The Reproductive System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing male and female reproductive anatomy, hormones, functions, aging effects, common problems, and related CNA care responsibilities.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that store and release eggs (ova) and produce estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tubes

Ducts that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and serve as the site of fertilization.

Uterus (Womb)

The hollow female organ where a baby grows and develops during pregnancy.

Cervix

The lower opening of the uterus that dilates during childbirth.

Vagina

The muscular canal providing a passage for birth and entry for sperm.

Vulva

The external female reproductive organs, including the labia (lips) and clitoris.

Breasts

External female structures that produce milk after childbirth.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates egg (ova) production in females and sperm production in males.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Ovulation

The process of maturing and releasing an egg from the ovary, triggered by LH.

Estrogen

A key hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates the female reproductive cycle and prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the ovaries that prepares the uterine lining, supports the fetus during pregnancy, and regulates the cycle.

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining that occurs when estrogen and progesterone levels drop.

Menopause

The phase occurring between 45 and 55 years of age when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone.

Menopause Symptoms

Common physical and biological changes including hot flashes, low energy, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, and a deeper voice.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

A treatment that may reduce menopause symptoms and protect bones and heart health, though it can increase cancer risk.

Amenorrhea

A menstrual problem characterized by the absence of menstrual periods.

Dysmenorrhea

A menstrual issue characterized by painful menstruation.

Menorrhagia

A menstrual condition defined by abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Infertility

The medical difficulty or inability of becoming pregnant.

Pelvic Prolapse

A condition in which pelvic organs such as the uterus or bladder drop down from their normal anatomical positions.

Cystocele

A specific type of pelvic prolapse where the urinary bladder drops down into the vagina.

Rectocele

A type of pelvic prolapse where the rectum bulges forward into the vagina.

Uterine Prolapse

A condition where the uterus drops down into the vaginal passage.

Testes (Testicles)

Male reproductive organs located within the scrotum that make sperm and testosterone.

Epididymis

A structure located on the testicle where sperm mature and learn to swim.

Vas Deferens

The muscular tube that transports mature sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra.

Prostate Gland

A male gland that adds fluid to semen; age-related enlargement can press on the urethra, making urination difficult.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands that produce and secretes fluid to help compose semen.

Penis

The male external organ responsible for delivering sperm to the female reproductive tract.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone produced in the testicles (stimulated by LH) essential for sperm development and maturation.

Ejaculation

The release of semen from the male body during sexual activity.

Male Reproductive Aging

The gradual decline of sperm and testosterone levels in aging men without a sudden stoppage like female menopause.

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, affected by lower testosterone, decreased cardiac blood flow, and hypertension medications.

Testicular Cancer

A malignant condition characterized by lumps or growths in the testes.

Female Reproductive System Anatomy

The internal and external structural components of the female reproductive system.

Menstrual Cycle & Hormonal Interactions

The multi-stage cycle governed by FSH, LH, Estrogen, and Progesterone that coordinates follicle growth, ovulation, and uterine lining preparation.

Types of Pelvic Prolapse

Anatomical comparison illustrating Cystocele (bladder displacement), Rectocele (rectum displacement), and Uterine Prolapse.

Cystocele Presentation

A grade 2 cystocele demonstrating how a dropped bladder compresses the vaginal cavity compared to normal pelvic anatomy.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy

The anatomical organization of the male reproductive structures including testicle, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and urethra.