Comprehensive Review – Reproductive Systems

A comprehensive set of question-and-answer flashcards covering major structures, functions, combining forms, pathologies, diagnostic tests, procedures, and key terms related to the male and female reproductive systems, pregnancy, childbirth, and associated medical specialties.

What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?

To produce sperm and deliver them to the female body for fertilization.

Which organs make up the external male genitalia?

Penis and scrotum.

What sac-like structure supports and protects the testicles?

The scrotum.

Where does spermatogenesis occur inside the testicle?

In the seminiferous tubules.

What coiled tube stores and matures sperm after they leave the testis?

The epididymis.

Which long, narrow tube carries sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra?

The vas deferens (ductus deferens).

What gland secretes an alkaline fluid that aids sperm motility during ejaculation?

The prostate gland.

Name the two glands that secrete pre-ejaculate to flush and lubricate the urethra.

Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands.

Define ‘semen’.

Whitish fluid containing sperm and glandular secretions ejaculated via the urethra.

What ideal temperature is needed for sperm formation?

About 93.2 °F (34 °C).

What term means inflammation of the glans penis?

Balanitis.

What is phimosis?

Narrowing of the foreskin opening so it can’t be retracted over the glans penis.

Which disorder is characterized by an inability to achieve or maintain an erection?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Peyronie’s disease produces what penile symptom?

A bent or curved erection due to fibrous scar tissue.

Define priapism.

A painful, prolonged erection lasting ≥4 h unrelated to sexual arousal.

What developmental defect involves undescended testicles?

Cryptorchidism.

Painful bacterial inflammation of the epididymis is called ____.

Epididymitis.

What is a hydrocele?

Fluid-filled sac in the scrotum along the spermatic cord.

Normal sperm count range per mL?

15 million to 200 million sperm per milliliter.

Absence of sperm in semen is termed ____.

Azoospermia.

Which specialist treats male fertility and sexuality issues?

An andrologist.

What surgery repairs an undescended testicle?

Orchiopexy.

Removal of a portion of vas deferens for sterilization is called ____.

Vasectomy.

What drug class (e.g., Viagra) treats erectile dysfunction?

PDE-5 inhibitors.

Which bacterial STD is the most commonly reported in the U.S.?

Chlamydia.

HPV infection can lead to which female cancer?

Cervical cancer.

Define syphilis.

An STD caused by Treponema pallidum, characterized by chancres and systemic stages.

What parasite causes trichomoniasis?

Trichomonas vaginalis.

Collective term for external female genitalia?

The vulva (pudendum).

Name the erectile organ anterior to the urethral meatus in females.

The clitoris.

Which glands lubricate the vagina near the vaginal orifice?

Bartholin’s glands.

What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

Perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium.

Define anteflexion of the uterus.

Normal forward bending of the uterine body over the cervix.

What finger-like projections catch the released ovum?

Fimbriae of the fallopian tube.

Average length of the menstrual cycle?

28 days.

First menstruation is called ____.

Menarche.

Permanent cessation of menses is termed ____.

Menopause.

Ovulation typically occurs on which days of the cycle?

Day 13 or 14.

What hormone is secreted by the corpus luteum?

Progesterone.

From implantation to week 8, the developing baby is called an ____.

Embryo.

What temporary organ exchanges nutrients and wastes between mother and fetus?

The placenta.

Liquid that cushions the fetus is called ____.

Amniotic fluid.

Normal human gestation lasts approximately ____ weeks.

40 weeks (about 280 days).

List the three stages of labor.

1) Dilation, 2) Delivery of the baby, 3) Delivery of the placenta (afterbirth).

Postpartum vaginal discharge lasting 4–6 weeks is ____.

Lochia.

Specialized early breast milk rich in antibodies is called ____.

Colostrum.

Woman pregnant for the first time is termed ____.

Primigravida.

Define multiparous.

Having given birth two or more times.

Painful uterine cramps during menstruation are called ____.

Dysmenorrhea.

Excessive menstrual bleeding is termed ____.

Menorrhagia.

Absence of menses for 90 days or more (not pregnant) is ____.

Amenorrhea.

Condition with multiple ovarian cysts, hirsutism, and irregular cycles?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus defines ____.

Endometriosis.

Benign uterine tumors of muscle and fibrous tissue are ____.

Uterine fibroids (myomas).

What is cervical dysplasia?

Precancerous cellular changes in cervical epithelium.

Painful vaginal intercourse is medically termed ____.

Dyspareunia.

Common fungal cause of a yeast infection?

Candida albicans.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Implantation and development of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity.

Preeclampsia presents with which two hallmark findings?

Hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy.

HELLP syndrome stands for ____.

Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count.

What is Rh incompatibility?

Immune reaction when an Rh- mother carries an Rh+ fetus, forming maternal antibodies.

Define breech presentation.

Fetal buttocks or feet enter the birth canal first instead of the head.

What mood disorder can arise after delivery due to hormonal shifts?

Postpartum depression.

Instrument used to enlarge the vaginal opening during a Pap test?

Speculum.

What screening test involves scraping cervical cells to detect early cancer changes?

Pap smear (Pap test).

Imaging test inserting contrast into uterus & tubes to assess patency?

Hysterosalpingography (HSG).

Direct visual exam of vagina & cervix with a magnifier is ____.

Colposcopy.

Sampling amniotic fluid after week 15 to test fetal genetics is called ____.

Amniocentesis.

Examination of chorionic villi between weeks 11–14 is ____.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Barrier contraceptive placed over the cervix?

Diaphragm (often with spermicide).

Long-term reversible plastic device placed in uterus to prevent pregnancy?

Intrauterine device (IUD).

Combined oral contraceptives supply which two hormones?

Estrogen and progesterone (progestin).

Surgical removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes is ____.

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).

What term describes surgical tying or sealing of fallopian tubes for sterilization?

Tubal ligation.

D & C stands for ____.

Dilation and curettage.

Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus is ____.

Myomectomy.

Cosmetic breast surgery to elevate sagging tissue is called ____.

Mastopexy (breast lift).

Delivery of a baby via abdominal and uterine incisions is a ____.

Cesarean section (C-section).

What fertility technique places washed sperm directly into the uterus?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Laboratory fertilization of ova followed by embryo transfer is ____.

In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Injecting a single sperm directly into an ovum is known as ____.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Physician specializing in female reproductive disorders?

Gynecologist.

Physician caring for women during pregnancy and childbirth?

Obstetrician.

Doctor treating newborn disorders?

Neonatologist.

Define andrologist.

Doctor specializing in male fertility and sexual health.

What is a doula?

A trained birth coach offering support during labor and postpartum, without medical licensure.

Medical term for surgical removal of the foreskin?

Circumcision.

Surgical fixation of a prolapsed vagina to the sacrum is ____.

Sacrocolpopexy.

Cone-shaped excision of cervical tissue for biopsy/treatment is called ____.

Conization.

Surgical removal of abnormal breast-milk production (pituitary issue) condition name?

Galactorrhea (treated medically, not by surgery).

Which male surgery reverses a vasectomy?

Vasovasostomy.

What test measures fetal heart & uterine contractions during labor?

Fetal monitoring.

Term for a newborn during first 4 weeks of life?

Neonate.

Greasy substance covering newborn skin at birth?

Vernix.

First newborn stool composed of intestinal waste is ____.

Meconium.

Scale used at 1 & 5 min after birth to assess newborn status?

Apgar score.

What is lactation?

Process of forming and secreting breast milk after childbirth.

Hormone therapy replacing estrogen/progesterone after menopause is called ____.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Pain, burning, or stinging of the vulva for ≥3 months is termed ____.

Vulvodynia.

What benign breast masses consist of excess glandular & connective tissue?

Fibroadenomas.