Comparative Anatomy - Urogenital and Reproductive Systems

Flashcards covering the urinary and reproductive systems, including anatomy, processes, and key terms.

Urinary System

Excretory system consisting of two kidneys, two ureters, one bladder, and one urethra. It extracts wastes from the bloodstream, converts them to urine, then transports and eliminates it.

Kidneys

Bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity, lying on each side of the spinal column just above the waistline.

True capsule

Smooth, fibrous membrane adhering to the kidney surface

Perirenal fat

Adipose tissue surrounding each kidney

Renal fascia

Fibrous tissue that anchors the kidney to surrounding structures.

Hilum

Notch in the concave area of the kidney where the renal artery, renal vein, nerves, and lymphatic vessels enter and leave.

Renal cortex

Outside portion of the kidney

Medulla

Inside portion of the kidney.

Nephrons

Structural and functional units of the kidney, numbering about 1 million in each kidney, containing a Bowman’s capsule and a glomerulus.

Ureter

A narrow, muscular tube about 11 inches in length and 3/8 inch in diameter that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Urinary bladder

A muscular, membranous sac that serves as a reservoir for urine.

Urethra

Extends from the bladder to the outside opening of the body (urinary meatus).

Urinalysis (UA)

Laboratory procedure involving the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of the urine sample.

Catheterization

Insertion of a plastic tube through the urethra into the bladder for free and complete drainage of urine.

Robinson catheter

Plastic tube for temporary placement and drainage of the bladder.

Foley catheter

Catheter with a balloon on the tip that holds the tube in place for a longer term.

Urinary incontinence

Loss of bladder control, ranging from leakage to uncontrollable wetting, becoming more common with age.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ about the size of a woman’s clenched fist, where a fetus develops.

Perimetrium

Outside layer of the uterus wall.

Myometrium

Muscular inside layer of the uterus wall.

Endometrium

Mucous membrane lining the uterus.

Fallopian tube

4-6 inches long tube that captures the egg, released from the ovary, and transports it to the uterus.

Follicles

Egg-containing sacs within the ovaries.

Graafian follicle

Mature follicle that ruptures to release the ovum/egg.

Corpus luteum

Mass of yellow cells that the follicle becomes after rupturing; a temporary, progesterone-producing structure.

Vagina

Female organ for copulation, receiving the seminal fluid from the male penis, and a passageway for menstruation or the birth of a fetus.

Vulva

Five organs making up the external genitalia of the female: Mons pubis, Labia majora, Labia minora, Vestibule, and Clitoris.

Perineum

Area located between the vaginal opening and the anus.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision made in the perineum to avoid uncontrolled tearing during childbirth.

Mammary glands

Glandular lobes separated by connective tissue that produce milk after childbirth.

Areola

Dark-colored circle at the tip of the breast.

Colostrum

Thin yellowish substance produced by the breasts before true milk, containing nutrients and the mother’s immunities.

Menarche

Onset of the menstrual cycle at puberty.

Estrogen

Hormone produced by the ovaries that stimulates the maturation of a follicle and thickens the endometrium.

Preeclampsia

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure).

Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage

Loss of a fetus during the first 20 weeks, often due to abnormalities, trauma, or lifestyle choices.

Scrotum

Pouch of skin suspended from the perineal area containing the testicles and epididymis.

Smegma

Lubricant produced under the prepuce on the penis.

Vas deferens

Muscular tubes transporting sperm from the epididymis to the seminal vesicles.

Testicles

Site of sperm production; critical for sperm development.

Scrotum

Protects testes and regulates temperature.

Vas Deferens

Transports sperm from epididymis to urethra.

Urethra

Tube inside of penis; Transports sperm or urine.

Estrogen

Female: Critical for follicle development

Progesterone

Female: sustains pregnancy and inhibits new follicle development

Relaxin

Female: Causes ligaments around birth canal to relax

Oxytocin

Female: causes milk letdown

Estrous cycle

Repetitive cycle occurring when pregnancy DID NOT OCCUR

Puberty

Age at which reproductive organs become functional

Female: Gestation

Length of time of pregnancy

Female: Parturition

Act of giving birth

Estrus

“Heat” or receptivity to mating