BIOM3002: Cellular Pathology - Reproductive Pathology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts in reproductive pathology as discussed in the lecture notes.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation, typically involving severe cramps.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation.

Menorrhagia

Excessive menstrual bleeding.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A common condition characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries.

Endometriosis

A chronic condition where endometrial tissue develops outside the uterus.

Infertility

The inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Follicular phase

The first phase of the ovarian cycle, where follicles mature.

Luteal phase

The second phase of the ovarian cycle, following ovulation.

Ovarian cycle

The cyclic changes in the ovaries centered around the development of follicles.

Uterine cycle (menstrual cycle)

The cyclic changes in the endometrium of the uterus.

Myometrium

The muscular middle layer of the uterine wall.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens in preparation for potential implantation.

Corpora luteum

Hormone-secreting structure that develops from an ovarian follicle after ovulation.

Retrograde menstruation

A theory of endometriosis wherein menstrual flow goes backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity.

Metaplasia

The transformation of one differentiated cell type to another.

Lymphatic spread

The spread of disease through the lymphatic system.

Histopathology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues and how they change in disease.

Hyperandrogenism

An excess of androgens in the female body, which can lead to symptoms like hirsutism.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections.

Infertility manifestations of PCOS

Irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and hormonal imbalances causing difficulty in conception.

Ovarian stromal hyperplasia

An increase in the stromal tissue of the ovaries, often associated with PCOS.

Physiological Processes

The processes involved in the functioning of male and female reproductive systems and how disruptions can lead to reproductive pathologies.

Male and Female Reproductive Systems

The male reproductive system includes structures such as testes, vas deferens, and penis, responsible for producing sperm and hormones. The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, responsible for producing eggs, facilitating fertilization, and supporting fetal development.

Reproductive Pathologies

Conditions arising from disruptions in normal reproductive processes, leading to disorders such as infertility, PCOS, and endometriosis

Reproductive Anatomy

The study of the structure of the male and female reproductive systems, including organs and their relationships to clinical disorders.

Reproductive Anatomy

The study of the structure of male and female reproductive systems, and how their anatomy relates to clinical disorders and their manifestations

Infertility

Common disorders that lead to the inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Infertility Disorders

Common reproductive disorders like PCOS and Endometriosis can lead to infertility by causing irregular ovulation, abnormal hormonal cycles, and obstruction in the reproductive

Diagnostic Techniques for Reproductive Pathologies

Methods include medical history review, physical examination, ultrasound, laparoscopy for visualization, histopathology, and blood tests to exclude other conditions

Diagnostic Techniques for Reproductive Pathologies

Methods used to evaluate and diagnose disorders affecting the reproductive system, including medical history review, physical examination, ultrasound, laparoscopy, and histopathology.

Physiological Processes

The normal functions and activities of the male and female reproductive systems and how their disruptions lead to reproductive pathologies.

Purpose of the Reproductive System

Transmitting genetic information across generations

Endometriosis Pathophysiology

Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus (a disruption), potentially due to retrograde menstruation, leading to pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and infertility by causing ovarian dysfunction or fallopian tube obstruction.

Reproductive Anatomy

To relate anatomy to clinical disorders and their manifestations.

Endometriosis

A chronic condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and infertility.

How does Endometriosis impact fertility?

Endometriosis can lead to infertility through mechanisms such as ovarian dysfunction causing cysts, adhesions obstructing fallopian tubes, and altered uterine environment impairing embryo development.

Endometriosis and Infertility

A chronic condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to infertility through ovarian dysfunction (cysts), fallopian tube obstruction (adhesions), altered uterine environment, and impaired embryo development.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility

A hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and ovulatory dysfunction, often due to hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries, which prevent regular ovulation essential for conception.

Diagnostic Techniques for Reproductive Pathologies

Methods used to identify reproductive disorders, including medical history and symptom review, physical examination, imaging (ultrasound, laparoscopy), and laboratory tests (histopathology, blood tests like CA125).

Endometriosis Diagnostics

Methods include medical history, symptom review, physical examination, ultrasound, laparoscopy, histopathology, and blood tests (e.g., CA125) for visualization and to exclude other conditions.