Female Reproductive System Flashcards

Flashcards about the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system.

What are the reproductive cells of the female reproductive system?

Eggs or ova.

Which organ is responsible for the development of the fetus?

Uterus

What is the function of the external female reproductive organs?

Collectively called the vulva, protects urethra and vaginal openings, and is highly sensitive to touch to increase female’s pleasure during sexual arousal.

What are the components of the vulva?

Mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibular structures, and perineum.

What is the function of the labia majora?

Contains sweat and sebaceous glands and protects the vaginal opening.

What is the function of the labia minora?

Highly vascular and abundant in nerve supply; lubricates the vulva and swells with stimulation.

What is the function of the clitoris?

Small cylindrical mass of erectile tissue and nerves; function is sexual stimulation.

What is the prepuce?

Hood-like covering over the clitoris; also site of female circumcision practiced in some cultures.

What structures open into the vestibule?

Urethra, vagina, and two sets of glands.

What is the opening into the vagina called?

Introitus

Which glands secrete mucus to keep the vaginal opening moist?

Bartholin and Skene glands

What are the internal female reproductive organs?

Vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

True or false: The clitoris is considered an internal reproductive organ.

False

What is the endometrium?

Innermost layer that lines the uterine cavity in nonpregnant people.

What is the myometrium?

Muscular middle layer that makes up the major portion of the uterus and is composed of smooth muscle linked by connective tissue.

What is the perimetrium?

Outer serosal layer that covers the body of the uterus.

What is the function of breasts as accessory organs?

Specialized for milk secretion after pregnancy.

What are the components of the female sexual response?

Sexual stimulation leading to vasocongestion, vaginal expansion and elongation, secretion of mucus by vestibular glands, estrogen (preservation of vascular function) and testosterone (hormone of sexual desire in Females), orgasm, rapid dissipation of vasocongestion and muscle contraction, and sexual cycle: desire, excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

What are the components of the female reproductive cycle?

Ovarian cycle, endometrial cycle, hormonal regulation, cyclical breast changes, menstruation (absence of fertilization).

What is menstruation?

Expulsion of inner uterine lining occurring monthly that marks the beginning and end of each menstrual cycle.

What is menarche?

Establishment of menstruation in females.

What is menopause?

Naturally occurring cessation of regular menstrual cycles.

What are the phases of the ovarian cycle?

Follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase

What are the phases of the endometrial cycle?

Proliferative phase, secretory phase, ischemic phase, and menstrual phase.

A patient reports that their menstrual period occurs every 28 days. The nurse would determine that ovulation in this patient would occur at which time? a. Day 10 b. Day 14 c. Day 18 d. Day 22

b. Day 14

Name the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandins.

What is perimenopause?

2 to 8 years prior to menopause, vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) are the most common complaints, and several therapies can be considered to help

What is menopause?

Universal and irreversible part of the overall aging process; 1 year without a menstrual period