female reproductive system Flashcards
purpose and function of female reproductive system
continue the species
labium majora
outer folds of skin that cover and protect the genital region in women
labium minora
Thin membranous folds of skin outside
the vaginal opening.
clitoris
Short shaft with a sensitive tip located
where the labia minora meet.
Consists of erectile tissue.
Important in female sexual arousal
perineum
Area in females between the base of the
vaginal opening and anus.
vulva
Collective term for external genitals in
women.
vagina
Tubular organ.
Site of sperm deposition.
Also serves as the birth canal
vagina opening (introitus)
External opening to the vagina.
cervix
Lower neck of the uterus.
Opens into the vagina.
uterus
Organ that houses and nourishes the
developing embryo and fetus.
Aka: Womb.
Organ in which the fertilized egg implants.
fallopian tubes
Tubes connecting ovaries to uterus.
Aka: Oviducts, uterine tubes.
ovary
Endocrine glands.
Secrete estrogen and progesterone
Produce female gametes (sex cells).
dysmenorrhea
Menstrual pain.
May be due to growths, anaemia, fatigue, diabetes, tuberculosis.
Treated with estrogen (treats pain and may regulate irregular periods).
metrorrhagia
Irregular uterine bleeding b/t periods, or after menopause.
May be due to hormonal imbalance, benign or malignant uterine tumours.
Tx: Hormone replacement, treat underlying disease.
menorrhagia (hypermenorrhea)
Profuse or prolonged bleeding during a regular period.
Due to hormonal imbalance, inflammatory diseases, fibroids, tumours, emotional disturbances.
Tx: Hormone balancing, treat underlying cause.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
S&S: headache, fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, depression, crying spells, water retention, and more.
Several days before menses to short time after.
Hormone related.
Tx: Regulate hormones, medication, exercise, reduce caffeine, salt, alcohol, nicotine.
endometriosis
Presence of endometrial tissue outside uterus.
Idiopathic cause.
Like normal endometrial tissue, it responds to hormonal fluctuation.
Can cause pain, infertility and other health problem.
Tx: Suppress menstruation, surgery.
PID- pelvic inflammatory disease
General term for inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, adjacent pelvic structures.
Caused by bacterial infection, STIs.
Leads to scarring, infertility, possible septicaemia and death.
vaginitis
Usually vagina is resistant to infection due to acidity of vaginal secretions.
Localized infections and inflammation may occur.
Due to viruses, bacteria, yeast.
Many S&S: painful intercourse, itching, foul-smelling discharge, urethritis.
candidiasis
form of vaginitis
Caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast (fungus).
Due to steroid therapy, diabetes, pregnancy, antibiotics; anything disrupting normal flora.
S&S: Burning, itching, discharge.
Tx: Antifungal agents (mycostatics).
trichomoiasis
form of vaginitis
Caused by protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.
Affects both men and women.
Transmitted sexually.
S&S: Vaginitis, urethritis, cystitis, frothy yellow-green discharge, painful intercourse, genital irritation, itching.
Tx: Antiparasitic agents, antibiotics.
uterine fibroids
Benign uterine tumours.
Composed: Muscle & fibrous tissue.
S&S: Asymptomatic; menorrhagia, backache, constipation, urinary symptoms, metrorrhagia, sterility.
Tx: Dependent size/location; myomectomy, hysterectomy
breast cancer
Most common type of cancer in women.
Associated with ovarian hormonal function.
Increased risk: High fat diet, family Hx, HRT, nulliparous women, early menarche,smoking.
Early Detection: Monthly SBE, mammography after 40.
Tx: Surgery, chemo, radiation.
cervical cancer
Most commonly affects women 40-49.
Increased risk: HPV, first coitus at early age, large # sex partners, frequent intercourse with men whose previous partners had cervical cancer.
Early Detection: Pap test.
Tx: Surgery, chemo, radiation.
pap smear
cells are scraped from the cervisand examined under a microscope to check forc cancer or other problems
