Female Reproductive System

Ovary

female gonad. produces ova and female hormones

Estrogen

develops and maintains both the reproductive and female characteristics

Progesterone

regulares condition of inner ling of the uterus, prepares this lining for potential to accept a fertilized egg

Ova

female gamete

Fallopian Tubes

aka oviduct or uterine tubes. passageway for the ova to travel to the uterus every month. fertilization occurs here

Uterus

thick walled muscular organ. expands to hold the growing fetus

Endometrium

inner lining of the uterus

Myometirum

muscular layer of the uterus

Perimetrium

layer around the uterus

Cervix

end of uterus on top of the vagina. “the donut”. allows for flow of menstrual blood to exit, allows for entrance of sperm

Vagina

the birth canal. conduit for menstrual flow. allows for penis during sexual intercourse. serves as a passageway for a baby during the birth

Hymen

external opening of the vagina

External Genitalia- Vulva

protect the internal reproductive organs.

Mons Pubis

covered with hair and lies over the symphysis pubis

Clitoris

erectile tissue. contains nerve endings

Labia

folds of skin surrounding vagina

Labia Majora

outer fatty folds

Labia Minora

inner folds

Perineum

area between vagina and rectum

Mammary Glands

contains granular and adipose tissue. accessory organ. stimulates by prolactin. production of milk for baby

Areola

darkened area that surrounds the nipple

Nipple

center of breast

Menstrual cycle

first cycle is menarche. averages 28 days w/ four stages.

follicle, ovulation, corpus luteum, and menstruation

Follicle Stage

10 days. the pituitary releases FSH. FSH stimulates follicle and ovum to mature. results in the release of estrogen and preparation of the uterine lining

Ovulation stage

Stop FSH and produces LH. LH, FSH, and estrogen are circulating. around day 14, the follicle ruptures and ovum is released (ovulation)

Corpus Luteum Stage (luteal phase)

progesterone secreted and if egg is fertilized, the hormone will continue. the uterine lining is maintained and further ovulation is prevented. about 14 days

Conception

when sperm travels up through vagina into the uterus and then fertilized an egg if found in the fallopian tubes

Pregnancy

sperm and egg join together to form a fertilized egg and then 3-4 days later the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus

Menstruation Stage

when unfertilized ovum is discharged as well as degenerated endometrium if pregnancy has not occured. progesterone secretion is diminished. the uterine lining is discharged over about 6 days

Menopause

when the menstrual cycle ends and usually occurs age 45-55. may occured with the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy)

Cervical Cancer

change in cells in the cervix. cause: STI with HPV. slow growing. detected by pap smear. tx: surgery and radiation

Endometriosis

endometrial tissue grows in other places outside of the uterus. lining cannot leave the body. s/s: severe cramps, heavy menstruation, pain during or after intercourse. tx: pain killers, hormone birth control, surgical removal of tissue

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and cervix. cause: STI such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea. tx: antibiotics and pain meds. scarring of the fallopian tube is possible

Toxic Shock Syndrome

overgrowth of staph bacteria. affects menstruating women and those who use super absorbent tampons. s/s: hypotension, high fever, vomiting, respiratory distress. tx: hospitalization and antibiotics

Yeast Infections

overgrowth of candida in the vagina area. occurs when vagina becomes less acidic and i’d often after use of antibiotics. s/s: burning, redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva, pain and burning with urination, and a thick white odorless discharge. tx: antifungal creams or ointments, oral meds.

Amenorrhea

absence of menstruation. missing at least 3 periods in a row

Dysmenorrhea

menstrual cramps

Menorrhagia

heavy or prolonged bleeding with periods

Premenstrual Syndrome

s/s: headache, craving, acne, bloating, mood changes 1-2 week before period. cause: hormone levels changing

Breast Cancer

forms in cells of the breast. common in women but can occur in men. s/s: breast lump, change in size or appearance of breast, newly inverted nipple, redness.

Mastitis

inflammation of the breast tissue. common in breast feeding mothers. involves infection. s/s: breast tenderness and warmth, pain during breast feeding, general illness w/ fever