MT M 7 7.4 Obstetrics and Gynecology Flashcards
female reproductive system
The female reproductive system functions to continue the human species through sexual reproduction.
Gynecology
Gynecology is the medical specialty associated with the female reproductive system and the conditions associated with it.
The combining form gynec/o means female
Obstetrics
Obstetrics is the medical specialty associated with pregnancy and childbirth
Gynecologists and obstetricians
Gynecologists and obstetricians are the physicians that have specialized in these fields, and they can be called Ob-Gyns. These physicians are also able to operate on the female reproductive system.
key organs of the female reproductive system
The key organs of the female reproductive system are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and breasts.
ovaries
The primary female sex organs are the ovaries. Each female has two ovaries that are located on either side of the uterus. They are almond-shaped organs that are responsible for producing the ova, the female reproductive cells.
ova
Each female has two ovaries that are located on either side of the uterus. They are almond-shaped organs that are responsible for producing the ova, the female reproductive cells.
ovaries also function
The ovaries also function to produce the female sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone.
uterus
It is a pear-shaped organ that is muscular and hollow. The uterus is in the pelvic cavity; it is above the bladder and the rectum is posterior to the uterus. It is suspended in the pelvic cavity through several ligaments that attach the uterus to the pelvic walls and the bladder.
anteflexion
The normal positioning of the uterus is called anteflexion.
body
The larger upper portion of the uterus is called the body and the top of the body is called the fundus
uterus fundus
The larger upper portion of the uterus is called the body and the top of the body is called the fundus
cervix
The cervix is the inferior portion of the uterus that connects with the vagina. The walls of the uterus have three layers.
endometrium
uterus have three layers
The endometrium is the innermost layer that goes through many changes throughout the menstrual cycle, including shedding during menstruation.
myometrium
uterus have three layers
The myometrium is the muscular middle layer that contracts during childbirth.
perimetrium
uterus have three layers
The perimetrium is the outer layer.
fallopian tubes
The fallopian tubes are also called the uterine tubes or oviducts. They are located on either side of the uterus, extend out of the uterus, and end at the ovary.
infundibulum
The ovarian end of the tube is called the infundibulum and the opening is called the ostium
ostium
The ovarian end of the tube is called the infundibulum and the opening is called the ostium. The ostium is surrounded by tiny finger-like structures called fimbriae.
fimbriae
The ostium is surrounded by tiny finger-like structures called fimbriae.
ampulla
Moving towards the uterus, the middle section of the tube is called the ampulla and the section that attaches to the uterus is called the isthmus.
isthmus
Moving towards the uterus, the middle section of the tube is called the ampulla and the section that attaches to the uterus is called the isthmus.
purpose of the fallopian tube
The purpose of the fallopian tube is to collect an ovum or egg after it has been discharged from the ovary and to propel it through the tube toward the uterus.
Fertilization, also called conception
Fertilization, also called conception, is when an ovum joins with a sperm cell to form a zygote. This process typically occurs within the fallopian tubes.
vagina
The vagina is a tube that extends from the vestibule of the vulva to the uterus. It functions to discharge menstrual fluid and as a passageway for the fetus during childbirth. The vagina also receives the male penis during sexual intercourse.
vulva
The vulva is the external female genitalia
mons pubis
The vulva is the external female genitalia (Figure 7.8). It contains the mons pubis, which is a triangular-shaped pad of fatty tissue that is covered with pubic hair.
labia majora and labia minora
The labia majora and labia minora are folds of tissue that are on either side of the vaginal opening.
vestibule
The vestibule is the opening to the vagina that also contains the opening of the urethra (the urinary meatus in Figure 7.8) and the excretory ducts of the Bartholin glands.
clitoris
The clitoris is a small organ that has erectile tissue and is responsible for sexual pleasure during intercourse.
Breasts
Breasts are organs that contain mammary glands
mammary glands
Breasts are organs that contain mammary glands (Figure 7.9). They are located on the chest and are responsible for making milk after childbirth.
areola
The areola is the dark, pigmented section in the skin over each breast.
nipple
The areola contains the nipple and is where the lactiferous or mammary glands secrete milk when a baby sucks the breast.
prolactin
After childbirth, the hormone prolactin is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.
Colostrum
Colostrum is the milk that is immediately produced after childbirth. Mature breast milk is produced 2-3 days after childbirth and is the best food available to the newborn infant. Babies can survive on their mother’s milk exclusively for up to 6 months after birth.
menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is crucial to the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. It is a cycle of changes that happen within the breasts, uterus, vagina, and ovaries that are stimulated by several hormones to produce a mature ovum that can be fertilized.
menarche
The first menstrual cycle is called menarche, and it occurs at the end of puberty, marking a mature reproductive system capable of producing offspring. A typical menstrual cycle is 21-35 days in a mature female, and it typically occurs from the teenage years to when a woman is in her 40-50s.
menopause
When a female stops menstruating, this is referred to as menopause.
follicular phase
phases of the menstrual cycle and the different hormones levels
The first phase of the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase, and it starts on the first day of menstruation. This phase is when the endometrium sheds through a bloody discharge that lasts, on average, for five days.
ovulatory phase
phases of the menstrual cycle and the different hormones levels
The next phase is the ovulatory phase, and it is marked by an increase in estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Estrogen stimulates the endometrium to thicken and vascularize again, and FSH and LH stimulate the ovaries to produce a follicle that ruptures on the cortex, or surface, of the ovary to release an ovum and then produce progesterone for the third phase of the menstrual cycle. This process is called ovulation.
luteal phase, also called the secretory phase
phases of the menstrual cycle and the different hormones levels
The final phase of the cycle is the luteal phase, also called the secretory phase. The ruptured follicle is now called a corpus luteum and it produces progesterone. Progesterone functions to thicken the mucus produced by the cervix to make it difficult for sperm or bacteria to enter the vagina. Estrogen continues to stimulate the thickening of the endometrium. If the ovum is not fertilized, the corpus luteum dissolves, and progesterone and estrogen production decreases. A new menstrual cycle then starts again.
pregnant
If the ovum is fertilized by a sperm during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, a woman is pregnant
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the time between conception and the birth of the fetus. A normal pregnancy is 40 weeks long, and this is also called the gestation period.
gestation period
Pregnancy
A normal pregnancy is 40 weeks long, and this is also called the gestation period.
trimesters
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters that are each 3 months long. There are three stages of human development:
pre-embryonic stage
trimesters
The pre-embryonic stage is the first 14 days after conception
embryonic stage
trimesters
The embryonic stage is weeks 3-9 after conception. The embryonic period is the time where all the major organs and body systems are formed
fetal stage
trimesters
At 9 weeks after conception, every organ system is present, and the embryo is now called a fetus.
After 9 weeks
Pregnancy
After 9 weeks, the fetus continues to grow and mature until it is ready for birth around 40 weeks. The organ systems of the body begin to function, and the fetus grows muscle and fat tissue. Figure 7.12 shows a full-term fetus in the uterus. As a pregnancy progresses, the fundus or top of the uterus extends outside of the pelvis and into the abdominal cavity.
fundal height
A useful measurement, called the fundal height, is obtained throughout pregnancy. It is the distance in centimeters from the pubic symphysis to the fundus. The fundal height is used to assess fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy. After 24 weeks of pregnancy, the fundal height in centimeters can match the number of weeks a woman has been pregnant.
Labor
Labor is the process of the birth of the fetus. The myometrium of the uterus contracts to push the baby out of the uterus and through the vagina, or birth canal. Labor can start hours to weeks before the baby is born.
Signs of impending labor
Signs of impending labor include
Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular, painless contractions that start in the second trimester;
increased vaginal discharge,
lightening where the baby descends into the pelvis,
bloody show of mucus mixed with dark brown blood, which is the dislodging of the mucus plug from the cervix, and
the rupture of membranes as the amniotic sac ruptures.
Active labor
Active labor has three stages.
dilation stage
Active labor has three stages.
The first stage is the dilation stage where the cervix thins and dilates to allow the baby to pass through.
expulsion
Active labor has three stages.
The second stage is expulsion, which is the time from when the cervix is fully dilated to the actual delivery of the baby.
placental stage
Active labor has three stages.
The third stage is the placental stage, which is the delivery of the placenta.
placenta
The placenta is a temporary organ that provided the nourishment and oxygen to the baby from the mother’s blood supply during pregnancy. It is connected to the baby through the umbilical cord. The placenta can also be called the afterbirth.
postpartum period
The postpartum period is the time from childbirth through 6 weeks after birth. During this time, the female reproductive organs heal from childbirth and return to their pre-pregnancy size.
