Module 3: Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
define sexual anatomy
external and internal genital sex organs
list the major functions of the female genitalia
- produce ova
- produce estrogen and progesterone
- provide for the reception of sperm, movement of sperm, and the site of fertilization
- provide a location for fetal development
- carry out the birth process
- provide sexual pleasure
define sexual physiology
vascular, hormonal, and central nervous system processes involved in genital functioning
list the anatomical features of the breast
- pectoralis (chest) muscle
- stroma
- lobes of the mammary glands
- lactiferous ducts
- lactiferous sinuses
what is the function of the pectoralis muscle in the breast
where breast tissue anchors to the body
why do women have less defined pectoralis muscles
- women have less testosterone
- testosterone contributes to the development of muscles
what are the components of the stroma in the breast
- suspensory ligaments
- adipose tissue
what is the function of suspensory ligaments in the breast
- anchor breast tissue to the pectoralis muscle and the body
- hold mammary tissue in place
what is the function of the stroma in the breast
give the breast shape
what part of the breast makes up the majority of breast tissue
stroma
what is the function of the lobes of the mammary glands
produce milk
what is the function of the lactiferous ducts
carry milk from the lobes of the mammary glands to the lactiferous sinuses
what is the function of the lactiferous sinuses
where milk is stored until expressed (breastfeeding/pumping)
what hormone promotes milk production
prolactin
what hormone promotes the excretion of milk
oxytocin
describe the nipple
- made of erectile tissue
- can vasocongest when aroused
- erogenous zone: can be pleasurable when stimulated
what are three situations where the nipple will vasocongest
- breastfeeding
- arousal
- cold
where are breast implants placed
under the pectoralis muscle
what happens to the breast during a breast reduction
- removal of adipose tissue and skin
- the nipple is shifted upwards
define gynecomastia
male breast tissue growth
what are the causes of gynecomastia
low testosterone (aging, anabolic steroid injections)
what is the purpose of bras
distribute the weight of bras across the shoulders and away from the back
describe why long-term usage of sports bras can be dangerous
- sports bras are compression garments
- will compress structures surrounding the breast including the lymphatic system
- lymph can get back up and create cysts
list the anatomical features of the vulva
- mons veneris
- labia majora
- labia minora
- clitoris
- vaginal opening
- urethral opening
what does mons mean
mountain
what does veneris mean
venus/love
what does pubis mean
to become covered with hair
who do the terms mons veneris and mons pubis refer to
- mons veneris: female
- mons pubis: unisex
describe the mons veneris
- fat pad above the pubic bone for protection and cushioning
- area covered with the most pubic hair to reduce friction
should you remove pubic hair
removal of pubic hair is entirely a personal choice
what does labia mean
lips
what does majora mean
large/major
what does minora mean
small/minor
describe the labia majora
- outermost lips
- typically join in the center when standing
- encloses sensitive structures of the vulva for protection
describe the labia minora
- innermost lips
- below the clitoris and above the urethral opening
- may extend beyond the labia majora, may be unsymmetrical
- additional layer of protection for the urethral and vaginal openings
where is the clitoris located
- just below the labia majora
- under the clitoral hood
what covered the clitoris when unaroused and why
- clitoral hood
- protection
what is the function of the clitoris
pleasure
describe the innervation of the clitoris
- contains millions of nerves
- most densely packed site of nerves on the female body
describe what happens to the clitoris and the clitoral hood when aroused
- both vasocongest (fill with blood)
- clitoris doubles in size
- clitoral hood retracts to reveal more surface of the clitoris
what are the analogous structures in men for the clitoris and the clitoral hood
- clitoris analogous to the head of the penis
- clitoral hood analogous to the foreskin
what is the size of the clitoris when unaroused and aroused
- unaroused: 1/2 inch
- aroused: 1-2 inches
describe the entire structure of the clitoris
- external portion is small under the clitoral hood
- internal portion is much larger, wishbone shape extending around the vagina
what percent of women need clitoral stimulation to orgasm
70%
describe the vaginal opening
- located under the urethral opening
- may be covered by the hymen
- opens to the vagina
- where period blood exits and a penis may enter
describe the urethral opening
- above the vaginal opening
- where urine is expelled
why are UTIs more common in women than men
- the urethral opening is located in a dark, moist, and warm environment
- perfect place for bacterial growth
why are bladder infections more common in women
- the female urethra is short than the male urethra
- bacteria will have a shorter distance to travel to get to the bladder
what is the best way to prevent UTIs
proper hygiene
list ways to prevent UTIs
- wash the vulva with soap and water
- pee after sex, masturbation, or a bath
- 100% cranberry juice (or supplement) everyday
- wear breathable underwear (cotton)
describe why peeing after sex or a bath can prevent UTIs
the acidic urine will flush bacteria out of the urethra and kill them
how does drinking cranberry juice prevent UTIs
cranberry juice may lower the pH (make more acidic) of urine
describe the hymen
- tissue surrounding the vaginal opening
- is considered external because it can be visualized with an external exam
- vascularized and innervated
what is the function of the hymen
there is no function
what are the only two species with a hymen
- humans
- horses
what is the only purpose of the hymen in human society
cultural and social association with virginity
describe why rupture of the hymen may bleed and be painful
the hymen is highly vascularized and innervated