Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
The female reproduction system matures the ovum, delivers it to the vagina for fertilization, provides nutrition for the fertilized egg, provides room and protection of the maturing fetus, gives birth of the fetus into a neonate, and finally, provides nourishment to the infant through breast feeding.
At what age of fetal development can sex organs begin to be distinguished?
Males and females are indistinguishable for the first 8-10 weeks of fetal development.
The number of ovums is determined by the onset of puberty. Each ovum then matures in a fluid filled follicle. What is the process called when the follicle bursts and the ovum is released to travel down the fallopian tube?
The process of the ovum being released is called ovulation.
What are the three layers of the uterus and what is the responsibility of each?
The perimetrium is the external layer and provides protection between the internal environment of the uterus and the outside environment. The perimetrium also has the ability to stretch during pregnancy.
The myometrium is the muscular layer responsible for contracting during labor. The myometrium is needed to provide pressure on the fetus as it travels into the vagina (birth canal) during labor.
The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus. It is responsible for preparing a “wall” for the egg to be fertilized. It goes through two phases during the sex cycle.
What are the two main phases of the sex cycle?
The first phase is the follicular phase. It lasts approximately two weeks. The first several days is marked by menstruation; the uterus is ridding itself of the endometrium when the ovum is not fertilized.
The second phase (postovulatory phase) occurs after ovulation and is marked by the thickening of the endometrium in preparation of receiving the next ovum. This phase lasts approximately 2 weeks.
Provide examples of how other body systems are effected during pregnancy.
The digestive system is effected because the fetus takes up more space in the abdominal cavity placing pressure on the stomach resulting in gastric reflux. Constipation can occur because of decreased intestinal motility. Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) occurs because of a rapid change in hormone levels.
Metabolism is effected as a result of needed caloric expenditure as the fetus grows.
Blood volume raises up to 30% as a result of fluid retention and hemopoiesis; cardiac output rises relative to blood volume.
Respiratory rate increases as a result of decreased breathing depth and the need to deliver more oxygen.
Urinary output increases as a result of pressure from the fetus on the bladder as well as an increase in glomarular filtration rate.
Why is it important to monitor fetal heart rate during childbirth and how do uterine contractions effect heart rate?
Heart rate is monitored to make sure the fetus is not under stress during labor. Uterine contractions, while needed to promote movement of the fetus into the birth canal, cause major stress on the fetus. While contracting, the uterus places so much pressure on the fetus that blood circulation is drastically diminished. Therefore, it is important for the uterus to relax so that blood flow can re-nourish the fetus via the placenta.
Fetal heart rate is vital sign that can be used to monitor cardiovascular effectiveness.
