Gyne Flashcards
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Secreted by hypothalamus and controls the ovarian and menstrual cycle; stimulates the release of LH and FSH from anterior pituitary gland
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Responsible for development of ovarian follicles
Works with LH to stimulate estrogen secretion from ovarian follicles
Estrogen
Promotes development/maintenance of female reproductive organs
Building of strong bones
Lowers blood cholesterol levels
Causes basal body temp 0.3 degrees lower than luteal phase
Works with progesterone to prepare and maintain endometrium lining
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Works with FSH to stimulate secretion of estrogen from ovarian follicles
Surges on ovulation day to rupture follicle
Develops corpus luteum, which produces progesterone
Stimulates production of testosterone
Progesterone
Secreted by corpus luteum
Works with estrogen to prepare and maintain endometrium lining and mammary glands for milk production
High levels during luteal phase
Dilates blood vessels during pregnancy to support large increase of circulating blood
Decreases airway resistance
Relaxin
Produced by placenta when pregnant, corpus luteum when not
Inhibits contraction of uterine smooth muscle (allows for implantation)
Increases during labour resulting in flexibility of pubs symphasis and dilates uterine cervix
Generalized relaxing of ligamentous system
Testosterone
Maintenance of accessory glands and male productive organs
Bone and muscle growth
Maintaining libido
Facial hair, increased muscle mass and body size
Ovarian cycle
Series of events in ovaries during and after maturation of an egg
Follicular phase (ovarian cycle)
Egg follicle on an ovary gets ready to release an egg and new endometrium layer starts growing
Days 1-13; first day of menstruation to ovulation
High estrogen decreases basal body temperature 0.3 degree
Luteal phase (ovarian cycle)
Starts on ovulation day when the egg is released
Day 14-28; ovulation to menstruation
Menstrual cycle
Decline in progesterone and estrogen stimulates the release of prostaglandins, causing uterine spiral arterioles to constrict, depriving the area of oxygen
Shedding and fluid loss of 25-65 ml
Day 1-5; in sync with follicular phase
Proliferative phase (menstrual cycle)
Dominant follicle emerges and estrogen causes endometrium to thicken with blood
Surge of LH at 14 days stimulates ovulation to take place
Increased estrogen and FSH cause ovary to reach maturity and rupture, discharging the egg into the abdominal cavity
Day 6-13; in sync with follicular phase
Secretory phase (menstrual cycle)
LH causes rupture follicle to develop into corpus luteum, producing progesterone during second half of the cycle
If fertilized, corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone until placenta takes over
If not fertilized, corpus luteum will atrophy in 3 days prior to the start of the menstrual phase
Days 15-28
Perineum
Muscular tissue separating vagina and anus
Supports internal pelvic organs
Stretches and may tear during delivery (episiotomy as prevention)
Menorrhagia
Excessive menstrual bleeding
Amenorrhea
Absence of menses
Mittelschmerz
Abdominal pain and cramping during ovulation
Menarche
Onset of first menses
Layers of Fallopian tube
Internal mucosa (inner layer) - contains secretory cells and ciliated columnar cells to move ovum along and provide nutrition to ovum
Muscularis (middle layer) - smooth muscle that contracts to move ovum through the tube to the uterus
Serosa (outer layer) - consists of a serous membrane that protects the tubes
Layers of the uterus
Perimetrium - outer protective layer
Myometrium (middle layer) - three layers of muscle fibres to help expel child during birth
Endometrium (inner layer) - mucous membrane with two layers
- Stratum functionalis - inner most layer that sheds during menstruation
- Stratum basalis - permanent and makes new stratum functionalis following menstruation
Effects of decreased estrogen following menopause
Increased risk for osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and weight gain
Atrophy of genitourinary organs (increased urinary frequency, nocturia, incontinence)
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings
Function of female reproductive system:
- Produces sex hormones and functional gametes
- Protects and supports developing embryo
- Maintains growing fetus
- Nourishes newborn
Mons pubis
Fatty layer of tissue over pubic symphasis and cushion during intercourse
Labia
Protects vagina/urethra
Majora (lateral), and minora (medial)
Highly vascular, many nerves, and lubricating glands
Vestibule
Protected by labia minor
Contains urethral opening and vaginal orifice
Contains hymen
Functions of vagina
- Organ of copulation
- Birth canal
- Outlet for menstrual blood
Function of ovaries
- Hormones (estrogen, progesterone) in response to FSH and LH
- Development and release of the eggs
- Secretion of inhibin - feedback control of pituitary gland
Eggs produced in the cortex
Function of mammary glands
- Nourishment for developing infant
2. Milk production (lactation), controlled by hormones
Testes
Produce hormones responsible for sexual maturation and sperm cells (100-200 million/day)
Lay within scrotum, which is 2-3 degrees cooler than abdominal temperature
Epididymis
Where sperm cells from testes are stored, then channeled into vas (ductus) deferents
Vas (ductus) deferens
Duct that carries sperm to urethra for ejaculation
Passes through opening in inguinal ligament/canal where testicular blood supply also runs
Prostate gland
Source of fluid that combines with sperm to form semen (20-30%)
Surrounds urethra; when enlarged can block or reduce urine flow (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Seminal glands
Mixing with fluid is the first step in capacitation; functional sperm start beating their tails (flagella)
60% of semen volume
Bulbo urethral gland
Sits at base of penis and lubricates tip
Secretes thick alkaline mucus that helps neutralize urinary acids
