic/o
neck; cervix uteri (neck of the uterus)
cervic/itis
inflammation of the neck; cervix uteri (neck of the uterus)
colp/o
vagina
colp/o/scopy
visual examination of the vagina
vagin/o
vagina
vagin/itis
inflammation of the vagina
vagina
colp/o
vagin/o
galact/o
milk
lact/o
milk
milk
galact/o
lact/o
galact/o/poiesis
formation/ production of milk
lact/o/gen
forming, producing or origin of milk
gynec/o
woman/ female
gynec/o/logist
specialist in the study of women/females
hyster/o
uterus (womb)
metri/o
uterus (womb)
uter/o
uterus (womb)
uterus (womb)
hyster/o
metri/o
uter/o
hyster/ectomy
excision/removal of the uterus (womb)
endo/metri/al
pertaining to within the uterus
uter/o/vagin/al
pertaining to the uterus and vagina
mamm/o
breast
mast/o
breast
mamm/o/gram
record of the breast
mast/o/pexy
fixation of the breast
men/o
menses, menstruation
men/o
menses, menstruation
men/o/rrhagia
bursting forth of the menses
metr/o
uterus (womb); measure
metr/o/ptosis
prolapse, downward displacement of the uterus
nat/o
birth
pre/nat/al
pertaining to before birth
oophor/o
ovary
ovari/o
ovary
oophor/oma
tumor of the ovary
ovari/o/rrhexis
rupture of the ovary
perine/o
perineum (area between the scrotum [or vulva in the female] and anus)
perine/o/rrhaphy
suture of the perineum
salping/o
tube (usually fallopian or eustachian [auditory] tubes)
salping/o/plasty
surgical repair of the fallopian tube
-arche
beginning
men/arche
beginning of menstruation
-cyesis
pregnancy
pseudo-
false
pseudo/cyesis
false pregnancy
-gravida
pregnant woman
multi/gravida
many, much pregnant woman
-para
to bear (offspring)
nulli-
none
nulli/para
to bear none
-salpinx
tube (usually fallopian or eustachian [auditory] tubes)
hem/o/salpinx
fallopian tube of blood
-tocia
childbirth, labor
dys/tocia
bad, painful, difficult childbirth
-version
turning
retro/version
turning backward
ante-
before, in front of
ante/version
turning before, in front of
dys/men/o/rrhea
discharge/ flow of bad/painful/difficult menstruation
endo/metr/itis
inflammation within uterus
multi/para
to bear many
post/nat/al
pertaining to after birth
primi-
first
primi/gravida
pregnant woman of first
Complete Learning Activity 12-1
pg 424
Complete Learning Activity 12-2
pg 425
Female reproductive disorders may be caused by:
infection, injury, or hormonal dysfunction
Gynecology (GYN) is the branch of medicine concerned with:
diseases of the female reproductive organs and breasts.
Obstetrics (OB) is the branch of medicine that:
manages the health of a woman and her fetus during pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium.
puerperium
period after childbirth
reproductive organs return to normal (6 to 8 weeks - ends with the first ovulation)
2 main diseases/disorders:
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Endometriosis
functional endometrial tissue outside uterus (responds to the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle)
develops into implants, lesions, or growths and can cause pain, infertility, and other problems.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
anatomical results, cause
inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and adjacent pelvic structures that spreads upward (ascending infection)
pathogens enter through the vagina during coitus, induced abortion, childbirth, or the postpartum period.
Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia cause about 90% of all cases of PID.
The two most common forms of cancer (CA) involving the female reproductive system are:
breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Breast cancer
most common malignancy of women in US
associated with ovarian hormonal function
nulliparous
women without children
Cervical Cancer
ages 40-49
STD’s may be a cause
atresia
Congenital absence or closure of a normal body opening, such as the vagina
choriocarcinoma
Malignant neoplasm of the uterus or at the site of an ectopic pregnancy
chori/o
chorion - outermost membrane of embryo
carcin:
cancer
dyspareunia
Occurrence of pain during sexual intercourse
endocervicitis
Inflammation of the mucous lining of the cervix uteri
menstrual disorders (define, AKA)
Abnormal condition in the menstrual cycle; also called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
amenorrhea
Absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age
dysmenorrhea
Cramps or painful menstruation
menorrhagia
Abnormally heavy, prolonged menstrual period
metrorrhagia
Irregular uterine bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause
oligomenorrhea
Abnormally light or infrequent menstrual periods
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms that occur between ovulation and the onset of menstruation
sterility
Inability of the female to become pregnant or the male to impregnate the female
uterine fibroids (define, AKAs)
Benign tumors composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in the uterus
AKA leiomyomas, myomas, or fibroids
abortion (AB)
Termination of pregnancy before the embryo or fetus is capable of surviving on its own
abruptio placentae (define, AKA)
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the third stage of labor; also called placental abruption
breech presentation
Common abnormality of delivery in which the fetal buttocks or feet present first rather than the head
Down syndrome (define, AKA)
Genetic condition in which there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy), altering physical and mental development of the child; also called trisomy 21
eclampsia
Most serious form of toxemia during pregnancy
ectopic pregnancy
Pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum becomes implanted on any tissue other than the lining of the uterine cavity
placenta previa
Obstetric complication in which the placenta is attached close to or covers the cervical canal and that results in bleeding during labor when the cervix dilates
Complete Learning Activity 12-3
pg 427
amniocentesis
Transabdominal puncture of the amniotic sac under ultrasound guidance using a needle (with the needle’s position verified by US on a monitor screen) and syringe to remove amniotic fluid (See Fig. 12-8.)
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
Sampling of placental tissues for prenatal diagnosis of potential genetic defects
colposcopy
Visual examination of the vagina and cervix with an optical magnifying instrument (colposcope)
cordocentesis (define, AKA)
Diagnostic prenatal test
sample of baby’s blood taken from umbilical cord
AKA: percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS)
endometrial biopsy
Removal of a sample of uterine endometrium for microscopic study
insufflation
Delivery of pressurized air or gas into a cavity, chamber, or organ to allow visual examination, remove an obstruction, or apply medication
Papanicolaou (Pap) test
An exfoliative cytology test to detect abnormal cells that are scraped from the cervix, usually obtained during routine pelvic examination (See Fig. 12-9.)
pelvimetry
Measurement of pelvic dimensions to determine whether the head of the fetus will be able to pass through the bony pelvis to allow vaginal delivery
hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Radiography and, usually, fluoroscopy of the uterus and uterine tubes (oviducts) following injection of a contrast medium
mammography
Radiographic examination of the breast to screen for breast cancer
transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS)
Ultrasonography of the pelvic area performed with a probe inserted into the vagina, which provides sharper images of pathological and normal structures within the pelvis
cerclage
Suturing of the cervix to prevent it from dilating prematurely during pregnancy, thus decreasing the chance of a spontaneous abortion or preterm birth
cesarean section (C-section)
Incision of the abdomen and uterus to remove the fetus; also called C-section
colpocleisis
Surgical closure of the vaginal canal
conization
Excision of a cone-shaped piece of tissue, such as mucosa of the cervix, for histological examination
cryosurgery
Process of freezing tissue to destroy cells; also called cryocautery
dilation and curettage (D&C)
Widening of the cervical canal with a dilator and scraping of the uterine endometrium with a curette
hysterectomy
Excision of the uterus (See Fig. 12-11.)
subtotal hysterectomy
Hysterectomy in which the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes remain
total hysterectomy
Hysterectomy in which the cervix is removed but the ovaries and fallopian tubes remain; also called complete hysterectomy
total plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
hysterectomy
Total (complete) hysterectomy, including removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
laparoscopy
Visual examination of the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope through one or more small incisions in the abdominal wall, usually at the umbilicus (See Fig. 12-12, page 418.)
lumpectomy
Excision of a small primary breast tumor (or “lump”) and some of the normal tissue that surrounds it (See Fig. 12-13.)
mammoplasty
Surgical reconstruction of the breast(s) to change the size, shape, or position
augmentation
Insertion of a breast prosthesis (filled with silicone gel or saline) beneath the skin or beneath the pectoralis major muscle
reduction
Breast reduction to reduce the size of a large, pendulous breast
mastectomy
Removal of the breast
total (simple)
mastectomy
Excision of the entire breast, nipple, areola, and the involved overlying skin
modified radical
mastectomy
Excision of the entire breast, including the lymph nodes in the underarm (axillary dissection) but with the chest muscles left intact (See Fig. 12-13B.)
radical
mastectomy
Excision of the entire breast, all underarm lymph nodes, and the chest wall muscles under the breast
reconstructive breast surgery
Creation of a breast-shaped mound to replace a breast that has been removed as a result of cancer or other disease
tissue (skin) expansion
balloon expander inserted under chest muscle
saline solution is gradually injected to increase size
expander replaced with permanent implant
transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap
Surgical creation of skin flap using skin and fat from the lower half of the abdomen, which is passed under the skin to the breast area; the abdominal tissue (flap) is then shaped into a natural-looking breast and sutured into place
tubal ligation
Procedure that ties (ligates) the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy
intrauterine device (IUD)
Small, T-shaped device inserted by a physician inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
is the use of synthetic or natural estrogens or a combination of estrogen and progestin to replace the decline or lack of natural hormones, a condition that accompanies hysterectomy and menopause
antifungals
Treat vaginal yeast infection by altering the yeast cell membrane or interfering with a metabolic process
estrogens
Treat symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, vaginal dryness, fatigue) through hormone replacement therapy (HRT); may be given orally or topically; topical use may decrease risks
oral contraceptives
Synthetic hormones used to prevent pregnancy and treat menstrual disorders
oxytocics
Induce labor at term by increasing the strength and frequency of uterine contractions
prostaglandins
Terminate pregnancy
spermicides
Chemically destroy sperm by creating a highly acidic environment in the uterus
AUB
abnormal uterine bleeding
C-section, CS
cesarean section
CVS
chorionic villus sampling
D&C
dilatation (dilation) and curettage
DUB
dysfunctional uterine bleeding
GYN
gynecology
HRT
hormone replacement therapy
IUD
intrauterine device
LMP
last menstrual period
OB
obstetrics
OCPs
oral contraceptive pills
Pap
Papanicolaou (test)
para 1, 2, 3 and so on
unipara, bipara, tripara (number of viable births)
PUBS
percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
PID
pelvic inflammatory disease
STI
sexually transmitted infection
TRAM
transverse rectus abdominis muscle (flap)
TVUS
transvaginal ultrasonography
Complete Learning Activity 12-4
pg 428
