Female Reproductive System

mons pubis

protect pelvic bones

labia majora

protect underlying tissues

labia minora

lubricate vulvar skin, secrete bacterial cidal secretion

clitoris

female erectile tissue

urethral meatus

urine exits body

skene's glands

secretions for lubricating vaginal opening

hymen

surrounds vaginal opening

perineal body

stretch for delivery

vagina

muscular membranous tube that connects the external genitals to the uterus, the birth canal

fundus of the uterus

rounded upper portion, muscular area that is massaged after delivery to control bleeding

cervix

made of internal and external os

anterior fornix/posterior fornix

space around cervic that allows for pooling of semen

order of uterine lining from inner to outer

endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium

endometrium

inner lining, where fertilized egg should implant

myometrium

muscle layer of the uterus

perimetrium

outer layer of uterus

internal os

part of cervix closer to inside of uterus

external os

part of cervix closer to vagina

broad ligament

sheath that covers pelvic cavity and provides stability for the uterus in the pelvis and keep it centrally placed

round ligament

help keep uterus in place and pulls uterus down and forward to help fetal presenting part get into the cervix in a good position

cardinal ligament

chief uterine support, helps to suspend uterus in the true pelvis and help prevent uterus from pro-lapsing down into the vagina

isthmus

connects fallopian tube with the uterus, where tubal ligation occurs

ampulla

site for fertilization

fimbriae

fingerlike projections that grab the egg and bring it into the fallopian tube

ovaries

release eggs during ovulation and control hormones (estrogen and progesterone)

once placenta is formed in pregnancy,

that becomes primary source of progesterone during pregnancy

bony pelvis

supports and protects the pelvic contents and forms a fixed axis for the birth passageway

false pelvis

support the weight of an enlarged pregnant uterus and helps direct fetus into true pelvis

true pelvis

determines if pt can deliver vaginally, baby must be able to pass through

pelvic inlet

where we go from false pelvis to true pelvis- diameter determines if engagement of baby head can occur

pelvic cavity

curved canal and baby must be able to adjust to fit through

pelvic outlet

baby must be able to pass underneath pubic arch

breasts

duct systems that lead to the nipple that are specialized sebaceous glands and produce milk and maternal antibodies

breast reduction patients

do what's needed to stimulate breast bc tissue has been removed, ducts cut, etc. and make it hard to make enough milk

estrogen

give female-like characteristics- breasts develop, widen hips, uterus largens, increase body hair, increase sexual desire

progesterone

stabilize uterus for implantation after fertilization and cervix secretes protective mucus

prostaglandin

fatty acids that work together to relax then constrict smooth muscle in arteries

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

helps egg follicle to mature

LH (luteinizing hormone)

decrease in estrogen production while allowing progesterone secretion to continue