Reproduction Test#1 Flashcards
How do the components of the vulva contribute?
They serve to protect the urethral and vaginal openings. The vulva is also very sensitive, so it helps with female sexual arousal.
What is the mons pubis?
The rounded fleshy prominence that overlays the symphysis pubis to protect it during sexual intercourse.
How do the labia minora/majora contribute to protection?
The labia majora protects the vaginal opening and provides cushioning during sexual activity. The labia minora protects the clitoris and urethra by surrounding it.
What is so special about the clitoris and urethra?
They are highly vascular, contribute to lubricating the vulva, are highly sensitive, and swell in response to stimulation.
What is the function of the clitoris?
Purely erogenous. This is the only place with the most free nerve endings.
What are the openings of the vestibule?
Urethra, vagina, and glands.
Bartholin Glands
Lubrication during intercourse
Skene Glands
Keep the urethral opening moist for the passage of urine.
Hymen
Encircles the vaginal introitus, its presence or absence does not indicate sexual experience.
What is the perineum?
It is the most posterior part of the female reproductive organs, located between the vulva and anus.
What is the composition of the perineum, and what role does it play during childbirth/
Composed of skin, muscle, and fascia which can become lacerated or incised during childbirth. Which may require sutures for repair.
What is the role of cilia in the fallopian tubes?
They are beating hair-like extensions on cells, that line it which contribute to the movement of the ovum and sperm.
Define episiotomy and explain its purpose during childbirth.
It is the incision of the perineum to provide more space for the presenting part during childbirth.
How is episiotomy recommended?
It is recommended selectively rather than routinely because it may cause fecal incontinence, postpartum discomfort, and perineal trauma.
What is the function of rugae?
It is found in the vagina and allows for extreme dilation during labor/childbirth.
How are the walls of the vagina normally?
They are normally touching each other, but space occurs during intercourse and pelvic examination.
How does the mucosal lining of the vaginal cavity change?
It has a corrugated appearance during reproductive years, resistant to bacterial colonization. It is smooth before puberty and after menopause without estrogen.
What is vulvovaginal atrophy?
Results from reduced estrogen of the vaginal tissue. Sx: dryness, incontinence, irritation, etc.
How does the size of the uterus change?
It becomes larger after pregnancy, then becomes smaller and atrophies
What is the endometrium?
The mucosal layer that lines the uterine cavity in nonpregnant women. It has an abundant supply of glands and blood vessels.
How can the cervix change?
After childbirth, it has transverse slit-like lips, no longer in a circular shape.
How does the cervix protect against bacteria?
Its alkaline environment is a good barrier against bacteria. It protects the sperm from the acidic environment in the vagina.
What is so special about the cervix canal?
It is lined with mucus-secreting gland, the thick mucous is impenetrable to sperm until ovulation and the consistency changes.
How does the cervix act as a mechanical barrier during pregnancy?
It resists compressive and tensile loads from the growing fetus. It is too narrow to let the fetus pass during pregnancy, but it stretches during labor.
What is the corpus and what is its primary function?
It is the main body of the uterus, it is highly muscular and enlarges to accommodate the fetus.
How does the inner lining of the corpus, undergo cyclic changes?
It undergoes cyclic changes due to hormonal fluctuations from the ovaries.
Describe the thickness variations of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.
It is the thickest during the menstrual cycle when fertilization is expected, then the thinnest after menstruation.
What triggers menstruation?
If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium sheds.
What happens during fertilization?
The embryo attaches to the uterine wall, called implantation, about one week after fertilization.
How long does menstruation cease during pregnancy?
Around 40 weeks
What role do the muscular walls of the corpus play during labor?
The muscular walls contract to push the baby through the cervix into the vagina.
What is the purpose of the funnel-shaped end of each fallopian tube?
It provides a large opening for the egg to fall into when it is released from the ovary.
How is the ovum transported?
Through ciliary action and peristaltic contraction.
What is the journey of a fertilized egg from the fallopian tube to the uterus?
It divides over 4 days while moving down slowly in the fallopian tube and eventually implanting into the uterine lining.
What are the primary functions of the ovaries and how do they link the reproductive system to the endocrine system?
Its function is the development and release of the ovum and secretion of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone cyclically.
What is the primary function of mammary glands?
They are specialized for secreting milk following pregnancy.
What are the anatomical features of the breast?
A nipple near the tip, surrounded by pigmented skin called the areola. Composed of nine lobes containing alveolar glands and lactiferous ducts that lead to the nipple.
How do hormone changes during pregnancy impact the mammary glands?
Placental estrogen and progesterone stimulate mammary gland development causing the breast to double in size. Glandular tissue (lobes) replaces adipose tissue at this time.
What triggers the stimulation of milk after childbirth?
After birth and expulsion of the placenta, a rapid decrease in placental hormones (progesterone and lactogen) allows prolactin, to stimulate milk production within a few days.
Describe colostrum.
It is a dark yellow fluid secreted for around one week before mature breast milk. It contains more minerals and protein but less sugar and fat. It is rich in maternal antibodies, especially immunoglobulin A, which protects the newborn against enteric pathogens.
What are the physiological responses associated with sexual arousal?
Sensation, tissue contractility, vasocongestion, and lubrication. Governed primarily by the nervous system.
What are the phases of the sexual cycle?
Desire, excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution. Desire is straightforward aka libido.
*Memory: We screw at home “DEPO”
What is vasocongestion?
AKA vascular engorgement (swelling)
What happens during the excitement phase in the sexual cycle?
It leads to increased HR, RR, BP, and excitement. Erectile tissues swell. The vagina expands for the penis. Vestibular glands secrete mucus to lubricate for penetration.
What happens during the plateau phase of the sex cycle?
HR, BP, RR, and muscle tension increase. Basically more intense from excitement.
What happens during the orgasm phase of the sex cycle?
They both experience an orgasm and shortly after the sexual response, vasocongestion, and muscle contraction rapidly dissipate. Women get contractions of their pelvic muscles and vaginal walls while men ejaculate.
What happens during the resolution phase of the sex cycle?
The body goes back to normal, fatigue may set in for both people.
What triggers menstruation?
The absence of fertilization.
What marks the beginning and the end of the monthly cycle?
Menstruation
What is menopause?
The natural cessation of the menstrual cycle.
How are the ovarian cycle and the endometrial cycle divided?
They are divided midcycle by ovulation
When does the ovarian cycle begin, and what characterizes the maturation process of the follicular cells?
It begins when the follicular cells swell and the maturation process starts. When the follicle is mature it is called a Graafian follicle.
How many follicles does the ovary typically raise monthly, and how many usually mature to reach ovulation?
The ovary typically raises many monthly, but usually only one follicle matures to reach ovulation.
What are the three phases of the ovarian cycle?
The follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
What is the goal of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
Its goal is to produce an ovum for fertilization, the follicles in the ovary grow and form a mature egg.
When does the follicular phase start and end?
It starts on day one of the menstrual cycle and continues until ovulation, approximately 10 to 14 days later. The duration is not consistent due to variations of follicular development, accounting for differences in the menstrual cycle lengths.
What does the continued growth of the dominant follicle induce, and how does it impact the uterine lining?
It induces the thickening of the uterine lining, supporting an implanted ovum if pregnancy occurs.
What hormone is prompted by the hypothalamus during the follicular phase and what is its role?
FSH, it stimulates the ovary to produce five-twenty immature follicles, each housing an immature oocyte or egg.
What does the luteinizing hormone do?
A surge of this from the anterior pituitary gland leads to the final development and subsequent rupture of the mature follicle.
What is ovulation and its significance?
Ovulation is the timed release of a mature oocyte from the ovary into the oviduct where fertilization takes place, significant for reproduction.
How does a mature follicle release a mature oocyte during ovulation, and what hormonal surge triggers this process?
A mature follicle ruptures in response to a surge of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland during ovulation.
When does ovulation typically occur in a 28-day cycle?
Typically occurs on day 14.
How do the distal ends of the fallopian tubes become active near ovulation, and what is the lifespan of the ovum after ovulation?
The distal ends of the fallopian tubes become active near ovulation, creating currents to help carry the ovum into the uterus. Lifespan is about 24 hours.
What role does the cervix play during ovulation?
It produces thin, clear, stretchy, slippery mucus that captures and nourishes sperm, aiding their travel up through the cervix for fertilization.
What are some symptoms of ovulation experienced by women?
Symptoms include vaginal spotting, increased vaginal discharge, increased libido, a slight rise in basal body, temperature, and lower abdominal cramping.
What is the consistent factor regarding the timing of ovulation regardless of the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle?
The consistent factor is that ovulation takes place at least fourteen days before menstruation.
When does the luteal phase begin and end, and what is its typical duration in a 28-day cycle?
The luteal phase begins at ovulation and lasts until the menstrual phase of the next cycle. It typically occurs on days fifteen through twenty-eight.
What hormone does the corpus luteum secrete, and what is its role in preparing the endometrium for implantation?
It secretes increasing amounts of progesterone, which prepares the endometrium for implantation.
What happens to the follicle after it ruptures during ovulation, and what structure does it form?
After the follicle ruptures during ovulation, it closes and forms a corpus luteum.
At the beginning of the luteal phase, what substances do the endometrial glands secrete in response to progesterone?
At the beginning of the luteal phase, the endometrial glands secrete glycogen, mucus, and other substances.
How does progesterone impact the body temperature during the luteal phase, and when is a significant increase in temperature usually, observed after ovulation?
It causes a slight rise in body temperature, within a day or two after ovulation. The temperature remains elevated until 3 days before the onset of the next menstruation.
How do FSH and LH levels change during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase?
FSH and LH are generally at their lowest levels during the luteal phase and highest during the follicular phase.
What triggers the endometrial cycle, and how does it respond to cyclic hormonal changes?
It is triggered by cyclic hormonal changes, specifically estrogen and progesterone levels.
What are the four phases of the endometrial cycle?
Proliferative, secretory, ischemic, and menstrual phase.
What is the relationship between the proliferative phase of the endometrial cycle and the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?
They correspond with each other
What initiates the proliferative phase, and what hormone plays a significant role in this phase?
It is initiated by estrogen, it plays a significant role in gland enlargement and endometrial thickness.
What role does estrogen play in the proliferative phase, and what is its source?
This phase depends on estrogen stimulation resulting from ovarian follicles.
When does the secretory phase of the endometrial begin, and how long does it typically last?
The secretory phase begins at ovulation and lasts until about 3 days before the next menstrual period.
What hormone triggers the secretory phase?
It is triggered by progesterone.
What happens during the ischemic phase of the endometrial cycle?
Menstrual flow begins.
What happens during the menstrual phase of the endometrial cycle?
Estrogen and progesterone levels fall and the uterine wall sheds, approximately 1oz or 2/3 to 2 2/3 oz per cycle.
What is menarche?
The start of mestruation, average age is 12 years. Ranging from 8-18.
What pubertal events begin before menarche?
thelarche (development of breast buds), adrenarche (the appearance of pubic and axillary hair then a growth spurt ) and menarche.
What are irregular menses associated with?
Irregular ovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome, type 2 diabetes, weather, stress, disease, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
Tip: Irregular periods tend 2 harm women’s daily sanity. (bc they worry they’re pregnant)
What are the predominant hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?
GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandins.
How does GnRH change throughout the reproductive cycle?
It pulsates slowly during the follicular phase and increases during the luteal stage. It induces the release of FSH and LH.
How does FSH change throughout the reproductive cycle?
It is responsible for the maturation of the ovarian follicle, it is the highest during the first week of the follicular phase of the reproductive cycle.
How does LH change throughout the reproductive cycle?
It is required for the final maturation of the preovulatory follicles and luteinization of the ruptured follicle. As a result, estrogen declines, and progesterone secretion continues.
How does estrogen change throughout the reproductive cycle?
It is secreted by the ovaries, it is crucial for the development and maturation of the follicle. After ovulation, estrogen levels drop sharply, and progesterone dominates.
How does estrogen affect the uterus?
It induces proliferation and causes the uterus to increase in size and weight.
How does progesterone change throughout the reproductive cycle?
It is secreted by the corpus luteum and increases just before ovulation and peaks 5 to 7 days after ovulation. During the luteal phase progesterone induces swelling and increased secretion of the endometrium.
What is progesterone often called?
The hormone of pregnancy because of its calming effect on the uterus (reduces uterine contractions)
What are prostaglandins?
Primary mediators of the body’s inflammatory processes. They increase during follicular maturation and play a key role in ovulation by freeing the ovum inside the Graafian follicle. There are large amounts found in menstrual blood and research suggests it causes cramps and pain.
What gland is found elevated in dysmenorrhea?
Elevated prostaglandin levels, which correlate with their degree of pain.
What is the primary choice of treatment for menstrual cramps?
NSAIDs
What is perimenopause?
It is also known as a menopausal transition. It is a biological marker of young adulthood to middle age. It is the period between the onset of irregular menstrual cycles and the last menstrual period.
What happens during perimenopause?
2 to 8 years before menopause women may experience physical changes associated with decreased estrogen levels.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause associated with decreased estrogen levels?
hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disruptions, forgetfulness, irritability, mood disturbances, decreased fertility, weight gain, bloating, changed bleeding patterns, headaches, decreased vaginal lubrication, night sweats, fatigue, vaginal atrophy, and depression. (Most common are hot flashes and night sweats)
What is menopause?
The end of childbearing capacity. It is defined as one year without a menstrual period, women are typically 50 or 51 years old.
What is menopause marked by?
Atrophy of breasts, uterus, f-tubes, and ovaries.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Some women have no symptoms while others have increased sweating, headaches, insomnia, irritability, and heat/cold sensations.
What is genitourinary syndrome and what are its symptoms?
It describes the constellation of lower urogenital signs and symptoms associated with low estrogen. Symptoms include: vagnial dryness, irritation, itching, dyspareunia, dysuria, and urinary frequency/urgency.
How do women treat menopausal symptoms?
They use CAM remedies, which are black cohosh, dong quai, st johns wort, hops, wild yam, ginseng, evening primrose oil, and acupuncture.
What is the urinary meatus?
It is located at the tip of the penis and serves as the external opening of the urethra.
When does the scrotum contract or relax?
They are typically relaxed (hanging) to stay cool for sperm development. They will contract to be pulled closer to the body for warmth or protection.
What testis hangs lower than the other one?
The left.
What is the function of the testes?
Produce sperm and synthesize testosterone.
Where is sperm produced?
In the seminiferous tubules
What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary and what do they do in males?
GnRH, FSH, and LH. They stimulate the testes to produce testosterone, which assists in maintaining spermatogenesis, increases sperm production by the seminiferous tubules, and stimulates the production of seminal fluid.
