Women's health Flashcards
Primary purpose of the female reproductive system?
produce ova (eggs), secrete hormones, coordinate the menstrual cycle, facilitate fertilization, nurture the fetus, manage labor, sexual arousal
What is the vulva?
the external genitalia of the female reproductive system
What is the mons pubis?
fatty pad of tissue covering the pubic bone, typically covered with pubic hair after puberty
What are the labia majora?
two outer skin folds that protect internal structures of the reproductive system
What is the function of the clitoris?
A small, highly innervated structure rich in sensory neurons, contributing to sexual arousal
what is the role of the vagina?
separates the external environment from the internal reproductive tract and serves as the birth canal
What is the cervix?
the neck of the uterus that connects the vagina to the uterus, w/ mucus that changes consistency during the menstrual cycle
What are the layers of the uterus?
Endometrium (innermost), myometrium (middle muscular layer), fundus (top portion)
What is the tunica albuginea?
thin, fibrous capsule covering the surface of the ovaries
At what stage do primary oocytes arrest?
Prophase I of meiosis until puberty
What is folliculogenesis?
the maturation of ovarian follicles that contain oocytes
What hormone initiates puberty in femailes?
GnRH
What is the corpus luteum?
structure formed from the ruptured follicle post-ovulation that produces progesterone
What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?
menstrual phase, follicular phases, ovulation, luteal phase
What happens during the menstrual phase?
shedding of the endometrium occurs, resulting in menstrual bleeding
What is endometriosis?
chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and fertility
Where does fertilization typically occur?
at the ampulla of the fallopian tube
What happens during capacitation?
sperm undergoes changes that enhance motility and ability to penetrate the egg
What is the role of the zona pellucida?
protects the oocyte and facilitates sperm binding
What is gestation?
Period of development of the embryo or fetus from conception to birth
What is gestational diabetes?
a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, often resolving after childbirth
What is parturition?
process of childbirth (labor and delivery)
What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?
irregular “practice” contractions of the uterus that prepare for true labor
What is atresia in the context of ovarian follicles?
when non-maturing ovarian follicles degenerate and are reabsorbed by the body
What happens during ovulation?
a surge in LH causes the mature Graafian follicle to release a secondary oocyte
What is the purpose of hCG?
hCG maintains the uterine lining after implantation, signaling the body to prevent menstruation
