PRNU3129: Chapter 3 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System

Flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system, including external and internal organs, menstrual cycle phases, hormones, and perimenopause/menopause.

Areola

The circular area of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.

Breasts

Accessory organs, specifically mammary glands specialized for milk secretion after pregnancy.

Cervix

The neck, or lower part/bottom, of the uterus, comprised of fibrous connective tissue, and opening to the vagina.

Clitoris

A mass of erectile tissue and nerves, functioning for sexual stimulation, originating from the same embryonic tissue as the penis.

Colostrum

The initial milk produced after expulsion of the placenta, before the full milk supply, stimulated by prolactin.

Comprehensive sex education

The gold standard for sex education, featuring medically accurate, inclusive, and age-appropriate lessons that address sexual behavior, sexual health, human development, and healthy relationships.

Corpus

The body or central portion of the uterus.

Corpus luteum

Formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation, it secretes progesterone and prepares the endometrium; degenerates if no fertilization occurs.

Endometrial/Uterine Cycle

The cycle involving the changes in the uterine wall, including proliferative, secretory, ischemic, and menstrual phases.

Endometrium

The innermost mucosal layer of the uterus, abundant in glands and blood vessels, and the primary target tissue for estrogen.

Estrogen

Secreted by the ovaries, it causes development and maturation of follicles, is predominant at the end of the proliferative phase before ovulation, and decreases after ovulation.

Fallopian tubes

Hollow cylindrical structures extending from the upper edges of the uterus toward the ovaries, where eggs meet sperm for fertilization.

Fimbriae

Structures that guide the egg to the uterus after its release from the ovary.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary, responsible for maturation of the follicle, highest during the first week of the follicular phase.

Follicular phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where follicles grow and form a mature egg, lasting from day 1 of the menstrual cycle until ovulation.

Fundus

The convex portion of the uterus above the fallopian tubes.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Hormone secreted from the hypothalamus in pulses, which induces the release of FSH and LH.

HPO Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis)

A functional system responsible for the menstrual cycle.

Intersex

An umbrella term that describes bodies that fall outside the strict male/female binary, representing a naturally occurring variation in humans.

Ischemic phase

The phase of the endometrial cycle that begins if fertilization does not occur, leading to corpus luteum degeneration, fall in estrogen and progesterone, and spasm of arterioles in the endometrium.

Labia majora

External female reproductive organs containing sweat and sebaceous glands, protecting the vaginal opening.

Labia minora

External female reproductive organs that are highly vascular and abundant in nerve supply, lubricating the vulva.

Luteal phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle lasting 14 days, from ovulation through the menstrual phase, during which the ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone from the pituitary that causes the mature follicle to rupture (LH surge), leading to ovulation, and is elevated prior to ovulation.

Menarche

The first menstrual period, with an average age of 12.4 in the US, influenced by genetics, environmental exposures, general health, and nutritional status.

Menopause

A universal and irreversible part of the overall aging process, defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Menstrual phase

The first day of bleeding, marking day #1 of the cycle, characterized by ruptured spiral arteries releasing blood and sloughing of the endometrial lining due to ischemia.

Menstruation

A normal physiological process, with cultural beliefs impacting symptom expression and treatment-seeking behavior.

Mons pubis

Fatty tissue overlaying the symphysis pubis.

Myometrium

The muscular middle layer of the uterus, comprising its major portion with smooth muscle linked by connective tissue.

Ovarian Cycle

The cycle involving the development and release of oocytes from the ovary, including follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases.

Ovaries

Organs where eggs develop and are released, also secreting estrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation

The rupture of a mature follicle and release of a mature oocyte from the ovary into the fallopian tube, typically around day 14, caused by an LH surge.

Oxytocin

One of the main hormones of lactation, working with prolactin for milk release.

Perimenopause

The 2–8 years prior to menopause, marked by irregular menses and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats due to decreasing estrogen.

Perineum

The area between the vulva and anus, composed of skin, muscle, and fascia, a common site for tearing during vaginal birth.

Prepuce

A hood-like covering over the clitoris, known as the site of female circumcision in some cultures.

Progesterone

Hormone secreted by the corpus luteum; it increases before ovulation, peaks 5–7 days after, and is known as the 'hormone of pregnancy'.

Prolactin

One of the main hormones of lactation, stimulating milk production.

Proliferative phase

The phase of the endometrial cycle corresponding with the follicular phase (Day 5–ovulation), characterized by rising estrogen and enlargement/thickening of endometrial glands in preparation for implantation.

Prostaglandins

Mediators of the body's inflammatory process, produced by the endometrium, which increase during the follicular phase and act as myometrial stimulants and vasoconstrictors causing menstrual cramps/pain.

Secretory phase

The phase of the endometrial cycle corresponding with the luteal phase (Ovulation–about 3 days before the next menstrual period), where the endometrium thickens and becomes more vascular with growth of the spiral arteries.

Serosa

The outer layer covering the body of the uterus.

Uterus

The site of menstruation, receiving a fertilized ovum, home to a developing fetus, and contracting during labor and birth.

Vagina

A highly muscular canal connecting the external vulva to the cervix, with rugae allowing extreme dilation during labor and birth.

Vestibule

An oval area enclosed by the labia minora, containing openings for the urethra, vagina (introitus), and two sets of glands (Bartholin glands for lubrication).

Vulva

Collectively refers to the external female reproductive organs, protecting the urethra and vaginal openings.