Module 8: Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is sexual reproduction?
The union of the nuclei of the ovum (female sex cell) and the sperm (male sex cell) that results in the creation of an embryo
gamete
sex cell
how many chromosomes are in a sex cell?
exactly half the number of chromosomes of a normal body cell
gonads
special organs in males and females that produce the egg and sperm cells
what are female gonads called?
ovaries
what are male gonads called?
testes
What is the route of an ovum after it leaves the overaies?
It travels down on of two fallopian tubes leading to the uterus (womb)
coitus
copulation, sexual intercourse
What is fertilization?
After coitus (sexual intercourse) the sperm cell travels into the fallopian tube where they can penetrate the ovum
zygote
The fertilized ovum
What is an embryo?
After many cell divisions of the zygote, a ball of cells form which typically takes 2-8 weeks
what is a fetus?
The embryo continues to grow in the uterus after 8-38 or 40 weeks it reaches full-term
gestation or pregnancy
the period of development within the uterus
ova
eggs
menarche
the occurrence of the first cycle
menopause
when all eggs have been released, hormone production diminishes, and menstruation ends
menstruation
When the eggs begin to mature and are released from the ovary in a 21-28 day cycle when secondary characteristics develop
placenta
A new, blood-vessel-rich organ connected to the embryo by the umbilical cord develops to nourish the embryo which implants in the uterine lining
What happens if fertilization does not occur?
Hormone changes result in the shedding of the uterine lining and bleeding and menstruation occurs
What are the hormones of the ovaries?
estrogen and progesterone
pituitary gland
located at the base of the brain, secretes other hormones that govern the reproductive functions of the ovaries, breasts, and uterus
gynecology
the study of the female reproductive system (organs, hormones, and diseases)
obstetrics
a specialty concerned with pregnancy and the delivery of the fetus (Latin: obstetrix means midwife)
neonataology
the study of the care and treatment of the newborn
ovaries
a pair of small almond-shaped organs located in the pelvis
fallopian tubes
lead from each ovary to the uterus
uterus
a fibromuscular organ situated between the urinary bladder and the rectum
How big is the uterus in a non-pregnant woman?
The normal size and shape is like a pear and is about 3 inches long
cul-de-sac
A region in the abdominal cavity midway between the uterus and the rectum
vagina
a tubular, muscular, mucosa-lined structure about 3 inches long that extends from the uterus to the exterior of the body
Bartholin glands
two small rounded glands on either side of the vaginal orifice
What do Bartholin glands produce?
They produce a mucous secretion that lubricates the vagina
clitoris
an organ of sensitive erectile tissue located anterior to the vaginal orifice and in front of the urethral meatus
perineum
the region between the vaginal orifice and the anus
vulva
external genitalia of the female
labia majora
the outer lips of the vagina
labia minor
the smaller, inner lips of the vagina
hymen
a thin membrane partially covering the entrance to the vagina
mon pubis
(Latin mons, mountain) is a pad of tissue overlying the pubic symphysis. After puberty it is covered with pubic hair
utero-ovarian ligament
Holds each ovary in place on either side of the uterus
ovarian follicles
thousands of small sacs in the ovaries and each follicle contains an ovum (sex cell)
What happens during ovulation?
An ovum matures, its follicle ruptures through the surface and releases the ovum from the ovary
corpus luteum
a ruptured follicle fills with a yellow, fate-like material
What hormone does corpus luteum secrete?
secretes both estrogen and progesterone that maintain the very first stages of pregnancy
fallopian tube
About 5.5 inches long and lies near each ovary
adnexae
accessory structures of the uterus - fallopian tubes, ovaries, and supporting ligaments
fimbriae
finger-like ends of the fallopian tube that catches each egg after it releases from the ovary
cilia
small hairs line the fallopian tube and through their motion, sweep the ovum along
How long does it take the ovum to pass through the fallopian tube?
About 2-3 days
fundus
The rounded upper portion of the uterus
corpus
the larger, central section (body of the organ)
endometrium
the inner layer, a specialized epithelia mucosa of the uterus
myometrium
the middle, muscular layer of the uterine wall
uterine serosa
the outer membrane tissue layer which is a lining that produces a watery, serum-like secretion
serosa
the outermost layer of an organ in the abdomen or thorax
cervix
the narrow, lowermost portion of the uterus (in Latin it means neck)
mammary glands
makes up the breast tissue
glandular tissue
contains milk glands or lobules that develop in response to hormones from the ovaries during puberty
What is contained in the breast?
fibrous and fatty tissue, special lactiferous (milk-carrying) ducts, and sinuses (cavities) that carry milk to the nipple which has small openings for the ducts to release their milk
mammary papilla
The breast nipple
areola
the dark pigmented area around the mammary papilla
parturition
giving birth
lactation
after giving birth, hormones from the pituitary gland stimulate the normal secretion of milk
Menstrual period
days 1-5, discharge of blood fluid containing disintegrated endometrial cells, glandular secretions, and blood cells
Follicular phase
days 6-12, after bleeding ceases, the endometrium begins to repair itself. The maturing follicle in the ovary releases estrogen, which aids in the repair. The ovum grows in the follicle during this phase
Ovulatory period
days 13 and 14, on about the 14th day of the cycle, the follicle ruptures and the egg leaves the ovary, passing through the fallopian tube
Luteal phase
days 15-18, the empty follicle fills with a yellow material and becomes the corpus luteum. This hormone stimulates the building up of the lining of the uterus in anticipation of fertilization of the egg and pregnancy
Corpus luteum
functions as an endocrine organ and secretes the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream
What happens if fertilization does not occur?
the corpus luteum in the ovary stops producing progesterone and regresses
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
lowered levels of progesterone and estrogen because fertilization did not occur are responsible for some women’s symptoms of depression, breast tenderness, and irritability before menstruation
What happens if fertilization does occur?
the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine endometrium
chorion
the outermost membrane that surrounds the developing embryo
amnion
the innermost of the embryonic membranes, holds the fetus suspended in an amniotic cavity surrounded by a fluid
amniotic fluid
the amnion with its fluid, aka bag of waters or amniotic sac, which ruptures (breaks) during labor
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
a hormone that is produces as the placenta develops in the uterus
What may be the result of low levels of progesterone?
can lead to a spontaneous abortion in pregnant women and menstrual irregularities in non pregnant women
What test uses the results of hCG?
A urine pregnancy test kit for women that shows the absence or presence and confirms or rules out if they are pregnant
cephalic presentation
the baby’s head appears first in a normal delivery position
effacement
rhythmic contractions, dilation and thinning of the cervix
the “show”
a discharge of bloody mucus from the cervix and vagina
afterbirth
the expelled placenta
vernix caseosa
a mixture of a fatty secretion from fetal sebaceous (oil) glands and dead skin
What is the function of vernix caseosa?
It protects the fetus’s delicate skin from abrasions, chapping, and hardening as a result of being bathed in amniotic fluid
What hormone does the pituitary gland secrete?
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) after the onset of menstruation
What does high levels of FSH and LH do in the bloodstream?
they stimulate the maturation of the ovum and ovulation
How do oral contraceptives work?
During pregnancy, the high levels of estrogen and progesterone from the ovary and placenta cause the pituitary gland to stop producing FSH and LH. Therefore, while a woman is pregnancy, additional eggs do not mature and ovulation cannot occur
Intrauterine device
A small device designed to remain inside the uterus, works by preventing implantation of the embryo
What does IUD stand for?
Intrauterine device
When does menopause occur?
Premature menopause begins before age 45 and delayed menopause occurs after age 55
genitalia
reproductive organs; also called genitals
gestation
the period from fertilization of the ovum to birth
orifice
an opening
How many ovarian follicles mature in a woman’s lifetime?
About 400
pregnancy
a condition in a female of having a developing embryo and fetus in her uterus for about 40 weeks
progesterone
a hormone produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary and the placenta of pregnant women
puberty
a point in the life cycle at which secondary sex characteristics appear and gametes are produced
amni/o
amnion
bartholin/o
Bartholin gland
cervic/o
cervix, neck
chori/o, chorion/o
chorion
colp/o
vagina
culd/o
culd-de-sac
episi/o
vulva
galact/o
milk
gynec/o
woman, female
hyster/o
uterus, womb
lact/o
milk
mamm/o
breast
amniocentesis
surgical puncture to remove fluids for analysis
bartholinitis
inflammation of the bartholin gland
endocervicitis
inflammation of the inner cervix
chorionic
pertaining to the chorion
colposcopy
visual examination of the vagina
culdocentesis
a needle is placed through the posterior wall of the vagina and fluid is withdrawn for diagnostic purposes
episiotomy
incision of the vulva to widen the opening of the vaginal orifice for delivery
galactorrhea
excessive or abnormal secretion of milk
gynecomastia
enlargement of breasts in a male
hysterectomy
removal of the uterus
hysteroscopy
visual examination of the uterus
inframammary
pertaining to below the breast
mammoplasty
surgical repair of the breast
total hysterectomy
is the removal of the entire uterus (fundus, corpus and cervix)
laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy
is the removal of the top portion of the uterus (above the cervix) leaving the cervix intact
mast/o
breast
men/o
menses, menstruation
metr/o, metri/o
uterus
my/o, myom/o
muscle, muscle tumor
nat/i
birth
obstetr/o
pregnancy and childbirth
o/o
egg
oophor/o
ovary
ov/o
egg
ovari/o
ovary
ovul/o
egg
perine/o
perineum
phor/o
to bear
salping/o
fallopian tubes
uter/o
uterus
vagin/o
vagina
vulv/o
vulva
mastitis
inflammation of the breast
mastectomy
removal or resection of the breast
amenorrhea
absence of menses for 6 months or for longer than three of the patient’s normal menstrual cycles
olgiomenorrhea
infrequent menstrual periods or scanty menses
menses
blood and other matter discharged by the uterus during menstruation
menorrhagia
abnormally heavy or long menstrual periods
fibroids
an extremely common condition in which solid tumors develop in the uterus and are the leading cause of menorrhagia
metrorrhagia
bleeding between menstrual periods
menometrorrhagia
excessive uterine bleeding during and after menstrual periods
myomectomy
removal of muscle tumors from the uterus
neonatal
pertaining to new birth
oogenesis
formation of ova (egg cells)
oocyte
immature ovum
oophorectomy
removal of ovaries
ovum
mature egg cell
ovarian
pertaining to an ovary
anovulatory
not accompanied by ovulation
perineorrhaphy
suture of the perineum
oophoritis
inflammation of the ovary
salpingectomy
removal of fallopian tubes
uterine prolapse
falling of the uterus
vaginal orifice
opening of the vagina
vaginitis
inflammation of the vagina
vulvovaginitis
inflammation of the vulva and vagina
vulvodynia
pain in the vulva
-arche
beginning
-cyesis
pregnancy
pseudocyesis
false pregnancy
-gravida
pregnant
primigravida
a woman during her first pregnancy
primi-
first
-parous
bearing, bringing forth
primiparous
an adjective describing a woman who has given birth to at least one child
-rrhea
discharge
leukorrhea
vaginal discharge
-salpinx
fallopian (uterine) tube
pyosalpinx
fallopian tube pus
-tocia
labor, birth
dystocia
painful labor or birth
oxytocia
rapid labor and childbirth
-version
act of turning
cephalic version
act of turning the head
dys-
painful
dyspareunia
painful intercourse
endo-
within
in-
in
vol-
to roll
intra-
within
multi-
many
multipara
a woman who has delivered more than once
nulli-
no, not, none
pre-
before
primi-
first
retro-
backward
retroversion
the uterus is abnormally tilted backward, this occurs in 30% of women
nulligravida
a woman who has never been pregnant
what is a fertilized egg cell called?
A zygote
Lactiferous ducts
tubes that carry milk within the breast
carcinoma of the cervix
malignant cells within the cervix (cervical cancer)
What does HPV stand for?
Human Paillomavirus
genital warts
benign growths on the vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus
human papillomavirus (HPV)
is the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world
dysplasia
abnormal cell growth
What does CIS stand for?
Carcinoma in Situ
conization
a surgical procedure that removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix
What kind of treatment is required for cervical cancer?
Radical (complete) hysterectomy surgery
What does CIN stand for?
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)
Pap test (or pap smear)
a microscopic examination of cells scraped from cervical epithelium
cervicitis
inflammation of the cervix
How is acute cervicitis marked?
By cervical erosions or ulcerations, appears as raw, red patches on the cervical mucosa, and leukorrhea
Leukorrhea
clear, white, or yellow pus-filled vaginal discharge
cryocauterization
destroying tissue by freezing
carcinoma of the endometrium (endometrial cancer)
malignant tumor of the uterine lining (adenocarcinoma)
dilation or dilatation
widening the cervical canal
curettage
scraping the inner lining of the uterus
endometriosis
endometrial tissue located outside the uterus
infertability
inability to become pregnant
lumen
opening
large blood filled cysts
endometriomas or chocolate cysts
fibroids
benign tumors in the uterus
What is another word for fibroids?
Also called leiomyomata or leiomyomas
lei/o
smooth
my/o
muscle
-oma
tumor
What are fibroids composed of?
Composed of fibrous tissue and muscle
ablation
destruction
What does UAE stand for?
Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine artery embolization (UAE)
in which tiny pellets (acting as emboli) are injected into a uterine artery, blocking the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink
ovarian carcinoma (cancer)
Malignant tumor of the ovary (adenocarcinoma)
How many women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the US each year?
About 22,000 women
Serous
clear fluid
mucinous
thick, pasty fluid
What are the two common types of ovarian cancer?
Serous and mucinous cystic adenocarcinomas
ascites
accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity
What does BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for?
Breast Cancer 1 and Breast Cancer 2
Prophylactic
preventative
prophylactic oophorectomy
preventative removal of ovaries (to reduce ovarian cancer risk)
mural
wall
submucosal
leiomyoma grows under the mucosal (innermost) layer
intramural
masses arise within the muscular uterine wall
Ovarian cysts
collections of fluid within a sacs (cysts) in the ovary
follicular cysts
cysts that originate in unruptured ovarian follicles or in follicles that have ruptured and immediately sealed (luteal cysts)
cystadenocarcinomas
malignant cysts lined with atypical or tumor cells
dermoid cysts
contain a variety of cell types, including skin, hair, teeth, and cartilage, and can arise from immature egg cells in the ovary
Teratoma or mature teratoma
a dermoid cyst is often a benign cyst with a different name
terat/o
monster
What does PID stand for?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Inflammation and infection of organs in the pelvic region; salpingitis, oophoritis, endometritis, endocervicitis
What are the leading causes of PID?
Sexually transmitted diseases
What does STDs stand for?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
palpation
examining by touch
gonorrhea
gonococcal bacteria
chlamydial infection
chlamydial bacteria
syphilis
spirochete bacteria
genital herpes
herpes simple virus - HSV
HPV infection and genital warts
human papillomavirus
What does an invasive carcinoma of the breast look like?
A dense white fragment of calcium - calcifications are frequently a sign of cancer
carcinoma of the breast (breast cancer)
malignant tumor of the breast (arising from milk glands and ducts)
What is the most common type of breast cancer?
Invasive ductal carcinoma
histo-
tissue
What are other types of histopathologic?
Lobular and medullary carcinoma
stereotactic core needle biopsy
A minimally invasive procedure that uses imaging to guide a needle to remove tissue from an abnormal area
lumpectomy
for small primary tumors, the lump with immediately surrounding tissue can be removed
sentinel node biopsy (SNB)
A procedure to determine whether the tumor has spread to lymph nodes
What does SNB stand for?
Sentinel Node Biopsy
mastecotomy
is the removal of the breast
Estrogen receptors (ERs)
They indicate that the tumor will respond to hormonal therapy
What does ERs stand for?
Estrogen Receptors
tamoxifen
A type of drug that directly blocks the ER reception
aromatase inhibitors
A type of drug that blocks the production of estrogen by inhibiting the enzyme, aromatase
her-2/neu
a receptor protein found in some breast cancers and signals a high risk of tumor recurrence
Herceptin
An antibody that binds to and blocks her-2/neu and is effective in stopping growth when used with chemotherapy
Triple-negative tumors
They lack estrogen, progesterone, and her-2/neu and are highly aggressive
fibrocystic breast disease
numerous small sacs of fluid surrounded by dense strands of fibrous tissue in the breast
abruptio placentae
premature separation of the normally implanted placenta
ectopic pregnancy
implantation of the fertilized egg in any site other than the normal uterine location
tubal pregnancy
common place for an ectopic pregnancy is in the fallopian tubes
multiple gestations
more than one fetus inside the uterus
What are the risks of multiple gestations?
preterm delivery, growth restriction, high blood pressure, and diabetes
placenta previa
implantation of the placenta over the cervical opening or in the lower region of the uterus
placenta accreta
on the wall but not in the muscle
placenta increta
in the uterine muscle
placenta percreta
attaching to another organ
preeclampsia
abnormal condition associated with pregnancy, marked by high blood pressure, proteinuria, edema, and headache
Eclampsia
is the final and most severe phase of untreated preeclampsia. It often causes seizures and even death of mother and baby
Apgar score
a system of scoring an infant’s physical condition 1 and 5 minutes after birth
What are the scoring categories for the Apgar score?
heart rate, respiration, color, muscle tone, and response to stimuli. They can each be ranked 0, 1, or 2 out of 10
Down syndrome
chromosomal abnormality (trisomy 21) results in mental retardation, retarded growth, a flat face with a short nose, low-set ears, and slanted eyes
erythroblastosis fetalis
hemolytic disease in the newborn (HDN) cause by a blood group (Rh factor) incompatibility between the mother and the fetus
hyaline membrane disease
acute lung disease commonly seen in the premature newborn (aka RDS)
What does RDS stand for?
Respiratory Distress Syndrome of the Newborn
surfactant
a protein necessary for proper lung function
hyaline
glassy
What does APGAR stand for?
Appearance (colour), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (response to a catheter in nostril), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (respiratory effort)
hydrocephalus
accumulation of fluid in the spaces of the brain
fontanelle
The soft spots on infant’s heads between the cranial bones that allows for some swelling during the birth of the baby
pyloric stenosis
narrowing of the opening of the stomach to the duodenum
meconium aspiration syndrome
abnormal inhalation of meconium (first stool) produced by a fetus or newborn
meconium
a thick, sticky, greenish to black substance, is actually the first stool of the fetus and newborn
Meconium ileus
is an obstruction of the small intestine in the newborn caused by impaction of thick, dry meconium near the ileocecal valve
pregnancy test
blood or urine test to detect the presence of hCG
hysterosalpingography (HSG)
X-ray imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes after injection of contrast material
What does HSG stand for?
Hysterosalpingography
Mammography
x-ray imaging of the breast
digital tomosynthesis
a new method of mammography - a procedure where an x-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast as several images are taken, 3-d pictures are produced. Makes it easier to find breast cancer in dense tissue and is less painful
breast ultrasound imagining and breast MRI
technologies using sound waves and magnetic waves to create images of breast tissue
pelvic ultrasonography
recording images of sound waves as they bounce off organs in the pelvic region
What can pelvic ultrasonography evaluate during the procedure?
fetal size, fetal maturity, and organ development, as well as fetal and placental position
transvaginal ultrasound
allows the radiologist a closer, sharper look at the organs within the pelvis. The sound probe is placed in the vagina instead of over the pelvis or abdomen
aspiration
withdrawal of fluid from a cavity or sac with an instrument using suction
cauterization
destruction of tissue by burning
What does LEEP stand for?
Look Electrocautery Excision Procedure
colposcopy
visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope
conization
removal of a cone-shaped section (cone biopsy) of the cervix
cryosurgery
use of cold temperatures to destroy tissue
cryocauterization
a liquid nitrogen probe that produces the freezing temperature
cry/o
cold
culdocentesis
needle aspiration of fluid from the cul-de-sac
What does the presence of blood mean during a culdocentesis?
May indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or ruptured ovarian cyst
dilation (dilatation) and curettage (D&C)
widening the cervix and scraping off the endometrial lining of the uterus
What does D&C stand for?
Dilation (or Dilatation) and Curettage
Curet
a metal loop at the end of a long, thin handle
Uterine sound
a slender instrument used to measure the depth of the uterus
uterine dilators
in graduated sizes are used to gradually dilate the cervix
exenteration
removal of internal organs within a cavity
pelvic exenteration
is the removal of the organs and adjacent structures of the pelvis
laparoscopy
visual examination of the abdominal cavity using an endoscope (laparoscope)
What does MIS stand for?
Minimally Invasive Surgery
tubal ligation
blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization from occurring
sterilization procedure
making an individual incapable of reproduction
Ligation
tying off and does not pertain solely to the fallopian tubes
abortion (AB)
termination of pregnancy before the embryo or fetus can exist on its own
What does AB stand for?
Abortion
What are the two ways abortions can exist?
Spontaneous or induced
Spontaneous abortions
commonly called miscarriages, occur without apparent cause
Induced abortions
can be therapeutic or elective
therapeutic abortions
are performed when the health of the pregnant woman is endangered
elective abortions
are performed at the request of the woman
cesarean section
(aka a C-section) surgical incision of the abdominal wall and uterus to deliver a fetus
Reasons to perform a cesarean section
the baby’s head is too big for the mother’s birth canal (cephalopelvic disproportion), abruptio placentae or placenta previa, fetal distress (fetal hypoxia), and breech or shoulder presentation
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
sampling of placental tissues (chorionic villi) for prenatal diagnosis
What does CVS stand for?
Chorionic Villus Sampling
fetal monitoring
continuous recording of the fetal heart rate and maternal uterine contractions to assess fetal status and the progress of labor
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
egg and sperm cells are combined outside the body in a laboratory dish (in vitro) to facilitate fertilization
What does IVF stand for?
In Vitro Fertilization
intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
the direct injection of sperm into harvested ova (egg)
What does ICSI stand for?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
pelvimetry
measurement of the dimensions of the maternal pelvis
What does LH stand for?
Luteinizing Hormone
What does TAH-BSO stand for?
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
What does VH stand for?
Vaginal Hysterectomy
What does AFP stand for?
Alpha-Fetoprotein
Alpha-fetoprotein
high levels in amniotic fluid of fetus or maternal serum indicate increased risk of neurologic birth defects in the infant
What does BSE stand for?
Breast Self-Examination
CA-125
A protein marker elevated in ovarian cancer (normal range of values is 0-35 U/mL)
What does CS or C-section stand for?
Cesarean section
What does CIN stand for?
Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia
What does Cx stand for?
Cervix
What does DCIS stand for?
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ
a precancerous breast lesion that indicates a higher risk for invasive ductal breast cancer
What does DUB stand for?
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Infant respiratory distress syndrome
a condition caused by a lack of protein in the lining of the neonate’s lung tissue
Which disease occurs most often in menopausal women?
Endometrial carcinoma
What are benign tumors in the uterus called?
Leiomyomas
What is the term of a malignant tumor of the ovary?
Cystadenocarcinoma
Robotic hysterectomy
a procedure where the surgeon uses a microscopic three dimension view and a control console to remove the uterus using small incisions
Colposcopy
visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument resembling mounted binoculars
Different types of birth control
tubal ligation and IUD
Which procedure tests placental tissue for prenatal diagnosis?
chorionic villus sampling
What is the procedure in which the surgeon removes as much of the ovarian adenocarcinoma as possible?
debulking
