Reproductive Physiology and Health

Flashcards covering the vocabulary of the ovarian and uterine cycles, hormonal controls, pregnancy stages, birth control methods, and sexually transmitted diseases as discussed in the lecture transcript.

Ovarian cycle

A complex reproductive cycle in females where the ovary contains many follicles, each with an immature oocyte; at puberty, a woman has between $300,000$ and $400,000$ follicles.

Graafian follicle

The specific follicle layer that encapsulates the oocyte during its development before it is shed as a mature secondary oocyte.

Corpus luteum

A structure formed from the follicle remains after ovulation that produces progesterone to thicken the uterine wall; it regresses and disintegrates if pregnancy is not achieved.

Follicular phase

The first phase of the ovarian cycle where $FSH$ promotes follicle development and the secretion of estrogens.

Luteal phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where luteinizing hormone promotes the development of the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that disintegrates during menstruation and thickens during the proliferative and secretory phases of the uterine cycle.

Proliferative phase

The phase of the uterine cycle (days $6$ through $13$) where a spike in estrogens causes the endometrium to thicken.

Secretory phase

The phase of the uterine cycle (days $15$ through $28$) where increased progesterone levels double or triple the thickness of the endometrium to prepare for embryo implantation.

Estrogens

Female hormones that cause the enlargement of sex organs, change vaginal epithelium from cuboidal to stratified, decrease osteoclast activity, and cause sodium and water retention.

Progesterone

A hormone that decreases uterine contractions, increases secretions to nourish pregnancy, and promotes the development of breast lobules, alveoli, and acinar cells.

Zygote

The single cell formed by the union of a sperm and an egg nucleus; it marks the beginning of human development before implantation.

Human chorionic gonadotropin ($HCG$)

A hormone secreted by an embryo that prevents the involution of the corpus luteum and can be detected in urine about $8$ days after fertilization.

Nitric oxide

A chemical released by the nervous system during arousal that activates a second messenger system to relax penile muscles and arterioles, allowing for an erection.

Diaphragm

A barrier birth control method consisting of a soft latex cup that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

Vasectomy

A surgical sterilization procedure for males involving the cutting and sealing of the vas deferens.

Tubal ligation

A surgical sterilization procedure for females involving the cutting and sealing of the oviducts or uterine tubes.

Endometrial ablation

A procedure where the inner lining of the uterus is burned to reduce the likelihood of egg implantation and limit the menstrual period.

Rhythm method

A form of birth control that estimates ovulation time using cervical mucus and body temperature changes to avoid intercourse during fertile periods.

In vitro fertilization ($IVF$)

An assisted reproductive technology where fertilization occurs in laboratory glassware and the resulting embryo is later transferred to the woman.

Gamete intrafallopian transfer ($GIFT$)

A reproductive technology similar to $IVF$ where eggs and sperm are placed directly into the oviducts immediately after being combined.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ($ICSI$)

A procedure for treating infertility where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Human immunodeficiency virus ($HIV$)

A viral $STD$ that destroys helper T cells, compromising the immune system and leading to $AIDS$, for which there is no cure.

Human papillomavirus ($HPV$)

The virus responsible for genital warts; it is associated with $90\%$ of cervical cancers and can be prevented by vaccines like Gardasil.

Herpes simplex virus Type 2

The variant of the herpes virus typically found below the waist, causing painful ulcers that periodically reappear due to reactivation by stress or fever.

Hepatitis B ($Hep B$)

The most commonly sexually transmitted type of hepatitis, which can also be transferred through blood and leads to liver failure.

Chlamydia

A bacterial infection that can be asymptomatic or cause burning during urination; if left untreated, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial infection characterized in males by a thick greenish-yellow penile discharge and known for having a large degree of resistance to antibiotics.

Syphilis

A bacterial infection that progresses through stages: a hard chancre (first $8$ weeks), a non-itchy rash (months $3$ to $4$), and internal ulcers called goomas (years $5$ to $20$).

Bacterial vaginosis

A condition accounting for $50\%$ of vaginitis in American women, caused by a disruption of normal bacterial flora in the vagina.

Trichomoniasis

An infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, resulting in a foul-smelling, frothy discharge and itching.

Candidiasis

An overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, often triggered by antibiotics or birth control, leading to red, itchy tissue and a white, curdy discharge.

Human scabies

An infestation caused by the human itch mite that burrows into the skin to lay eggs, resulting in intense itching and a pimple-like rash.

Placenta

A temporary organ that facilitates the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus and metabolic waste from the fetus to the mother.

Human chorionic somatomotropin

A placental hormone that promotes breast development and decreases the mother's glucose availability to provide more energy for the fetus.

Relaxin

A hormone that relaxes pelvic ligaments and softens tissues in preparation for labor and delivery.

Pharyngeal gills

Indentations behind the head of a $4$- to $5$-week-old human embryo that are homologous to those of fish embryos and later disappear.

Fetus

The term used for a developing human after the second month of pregnancy ($8$ weeks), once nearly all major organs have begun to develop.

First stage of labor

The initial phase of childbirth involving cervical dilation, which typically lasts between $8$ and $24$ hours.

Involution

The process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, occurring over $4$ to $5$ weeks after delivery.