Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies Flashcards
Labia
consist of tissues that protect the entrance to the birth canal, the urethral opening and the nerve-rich center of sexual stimulation, called the clitoris (found in the anterior aspect of the labia.
Perineum
soft tissue and muscle found between the vaginal opening and the anus. prone to tear during childbirth
mons pubis
layer of soft tissue that covers and protects the pubic symphysis. area where hair grows as a woman reaches puberty
vagina
birth canal, made up of smooth muscle, it connects the uterus to the outside world and will stretch to accommodate passage of the fetus during delivery
passageway for menstrual waste products leaving the uterus at the conclusion of the menstrual cycle
ovaries
small, round organs that are located on either side of most women’s lower abdominal quadrants. responsible for producing ova (eggs) for conception. also produce many hormones necessary for the process of reproduction
Fallopian tubes
(oviducts)
connects ovaries to the uterus
if fertilization occurs it will most likely happen in these tubes
ectopic pregnancy
can occur if the ovum implants in the fallopian tubes
these tubes cannot expand like the uterus as the fetus develops and are vulnerable to rupture and severe bleeding
Uterus
Womb
muscular, hollow organ located along the midline in most womens lower abdominal quadrants
intended site for the fertilized egg to implant and develop into a fetus
able to stretch and grow
Cervix
muscular ring separates the vagina and the uterus
in none pregnant women it is constricted
Ovulation
Phase of the female reproductive cycle in which an ovum is released from the ovary
Embryo
the baby from fertilization to 8 weeks of development
Fetus
baby from 8 weeks of development to birth
Placenta
organ of pregnancy where exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes occurs between a mother and fetus
attached to the wall of the uterus
is expelled after the baby is born
umbilical cord
fetal structure containing blood vessels that carry blood to and from the placenta
1 inch wide and 22 inches long
Amniotic sac
“bag of water”
contains about 1 quart of liquid called amniotic fluid. allows the fetus to float during development, acts as a cushion between the fetus and minor injury, and helps maintain a constant fetal body temp.