Reproductive Health and Life Planning

Vocabulary flashcards covering male and female reproductive anatomy, hormonal regulation, menstrual cycle phases, pubertal development, and reproductive life planning methods.

Leydig cells

Cells located in the lobules of the testes that produce testosterone.

Seminiferous tubule

Structures within the testes responsible for producing spermatozoa.

Epididymis

A coiled, tube-like structure on each testis where sperm complete maturation.

Vas Deferens

A duct extending from the epididymis to the abdominal cavity, passing over and down the bladder to join the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that produce secretions containing fructose for sperm energy and alkaline fluid to increase sperm mobility.

Androgen binding protein (ABP)

A protein in males whose release is stimulated by FSH, combining with testosterone to promote sperm formation.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs containing approximately 2 million oocytes (ova) at birth that produce estrogen and progesterone and initiate and regulate menstrual cycles.

Fallopian Tubes

Structures that convey the ovum from the ovaries to the uterus and serve as the site for fertilization by sperm.

Graafian follicle

A fully mature ovarian follicle that ruptures around day 14 of the menstrual cycle to release the ovum.

Fundus

The top portion of the uterus, which is shaped like an upside-down pear.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus consisting of a basilar layer and a glandular layer that thickens monthly under estrogen and progesterone influence for implantation.

Cystocele

A condition in which the urinary bladder herniates into the anterior vagina, often causing frequent urinary infections.

Rectocele

A condition in which the rectum pouches into the vaginal wall, leading to constipation.

Puberty

The stage of life when secondary sex changes begin.

Adrenarche

Pubertal changes caused by a rise in testosterone, including pubic, axillary, and facial hair growth, voice changes, and closure of growth plates.

Thelarche

Breast development in females caused by a rise in estrogen levels.

Menarche

A female's first menstrual period, occurring at an average age of 12.4 years (range 8 to 17 years).

Proliferative phase

The menstrual cycle phase (also called follicular phase) starting on the first day of menses, where LH and FSH stimulate endometrial proliferation.

Secretory phase

The menstrual phase (also called luteal phase) lasting about 14 days after ovulation, where the corpus luteum produces high progesterone and low estrogen to support early pregnancy.

Ischemic phase

The menstrual cycle phase occurring when fertilization does not take place, marked by corpus luteum regression, decreasing progesterone, and endometrial degeneration.

Spinnbarkeit

The thin, stretchy, and copious quality of cervical mucus present during high estrogen levels around the time of ovulation.

Fern Test

A microscopic assessment where cervical mucus forms a fernlike pattern when estrogen levels are high prior to ovulation.

Reproductive Life Planning

All decisions an individual or couple make about having children, including if and when to have children, total number, and spacing between them.

Lactation amenorrhea method (LAM)

A natural contraceptive method relying on ovulation suppression during exclusive breastfeeding, effective for infants under 6 months before menses returns.

Basal body temperature (BBT) method

A fertility awareness method tracking a $0.5^\text{o}\text{F}$ temperature drop just before ovulation followed by a full $1^\text{o}\text{F}$ rise at ovulation due to progesterone.

Diaphragm

A barrier contraceptive disk fitted by a healthcare provider that is placed over the cervix.

Salpingectomy

Surgical removal of the entire fallopian tube, which also decreases ovarian cancer rates.