Module 3: Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

1
Q

define sexual anatomy

A

external and internal genital sex organs

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2
Q

list the major functions of the female genitalia

A
  • 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
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3
Q

define sexual physiology

A

vascular, hormonal, and central nervous system processes involved in genital functioning

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4
Q

list the anatomical features of the breast

A
  • pectoralis (chest) muscle
  • stroma
  • lobes of the mammary glands
  • lactiferous ducts
  • lactiferous sinuses
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5
Q

what is the function of the pectoralis muscle in the breast

A

where breast tissue anchors to the body

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6
Q

why do women have less defined pectoralis muscles

A
  • women have less testosterone
  • testosterone contributes to the development of muscles
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7
Q

what are the components of the stroma in the breast

A
  • suspensory ligaments
  • adipose tissue
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8
Q

what is the function of suspensory ligaments in the breast

A
  • anchor breast tissue to the pectoralis muscle and the body
  • hold mammary tissue in place
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9
Q

what is the function of the stroma in the breast

A

give the breast shape

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10
Q

what part of the breast makes up the majority of breast tissue

A

stroma

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11
Q

what is the function of the lobes of the mammary glands

A

produce milk

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12
Q

what is the function of the lactiferous ducts

A

carry milk from the lobes of the mammary glands to the lactiferous sinuses

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13
Q

what is the function of the lactiferous sinuses

A

where milk is stored until expressed (breastfeeding/pumping)

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14
Q

what hormone promotes milk production

A

prolactin

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15
Q

what hormone promotes the excretion of milk

A

oxytocin

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16
Q

describe the nipple

A
  • made of erectile tissue
  • can vasocongest when aroused
  • erogenous zone: can be pleasurable when stimulated
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17
Q

what are three situations where the nipple will vasocongest

A
  • breastfeeding
  • arousal
  • cold
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18
Q

where are breast implants placed

A

under the pectoralis muscle

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19
Q

what happens to the breast during a breast reduction

A
  • removal of adipose tissue and skin
  • the nipple is shifted upwards
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20
Q

define gynecomastia

A

male breast tissue growth

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21
Q

what are the causes of gynecomastia

A

low testosterone (aging, anabolic steroid injections)

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22
Q

what is the purpose of bras

A

distribute the weight of bras across the shoulders and away from the back

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23
Q

describe why long-term usage of sports bras can be dangerous

A
  • sports bras are compression garments
  • will compress structures surrounding the breast including the lymphatic system
  • lymph can get back up and create cysts
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24
Q

list the anatomical features of the vulva

A
  • mons veneris
  • labia majora
  • labia minora
  • clitoris
  • vaginal opening
  • urethral opening
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25
Q

what does mons mean

A

mountain

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26
Q

what does veneris mean

A

venus/love

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27
Q

what does pubis mean

A

to become covered with hair

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28
Q

who do the terms mons veneris and mons pubis refer to

A
  • mons veneris: female
  • mons pubis: unisex
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29
Q

describe the mons veneris

A
  • fat pad above the pubic bone for protection and cushioning
  • area covered with the most pubic hair to reduce friction
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30
Q

should you remove pubic hair

A

removal of pubic hair is entirely a personal choice

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31
Q

what does labia mean

A

lips

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32
Q

what does majora mean

A

large/major

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33
Q

what does minora mean

A

small/minor

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34
Q

describe the labia majora

A
  • outermost lips
  • typically join in the center when standing
  • encloses sensitive structures of the vulva for protection
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35
Q

describe the labia minora

A
  • 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
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36
Q

where is the clitoris located

A
  • just below the labia majora
  • under the clitoral hood
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37
Q

what covered the clitoris when unaroused and why

A
  • clitoral hood
  • protection
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38
Q

what is the function of the clitoris

A

pleasure

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39
Q

describe the innervation of the clitoris

A
  • contains millions of nerves
  • most densely packed site of nerves on the female body
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40
Q

describe what happens to the clitoris and the clitoral hood when aroused

A
  • both vasocongest (fill with blood)
  • clitoris doubles in size
  • clitoral hood retracts to reveal more surface of the clitoris
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41
Q

what are the analogous structures in men for the clitoris and the clitoral hood

A
  • clitoris analogous to the head of the penis
  • clitoral hood analogous to the foreskin
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42
Q

what is the size of the clitoris when unaroused and aroused

A
  • unaroused: 1/2 inch
  • aroused: 1-2 inches
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43
Q

describe the entire structure of the clitoris

A
  • external portion is small under the clitoral hood
  • internal portion is much larger, wishbone shape extending around the vagina
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44
Q

what percent of women need clitoral stimulation to orgasm

A

70%

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45
Q

describe the vaginal opening

A
  • located under the urethral opening
  • may be covered by the hymen
  • opens to the vagina
  • where period blood exits and a penis may enter
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46
Q

describe the urethral opening

A
  • above the vaginal opening
  • where urine is expelled
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47
Q

why are UTIs more common in women than men

A
  • the urethral opening is located in a dark, moist, and warm environment
  • perfect place for bacterial growth
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48
Q

why are bladder infections more common in women

A
  • the female urethra is short than the male urethra
  • bacteria will have a shorter distance to travel to get to the bladder
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49
Q

what is the best way to prevent UTIs

A

proper hygiene

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50
Q

list ways to prevent UTIs

A
  • wash the vulva with soap and water
  • pee after sex, masturbation, or a bath
  • 100% cranberry juice (or supplement) everyday
  • wear breathable underwear (cotton)
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51
Q

describe why peeing after sex or a bath can prevent UTIs

A

the acidic urine will flush bacteria out of the urethra and kill them

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52
Q

how does drinking cranberry juice prevent UTIs

A

cranberry juice may lower the pH (make more acidic) of urine

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53
Q

describe the hymen

A
  • tissue surrounding the vaginal opening
  • is considered external because it can be visualized with an external exam
  • vascularized and innervated
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54
Q

what is the function of the hymen

A

there is no function

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55
Q

what are the only two species with a hymen

A
  • humans
  • horses
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56
Q

what is the only purpose of the hymen in human society

A

cultural and social association with virginity

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57
Q

describe why rupture of the hymen may bleed and be painful

A

the hymen is highly vascularized and innervated

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58
Q

does the hymen regenerate after rupture

A

no

59
Q

describe the vestibular bulb

A
  • erectile tissue that lines the outside of the vaginal opening
  • vasocongests during arousal, making the vaginal opening slightly smaller
60
Q

what is the purpose of the vestibular bulb congesting and making the vaginal opening smaller during arousal

A

it increases pressure and friction on the penis which increases pleasure

61
Q

what is the technical name for the G spot

A

grafenberg spot

62
Q

where is the g spot located

A
  • 1-2 inches inside the vagina
  • on the anterior surface of the vagina
63
Q

describe how the g spot differs from the rest of the vagina

A
  • is more sensitive
  • has a different texture (more firm)
64
Q

is the perineum part of the vulva

A
  • no
  • not a reproductive organ
65
Q

describe the perineum

A
  • tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus
  • 1-2 inches in length in females, longer in men (from scrotum to anus)
66
Q

what anatomical structures are in female internal genitalia

A
  • vagina
  • cervix
  • uterus
  • fallopian tubes
  • ovaries
67
Q

describe the vagina

A

a hollow, muscular, and tube-shaped organ

68
Q

how long is the vagina when unaroused and aroused

A
  • unaroused: 3-4 inches
  • aroused 7-8 inches
69
Q

describe how the vagina doubles in length during arousal

A

suspensory ligaments at the top of the uterus contract during arousal which lengthens the vagina

70
Q

describe the cervix

A
  • lowest portion of the uterus
  • stops things from entering the uterus
  • usually stays tightly closed
71
Q

what are the 3 times where the cervix will dilate

A
  • childbirth: dilation up to 10 cm
  • period: very small dilation to let blood and tissue through
  • orgasm: very small dilation to let sperm through
72
Q

describe the texture of the cervix

A

similar to the texture of the tip of the nose

73
Q

when would the texture of the cervix be different than normal

A
  • cervical cancer or other abnormality
  • during labor: thinning and effacement
74
Q

describe the uterus

A
  • hollow and muscular organ
  • size of a loose fist
  • consists of the perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium
75
Q

describe the endometrium

A
  • innermost surface of the uterus
  • thickens during the menstrual cycle
  • sheds blood and tissue during a period
  • supports a fetus when pregnant
76
Q

what helps to form the placenta

A
  • endometrium
  • embryo
77
Q

describe the myometrium

A
  • the middle layer of the uterus
  • long muscle fibers
  • responsible for contractions (period cramps, labor)
78
Q

describe the perimetrium

A

outermost superficial later of the uterus

79
Q

describe endometriosis

A

endometrium forming outside of the uterus

80
Q

what are treatments for endometriosis

A
  • birth control (stops endometrium from growing)
  • surgical removal of endometrium or uterus
81
Q

describe the fundus of the uterus

A
  • uppermost and widest portion of the uterus
  • where the fallopian tubes attach to the uterus
82
Q

what are the three ligaments attached to the uterus

A
  • suspensory
  • round
  • broad
83
Q

what is the function of suspensory ligaments in the uterus

A

make the uterus move up

84
Q

what is the function of round ligaments in the uterus

A

anchors the uterus in place in the body

85
Q

what is the function of broad ligaments in the uterus

A
  • holds the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in place
  • prevents uterus from rotating
86
Q

how many periods will a women have in her lifetime

A

475

87
Q

what is the function of cilia in fallopian tubes

A

help to move the egg towards the uterus

88
Q

what is the site of fertilization

A

fallopian tubes

89
Q

how long does it take the egg to reach the uterus

A

a couple days

90
Q

are the fallopian tubes and ovaries connected

A

no

91
Q

describe the diameter of fallopian tubes

A

diameter of a spaghetti noodle

92
Q

where is a common place for ectopic pregnancies to implant and why is this not viable

A
  • fallopian tubes
  • has no endometrium, fallopian tubes are not meant to stretch and may rupture
93
Q

describe the size of an ovary

A

size of an almond

94
Q

what are the 2 main functions of the ovaries

A
  • produce ova
  • produce female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone)
95
Q

what does estrogen and progesterone do

A
  • both: develop secondary sex characteristics
  • estrogen: stimulates growth of uterine lining
  • progesterone: stimulates follicles of ovary to grow/develop
96
Q

describe estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle

A
  • low estrogen and progesterone after period
  • estrogen and progesterone slowly start to climb following period
  • peak estrogen and progesterone right before period
97
Q

explain one reason why progesterone climbs following ovulation

A

the egg begins to secrete its own progesterone once ovulated

98
Q

how many eggs does a women have when born

A
  • all eggs she will have for her lifetime
  • millions of eggs
99
Q

describe the process of egg maturation and release

A
  • eggs grows within a fluid filled cyst in the ovary
  • cyst ruptures and the egg is released into the pelvic region
  • fimbriae on the distal ends of fallopian tubes sweep around and collect the egg
100
Q

how many eggs are released during each month/cycle

A

1000 eggs

101
Q

define follicular attrition

A
  • an egg follicle failing to develop
  • happens many times during each month/cycle
102
Q

what happens to eggs that fail to develop (follicular attrition) during ovulation

A

they are reabsorbed by the body

103
Q

how long are mature eggs viable for after release

A

24 hours

104
Q

why do you need to move to the edge of the exam table during a well woman exam

A

tilts the pelvis for better visualization

105
Q

how long does a well woman exam usually take

A

5 minutes

106
Q

what might make a well woman exam take longer than 5 minutes

A

if you have a tilted uterus

107
Q

list three different types of pelvic examinations

A
  • external exam
  • speculum exam
  • bimanual exam
108
Q

describe an external pelvic exam

A
  • visual exam
  • ensure that reproductive organs look normal in size, shape, and location
109
Q

describe a speculum pelvic exam

A
  • internal exam
  • observe for organ normalcy
  • speculum is inserted into the vagina to open the vaginal walls
110
Q

what is visualized during a speculum exam

A
  • cervix
  • vaginal walls
111
Q

what material did speculums used to be made of and what are the made of now

A
  • used to be metal
  • are now single use disposable plastic
112
Q

what is the advantage to single use disposable speculums

A
  • no cleaning required
  • allows clinician to visualize the vaginal walls
113
Q

what is the purpose of a pap smear

A

obtain cervical cells to check for cervical cancer

114
Q

what instrument is used to collect cervical cells during a pap smear

A

brush or ayre spatula

115
Q

where are cervical cells collected from

A
  • external cervix
  • cervical os
116
Q

define cervical dysplasia

A
  • abnormal cervical cells
  • precancerous cells
117
Q

is a pap smear a screening or diagnostic tool

A

screening

118
Q

what procedure is done to diagnose cervical cancer

A

colposcopy

119
Q

what causes cervical cancer

A

HPV

120
Q

how often should you get a pap smear if you are sexually active

A

every year

121
Q

when should you get your first pap smear

A
  • 21 if sexually active
  • 25 if not sexually active
  • earlier if you are experiencing problems
122
Q

describe a bimanual pelvic exam

A
  • to feel for abnormalities in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus
  • internal organ normalcy
  • palpation based
  • two fingers of one hand placed inside the vagina pushing upwards, one hand placed above the pubic bone pushing down
123
Q

what should you feel in a normal bimanual exam

A
  • not much
  • nothing should feel hard or protruding
124
Q

is a bimanual exam a screening or diagnostic tool

A

screening

125
Q

what is used as a diagnostic tool for internal organ normalcy

A

ultrasound

126
Q

who created the female sexual response cycle

A

masters and johnson

127
Q

when did masters and johnson create the female sexual response cycle

A

research in the 1950s

128
Q

what are the 4 phases of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • excitement
  • plateau
  • orgasm
  • resolution
129
Q

does the resolution phase take more or less time if there is no orgasm

A

takes more time

130
Q

describe the excitement phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • arousal
  • body preparing for sex
131
Q

what are the physical changes that occur during the excitement phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • vaginal lubrication begins within 10-15 seconds of stimulation
  • labia majora and minora darken as they vasocongest
  • clitoris engorges with blood and increases in size and length
  • uterus and cervix pull away from the vagina as suspensory ligaments contract
  • breasts swell and nipples become erect and more sensitive
  • sex flush
132
Q

describe the vaginal lubrication that is excreted during the excitement phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • clear and slippery
  • important for insertion and a vessel for sperm
133
Q

describe sex flush

A
  • blood moving to surface tissues
  • darkening of the skin
  • often starts in the chest area
134
Q

describe the plateau phase of the female sexual response cycle

A

preparing for orgasm

135
Q

what are the physical changes that occur during the plateau phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • vagina continues to expand/elongate
  • uterus elevates into the abdomen via suspensory ligaments
  • secretions occur from the Bartholin’s glands
  • breasts continue to enlarge
  • sex flush may continue to spread
136
Q

describe the vaginal lubrication that is excreted during the plateau phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • from Bartholin’s glands
  • mucus along the sides of the vaginal canal
  • lubrication and vessel for sperm
  • more opaque
  • slippery
137
Q

what are the physical changes that occur during the orgasm phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • rhythmic contractions of the uterine walls (3-15)
  • involuntary muscle spasms in the hands, back, etc.
  • vasocongestion and myotonia (muscle tension) release as blood leaves the tissue
  • respiration and heart rate increase
  • blood pressure increases
  • phenylethylamine (PEA) and oxytocin are released
138
Q

how many uterine contractions make up an orgasm and which are the most intense

A
  • 3-15 total contractions
  • the first 3-6 are the most intense
139
Q

what is the purpose of phenylethylamine (PEA) and oxytocin being released during orgasm

A
  • feel good chemicals
  • makes you feel good
140
Q

what are the physical changes that occur during the resolution phase of the female sexual response cycle

A
  • vasocongestion and myotonia dissipate rapidly
  • uterus returns to unaroused state as suspensory ligaments relax
  • labia majora and minora return to their normal size and shape
  • swelling of breasts disappears
141
Q

why are arousal states longer for women than men

A

women need more time for vaginal lubrication to be made and secreted

142
Q

why is the resolution phase longer for women than men

A
  • more structures vasocongest in women during arousal
  • it takes longer for all the blood to leave these structures
143
Q

define refractory period

A

time for body to get ready for another orgasm

144
Q

why do men have refractory periods but women do not

A
  • males must remake the contents of semen
  • women do not need to remake any ejaculatory elements