Last Leg Flashcards
Which statement is true regarding the development of the reproductive structures?
o The vascular connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary is established by the second week of life.
o The genital tubercle is developed at week 17.
o Anterior pituitary development starts between the fourth and fifth weeks of fetal life.
o Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced at week 20.
o Anterior pituitary development starts between the fourth and fifth weeks of fetal life.
Anterior pituitary gland development starts between the fourth and fifth weeks of fetal life, and the vascular connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary is established by the twelfth week. GnRH is produced by the hypothalamus by 10 weeks’ gestation. The genital tubercle is developed during the first 7–8 weeks’ gestation.
Which factor has been linked with early pubertal development in girls?
o Decreased growth hormone
o Intense exercise
o Thin body habitus
o Presence of leptin
Presence of leptin
Although leptin is not the trigger for the onset of puberty, it plays an important permissive role. Girls who are obese may mature earlier, perhaps from higher estrogen levels related to leptin and gonadotropin secretion. Girls who have low body fat, reduced body weight, and who intensely exercise may experience delayed maturation. Decreased growth hormone has not been linked with early pubertal development.
Which is the appropriate term for sexual maturation?
o Adrenarche
o Gonadarche
o Adolescence
o Puberty
Puberty
Puberty is the onset of sexual maturation and differs from adolescence. Adolescence is the stage of development between childhood and adulthood. Adrenarche is the increased production of adrenal androgens, which occurs before puberty. Gonadarche refers to the maturation of the gonads.
Which is the appropriate term for sexual maturation?
o Adrenarche
o Gonadarche
o Adolescence
o Puberty
Puberty
Puberty is the onset of sexual maturation and differs from adolescence. Adolescence is the stage of development between childhood and adulthood. Adrenarche is the increased production of adrenal androgens, which occurs before puberty. Gonadarche refers to the maturation of the gonads.
In the female reproductive system, what is the appropriate term for the thin perforate membrane that generally covers the vaginal introitus?
o Labia majora
o Vulva
o Hymen
o Mons pubis
Hymen
The hymen is the thin perforate membrane that may cover the vaginal introitus. The mons pubis is a fatty layer of tissue over the pubic symphysis. The labia majora are the twofold of skin that arise at the mons pubis and extend back to the fourchette. The external female genitalia are collectively known as the vulva.
Which structure is susceptible to the oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV)?
o Parietal peritoneum
o Squamous-columnar junction
o Squamous epithelium
o Uterine myometrium
Squamous-columnar junction
The squamous-columnar junction, also known as the transitional zone between the cervix and the vagina, is the structure that is susceptible to the HPV virus (especially HPV, types 16 and 18) and where cervical dysplasia occurs. The parietal peritoneum or perimetrium is the outer serous membrane that covers the uterus. The myometrium is the uterine muscle that facilitates childbirth. Squamous epithelium lines the vagina.
Ovulation marks the beginning of which phase of menstruation?
o Menstruation
o Follicular or proliferative
o Luteal or secretory
o Ovulation
Luteal or secretory
The menstrual or ovarian cycle has a follicular or proliferative phase that lasts approximately 14 days and a luteal or secretory phase that lasts approximately 14 days. Ovulation occurs between the follicular and luteal phases, marking the beginning of the luteal or secretory phase. If implantation of the blastocyst does not occur in the late luteal phase, then menstruation (menses) occurs, also known as the ischemic or menstrual phase. The secretory phase is when the glands begin to secrete a thin glycogen-containing fluid.
Ovulation marks the beginning of which phase of menstruation?
o Menstruation
o Follicular or proliferative
o Luteal or secretory
o Ovulation
Luteal or secretory
The menstrual or ovarian cycle has a follicular or proliferative phase that lasts approximately 14 days and a luteal or secretory phase that lasts approximately 14 days. Ovulation occurs between the follicular and luteal phases, marking the beginning of the luteal or secretory phase. If implantation of the blastocyst does not occur in the late luteal phase, then menstruation (menses) occurs, also known as the ischemic or menstrual phase. The secretory phase is when the glands begin to secrete a thin glycogen-containing fluid.
Which hormone inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion?
o Inhibin
o Luteinizing hormone (LH)
o Activin
o GnRH
Inhibin
Activin stimulates the secretion of FSH, whereas inhibin inhibits the secretion of FSH. GnRH is produced in the hypothalamus by 10 weeks’ gestation and controls the production of two gonadotropins (FSH, LH). LH stimulates the ovary to release the ova and secrete progesterone.
Which structure is a firm, elastic fibromuscular tube found in the male reproductive system?
o Tunica dartos
o Epididymis
o Corpora cavernosa
o Vas deferens
Vas deferens
The vas deferens is a firm, elastic fibromuscular tube that begins at the tail of the epididymis, enters the pelvic cavity within the spermatic cord, loops up and over the bladder, and ends in the prostate gland. This structure has muscular layers that are capable of powerful peristalsis that transports sperm toward the urethra. The tunica dartos forms a septum that separates the two testes. The smooth muscle of the epididymis helps sperm move through the vasa deferentia. The corpora cavernosa is one of the compartments of the penis.
Which structure secretes a thin milky substance with an alkaline pH that helps sperm survive the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract?
o Cowper gland
o Seminal vesicles
o Prostate gland
o Seminiferous tubules
Prostate gland
The prostate gland secrets prostatic fluid, which is a thin, milky substance with an alkaline pH that helps sperm survive in the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract. The Cowper glands secrete mucus into the urethra near the base of the penis. Seminal vesicles provide fructose as a source of energy for ejaculated sperm and secrete prostaglandins that promote smooth muscle contraction assisting with sperm transport. Seminiferous tubules are where spermatids develop into sperm.
Which is the appropriate term for breast development?
o Gonadarche
o Puberty
o Thelarche
o Adrenarche
Thelarche
In girls, puberty begins at approximately ages 8–9 years with thelarche or breast development. Adrenarche is the increased production of adrenal androgens. Gonadarche is maturation of the gonads. Puberty is the process of change leading to reproductive maturation.
Which factors help maintain the self-cleansing action of the vagina? (Select all that apply.)
Low estrogen level
o Basic pH levels
o Acid-base balance that discourages the proliferation of most pathogenic bacteria
o Thickness of the vaginal epithelium
o Excess of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Acid-base balance that discourages the proliferation of most pathogenic bacteria
Thickness of the vaginal epithelium
Two factors help maintain the self-cleansing action of the vagina and defend it from infection: (1) an acid-base balance that discourages the proliferation of most pathogenic bacteria, and (2) the thickness of the vaginal epithelium. Both defenses are greatest when estrogen levels are high and the vagina contains a normal population of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a harmless resident bacterium that helps maintain pH at acidic levels.
Testosterone binds to which of the following? (select all that apply)
o Prolactin
o dihydrotestosterone
o sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
o albumin
sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
albumin
Ninety-eight percent of testosterone, the major steroid hormone produced by the testis, binds to either SHBG (40%) or albumin (48%). The remaining 2% remains unbound in the plasma and is free to enter cells and wield its metabolic effects. Prolactin helps maintain biosynthesis of testosterone. Peripheral conversion of testosterone produces DHT, another potent androgen. DHT is necessary for external virilization during embryogenesis and androgen activity beginning at puberty and continuing throughout adulthood.
Which clinical diagnosis is consistent with symptoms of painful menstruation in the absence of pelvic disease?
o Secondary dysmenorrhea
o Primary dysmenorrhea
o Secondary amenorrhea
o Primary amenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation; primary dysmenorrhea is due to the release of prostaglandins in ovulatory cycles. Secondary dysmenorrhea is related to pelvic pathologic conditions (e.g., ovarian cysts, endometriosis), which are expressed in later reproductive years and may occur any time in the menstrual cycle. Primary amenorrhea is failure of menarche by 14 years of age. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menarche for the equivalent of three cycles.
Which clinical diagnosis is associated with hirsutism, amenorrhea, and infertility?
o Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
o Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
o Primary amenorrhea
o Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Clinical manifestations of PCOS usually appear within 2 years of puberty and include dysfunctional bleeding or amenorrhea, hirsutism, acne, and infertility. PMS is the cyclic recurrence of distressing physical, psychologic, or behavioral changes that impair interpersonal relationships or interfere with usual activities. The clinical manifestations of PID vary from sudden, severe abdominal pain with fever to no symptoms at all. Primary amenorrhea is the continued absence of menarche and menstrual function by 14 years of age without the development of secondary sex characteristics or by 16 years of age if these changes have occurred.
Which is the correct term for a prolapse of a portion of the bladder into the vaginal canal?
o Uterine prolapse
o Rectocele
o Cystocele
o Urethrocele
Cystocele
Cystocele is descent of a portion of the posterior bladder wall and trigone into the vaginal canal and is usually caused by the trauma of childbirth. Uterine prolapse is the descent of the cervix or entire uterus into the vaginal canal. Urethrocele is a sagging urethra. A rectocele is the bulging of the rectum and posterior vaginal wall into the vaginal canal.
Which condition must be ruled out when identifying the cause of secondary amenorrhea?
o Abnormal thyroid function
o Irregular prolactin production
o Unknown pregnancy
o Pituitary gland dysfunction
Unknown pregnancy
The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy and should be ruled out as the cause of amenorrhea before any other evaluation or treatment is considered.
A patient presents with an inflammation of one of the ducts that lead from the introitus. What is the appropriate term for this condition?
o Vulvovestibulitis
o Cervicitis
o Vaginitis
o Bartholinitis
Bartholinitis
Bartholin glands are the ducts that lead from the vaginal opening. Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina itself. Inflammation of the cervix is generally termed cervicitis, while pathology in the vulval area is called vulvovestibulitis.
A patient presents with an inflammation of one of the ducts that lead from the introitus. What is the appropriate term for this condition?
o Vulvovestibulitis
o Cervicitis
o Vaginitis
o Bartholinitis
Bartholinitis
Bartholin glands are the ducts that lead from the vaginal opening. Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina itself. Inflammation of the cervix is generally termed cervicitis, while pathology in the vulval area is called vulvovestibulitis.
Which female is at greatest risk for developing a benign ovarian cyst?
o A 70-year-old diagnosed with a cystocele
o A 26-year-old with regular menstrual cycle
o A 48-year-old diagnosed as premenopausal
o A 13-year-old experiencing delayed puberty
A 48-year-old diagnosed as premenopausal
Benign cysts of the ovary may occur at any time during the life span, but an increase in benign ovarian cysts occurs when hormonal imbalances are more common, around puberty and menopause.
Which is the most important difference between proliferative and nonproliferative breast tissue changes?
o Nonproliferative breast lesions do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
o Genetic aberrations are more common in nonproliferative lesions.
o Cancer prognosis is better for nonproliferative breast tissue changes.
o Cancer resulting from nonproliferative breast lesions has a higher cure rate.
Nonproliferative breast lesions do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Nonproliferative breast lesions do not increase the risk of breast cancer. The remaining statements are not true of this type of breast tissue change.
Regarding uterine fibroids (leiomyomas), which statements are true? (Select all that apply.)
o Fibroids develop from cartilage.
o Fibroid complications can require hospitalization.
o Fibroid incidence decreases with menopause.
o Fibroids are most prevalent before the age 20 years.
o Fibroids are more common in white women.
Fibroid complications can require hospitalization.
Fibroid incidence decreases with menopause.
Leiomyomas, commonly called myomas or uterine fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors in the myometrium. They are the most common benign tumors of the uterus, affecting as many as 70% to 80% of all women; prevalence increases in women 30–50 years of age but decreases with menopause. Leiomyomas are more common in black and Asian women, and complications related to leiomyomas are the number one reason for gynecologic hospitalizations.
Which conditions represent nonproliferative changes in breast tissue? (Select all that apply.)
o Florid hyperplasia
o Interductal papillomas
o Mammary dysplasia
o Fibrocystic changes (FCCs)
o Cysts
Mammary dysplasia
Fibrocystic changes (FCCs)
Cysts
Nonproliferative breast lesions are generally not associated with an increased risk in breast cancer. FCCs or physiologic nodularity and cysts, fibrocystic disease, chronic cystic mastitis, and mammary dysplasia are nonproliferative lesions. Florid hyperplasia and intraductal papillomas (solitary papillomas that grow from the wall of a cyst into the lumen of the duct) are considered proliferative breast lesions.
Which factors are believed to increase the risk for developing cervical cancer? (Select all that apply.)
o Human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection
o Smoking
o Breast cancer
o Chlamydia trachomatis infection
o Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection
Smoking
Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Cervical cancer is now established as almost exclusively caused by the cervical HPV infection. Smoking, immunosuppression (HIV infection), and poor nutrition are cofactors. In addition, infection with Chlamydia trachomatis has been correlated with the risk for developing cervical cancer.
Regarding infertility, which statements are true? (Select all that apply.)
o Ovulatory factors account for 40% of female infertility.
o Infertility rates are declining.
o Age is a major factor in female fertility.
o Infertility affects 15% of couples trying to conceive.
o The man is the sole cause of the infertility in 50% of cases.
Ovulatory factors account for 40% of female infertility.
Age is a major factor in female fertility.
Infertility affects 15% of couples trying to conceive.
Infertility affects approximately 15% of all couples and is defined as the inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse with the same, opposite-sex partner. Age is a major factor in female fertility, as the regularity of ovulation and the quality of ova decrease with age. Ovulatory factors account for 40% of female infertility. The rate of infertility may be increasing because of an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. The man is the sole cause of the infertility in 40% of cases.
What is the most common cause of a urethral stricture in a man?
o Indwelling catheter use
o Congenital defect
o Prostatitis
o Carcinoma
Indwelling catheter use
A urethral stricture is a fibrotic narrowing of the urethra caused by scarring. The scars may be congenital but are more likely to result from trauma or from untreated or severe urethral infections, most often from long-term use of indwelling urinary catheters. Prostatitis and infection are common complications of urethral stricture. Urethral carcinoma is a less common cause of urethral stricture.
What is the medical term for the inflammation of the glans penis?
o Paraphimosis
o Phimosis
o Priapism
o Balanitis
Balanitis
Inflammation of the glans penis is called balanitis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be retracted. Paraphimosis is the condition when the foreskin is retracted and cannot be reduced. Priapism is a prolonged erection.
What is the medical term for abnormal dilation of the veins in the spermatic cord?
o Varicocele
o Hydrocele
o Spermatocele
o Cryptorchidism
Varicocele
Abnormal dilation of a vein within the spermatic cord is called varicocele and is classically described as a “bag of worms.” A hydrocele is a collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis. Spermatoceles (epididymal cysts) are benign cystic collections of fluid of the epididymis located between the head of the epididymis and the testis. Cryptorchidism is a condition of testicular maldescent.
Which statement is true regarding benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
o BPH is an uncommon condition.
o The prostate is largest at birth and continues to shrink.
o Ten percent of men will have BPH by the 80 years of age.
o BPH may be problematic if urethral compression occurs.
BPH may be problematic if urethral compression occurs.
BPH is a common condition and may become a problem if compression of the urethra occurs. The prevalence among US men who are 60 years of age and older is approximately 50%; among men 70 years of age and older, the prevalence is 90%. The prostate increases in size throughout life and is the smallest at birth.
A man reports an abnormal curvature of his penis. He states it has been getting worse since puberty and that intercourse is painful. These symptoms support which diagnosis?
o Orchitis
o Paraphimosis
o Phimosis
o Peyronie disease
Peyronie disease
Peyronie disease is a fibrotic condition that causes lateral curvature of the penis during erection and is associated with painful erection, painful intercourse (for both partners), and poor erection distal to the involved area. It develops slowly and usually affects middle-aged men. Orchitis is inflammation of the testes. Phimosis and paraphimosis are problems with the foreskin.
A man reports unilateral pain in his scrotum. He has a red and swollen area on his scrotum. Which is the most likely cause of his pain?
o Epididymitis
o Balanitis
o Paraphimosis
o Testicular cancer
Epididymitis
Pain is the main symptom of epididymitis. Pyuria or bacteriuria and urinary symptoms may be present. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans penis, and paraphimosis is the inability to move the foreskin forward (reduce) to cover the glans. Signs of testicular cancer include abnormal consistency, induration, nodularity, or an irregularity of a testis. A firm, nontender testicular mass or diffuse enlargement is found in the majority of cases.
Which statements are true regarding torsion of a testis? (Select all that apply.)
o Torsion of a testis is most common in middle-aged men.
o Thickened spermatic cord is evident.
o High-riding testis may be noted.
o Relief is not obtained with the elevation of the scrotum.
o Torsion of a testis is a benign condition.
Thickened spermatic cord is evident.
High-riding testis may be noted.
Relief is not obtained with the elevation of the scrotum.
Torsion of a testis is the rotation of a testis, which twists blood vessels in the spermatic cord. This condition causes vascular engorgement and ischemia, resulting in scrotal pain not relieved by scrotal elevation (Prehn sign). On physical examination, men have a tender, high-riding testis, a thickened spermatic cord, and an absent cremasteric reflex. Torsion of a testis is a surgical emergency, and surgery must be performed within 6 hours if it cannot be untwisted with manual manipulation. This event is most common among neonates and pubertal adolescents, but it can occur at any age.
What conditions are associated with orchitis? (Select all that apply.)
o Systemic infection
o Prepubertal boys
o Epididymitis
o Mumps
o Testicular torsion
Systemic infection
Epididymitis
Mumps
Orchitis is an acute infection of the testes and is uncommon except as a complication of a systemic infection or as an extension of an associated epididymitis. Mumps is the most common infectious cause of orchitis and usually affects postpubertal males. Testicular torsion is the rotation of a testis, which twists blood vessels in the spermatic cord.
Sexual dysfunction involves impairment of which functions in males? (Select all that apply.)
o Ejaculation
o Emission
o Erection
o Spermatogenesis
Ejaculation
Emission
Erection
In men, the normal sexual response involves three processes: erection, emission, and ejaculation. Sexual dysfunction is the impairment of any or all of these processes. Impairment can be caused by a number of physiologic and psychologic factors. Spermatogenesis is the development of sperm by the testes.
Which statements are true regarding gynecomastia? (Select all that apply.)
o Gynecomastia affects less than 3% of the male population.
o Incidence of gynecomastia is greatest among adolescents and older men.
o Gynecomastia usually involves an imbalance of the estrogen/testosterone ratio.
o Gynecomastia may begin as a palpable mass anywhere on the chest.
Incidence of gynecomastia is greatest among adolescents and older men.
Gynecomastia usually involves an imbalance of the estrogen/testosterone ratio.
Gynecomastia is breast enlargement that results in a firm, palpable mass, at least 2 cm in diameter located beneath the areola. It has an incidence of 32% to 40% and is most common in adolescents or men older than 50 years of age. Gynecomastia is caused by hormonal or breast tissue alterations that cause estrogen to dominate. These alterations can result from systemic disorders, drugs, neoplasms, or idiopathic causes. Gynecomastia usually involves an imbalance of the estrogen/testosterone ratio.