Procreation, Genetics, and Nursing Care - Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering procreation, genetics, reproductive anatomy, and obstetric concepts from the notes.

Procreation

Biological process of producing offspring; union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Preformation Theory

Outdated idea that a tiny human (homunculus) is preformed in the sperm or egg.

Epigenesis Theory

Development proceeds gradually from the fertilized egg rather than being preformed.

Modern Genetic Theory

DNA and genes carry traits from both parents.

Gamete Formation

Production of sperm (male) and eggs (female) for reproduction.

Fertilization

Union of gametes in the fallopian tube to form a zygote.

Zygote

Fertilized egg that begins cell division and development.

Cell Division (Cleavage)

Zygote → blastocyst → implantation in the uterine lining.

Embryonic & Fetal Development

Stage where organs form and the fetus grows.

Genetic Disorder

A disease or condition caused by abnormal DNA.

Mutation

A change in a gene that can lead to a genetic disorder.

Chromosomal Abnormality

An abnormality in chromosome number or structure.

Single-Gene Disorder

Disorder caused by changes in one gene.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A single-gene disorder with crescent-shaped red blood cells causing pain and poor oxygen transport.

Cystic Fibrosis

A single-gene disorder with thick mucus affecting lungs and digestion.

Down Syndrome

Chromosome 21 extra copy leading to intellectual disability and distinct features.

Turner Syndrome

Missing one X chromosome in females; short stature and infertility.

Multifactorial Disorder

Disorders due to a combination of genes and environment (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cleft lip/palate).

Teratogen

Substances or exposures that can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications.

Thalidomide

Old drug linked to limb deformities when used in pregnancy.

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Drug associated with facial, heart, and brain defects during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Effects of alcohol exposure in utero: microcephaly, facial differences, learning difficulties.

TORCH Infections

Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex—infectious causes of fetal damage.

Toxoplasmosis

Infection that can cause brain damage, blindness in the fetus.

Rubella

Infection causing deafness, heart defects, cataracts in the fetus.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Viral infection that can cause developmental delays and microcephaly.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Infection that can cause neurologic damage or stillbirth in pregnancy.

Radiation

Environmental exposure that can cause growth retardation and neural defects.

Lead

Toxic metal exposure linked to brain damage and developmental delays.

Mercury

Neurotoxin exposure associated with fetal brain damage.

First Trimester (3–8 weeks)

Critical period when organ systems form; greatest risk from teratogens.

Organogenesis

Formation of organs during early embryonic development.

Pattern of Inheritance

How a genetic trait is passed from parents to offspring.

Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

Only one mutated copy is needed for the disorder; ~50% risk per child.

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

Both parents are carriers; 25% affected, 50% carrier, 25% healthy per child.

X-Linked Disorders

Gene on X chromosome; more often affect males; e.g., hemophilia.

Newborn Screening

Test to detect certain congenital metabolic disorders in newborns.

Diagnostic Testing

Tests used to confirm or rule out a specific genetic or chromosomal condition.

Carrier Testing

Identify individuals who carry one copy of a gene mutation; assess couple risk.

Prenatal Testing

Detect genetic or chromosomal changes in a fetus before birth.

Amniocentesis

Prenatal test using amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal disorders.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Early prenatal test sampling placental tissue for genetic analysis.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Genetic testing of embryos created via IVF before implantation.

Predictive/Presymptomatic Testing

Test for mutations linked to disorders that may develop later in life.

Forensic Testing

DNA testing used for legal purposes, unrelated to disease risk.

Ultrasound (Screening)

Imaging to detect physical defects during pregnancy.

Maternal Serum Screening

Blood tests to assess risk of certain fetal conditions.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Screening using fetal DNA in maternal blood to assess risk of chromosomal errors.

Nursing Process in Genetic Care

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation in genetic care.

Assessment (Nursing Process)

Gather family history, medical history, and lifestyle information.

Diagnosis (Nursing Process)

Identify anxiety, risk for altered family processes, or knowledge deficits.

Planning (Nursing Process)

Refer to genetic counselor and set goals for healthy pregnancy.

Implementation (Nursing Process)

Educate about risks, promote folic acid, provide emotional support.

Evaluation (Nursing Process)

Ensure understanding, coping, and informed decision-making.

Puerperium

Postpartum period of 4–6 weeks when the genital organs return to pre-pregnant state.

Parturition/Labor

Expulsion of the products of conception from the uterus.

Stage of Viability

Approx. 20 weeks, 500 g, 25 cm; fetus can survive outside the uterus under some conditions.

Uterus

Hollow pelvic organ with fundus, body, and cervix central to gestation.

Fallopian Tubes

Site of fertilization; distal infundibulum with fimbriae.

Ovary

Gonads containing primordial follicles; regulated by FSH/LH; produce estrogen.

GnRH

Hypothalamic hormone that stimulates pituitary to release FSH and LH.

FSH

Stimulates spermatogenesis in males and follicle development in females.

LH

Stimulates testosterone production in males and ovulation in females.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone; supports spermatogenesis and secondary sex characteristics.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production in the breast.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Potent androgen derived from testosterone; influences prostate growth.

Gynecomastia

Male breast development due to estrogen or estrogenic factors.

Sperm Structure (Head, Acrosome, Midpiece, Tail)

Head carries DNA and acrosome; midpiece has mitochondria; tail enables motion.

Erection

Rigidification of the penis due to parasympathetic activation and vascular engorgement.

Ejaculation

Forcible expulsion of semen through the urethra, mediated by sympathetic nerves.

Penile Anatomy (Corpora Cavernosa, Corpus Spongiosum)

Three columns of erectile tissue; two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum.

Bartholin’s Glands

Glands near the vaginal opening that secrete mucus for lubrication.

Vagina

Fibromuscular canal for birth, menstruation, and intercourse; pH 4–6 with lactobacilli.

Hymen

Thin mucous membrane at the vaginal opening with variable shape.

Perineum

Region between the vagina and anus; supports pelvic organs; innervated by pudendal nerve.

Pudendal Nerve

Main nerve supplying the perineal region and external genitalia.

Ligaments Supporting the Uterus

Broad, Round, Ovarian, Cardinal, Uterosacral, and Pubocervical ligaments provide uterine support.