Physiology of Reproductive System and Maternal-Child Care

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers male and female reproductive anatomy, key hormones, fetal development milestones, signs of pregnancy, and the mechanics/stages of labor based on the NUR208 lecture transcript.

Testicle

Produces sperm and male sex hormones (androgens) like testosterone.

Epididymis

A structure that stores and matures sperm.

Vas Deferens

Transports sperm from the epididymides to the ejaculatory ducts.

Seminal Vesicle

Produces a significant portion of the semen and provides nutrients for sperm.

Prostate Gland

Secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Ovary

Produces ova (eggs) and secretes hormones such as estrogens and progestogens.

Fimbriae

Finger-like extensions at the end of the fallopian tubes that sweep the released egg from the ovary during ovulation.

Fallopian Tube

Conducts ova from the ovaries to the uterus and serves as the site of fertilization.

Endometrium

The inner uterine lining.

Myometrium

The muscle layer of the uterus.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates egg and sperm production.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

Estrogen

A female sex hormone responsible for building the endometrium and promoting growth of the uterus.

Progesterone

A hormone that maintains pregnancy, stabilizes the endometrium, and relaxes the uterus.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A pregnancy hormone that signals the start of pregnancy and supports the corpus luteum.

Human Placental Lactogen (hPL)

A hormone that prepares breasts and regulates maternal metabolism during pregnancy.

Oxytocin

A hormone that triggers uterine contractions and assists in labor and bonding.

Prolactin

A hormone that prepares breasts to make milk and stimulates milk production after delivery.

Menarche

The occurrence of episodic uterine bleeding as a response to cyclic hormonal changes, starting as early as $9$ years old.

Menopause

The cessation of the menstrual cycle, typically occurring between ages $40$ and $55$.

Antepartum

The period before labor and birth, covering the entire duration of pregnancy.

Decidua

The name for the endometrium after birth; the word is Latin for pancake.

Decidua Basalis

The portion of the endometrium where Trophoblast cells establish communication with maternal blood vessels.

Chorionic Villi

Structures that provide a large surface area for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste between the mother and fetus.

Diaphragmatic Hernia

A condition that occurs if the diaphragm fails to completely divide the thoracic cavity from the abdomen at the end of the $7th$ week.

Surfactant

A phospholipid substance formed by alveolar cells at about the $24th$ week, containing Lecithin and Sphingomyelin.

Meconium

A collection of cellular wastes, bile, fats, and vernix caseosa that accumulates in the fetal intestines as early as the $16th$ week.

Lanugo

Fine hair covering the fetal skin that serves as insulation to preserve warmth in utero.

Vernix Caseosa

A substance covering the skin important for lubrication and protecting the skin from soaking in utero.

Presumptive Finding

Signs of pregnancy experienced by the woman that cannot be documented by an examiner, such as Nausea or Quickening.

Probable Finding

Objective findings felt by an examiner that are reliable but not positive diagnostic signs, such as Braxton Hicks contractions.

Goodell’s Sign

A probable sign consisting of the softening of the cervix in early pregnancy.

Hegar’s Sign

A probable sign consisting of the softening of the lower uterus (uterine isthmus) in early pregnancy.

Ballottement

The rebounding of the fetus when tapped through the cervix, occurring around the $16th$ week.

Chadwick’s Sign

A probable sign of pregnancy noted at $6$ weeks involving pelvic color changes.

Postpartum

The period following childbirth.

Episiotomy

A surgical cut of the perineum to facilitate the passage of the baby during birth.

Molding

A change in the shape of the fetal skull produced by the force of uterine contractions pressing against the cervix.

Caput Succedaneum

A swelling of the scalp of a newborn due to pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during delivery.

Engagement

The settling of the presenting part of the fetus into the pelvis at the level of the ischial spine.

Station

The relationship of the presenting part of a fetus to the level of the ischial spines.

Fetal Lie

The relationship between the long (cephalocaudal) axis of the fetal body and the long axis of the mother's body.

Effacement

The shortening and thinning of the cervical canal during labor.

Dilatation

The enlargement or widening of the cervical canal to approximately $10\,cm$ to permit the passage of a fetus.

Lightening

The descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis occurring $10$ to $14$ days before labor begins.

Show

The pink-tinged mixture of mucus and blood from cervical capillaries that signals labor.

Acme

The phase of a uterine contraction when the intensity is at its strongest.

Schultz Presentation

A type of placental separation where the presenting part is the shiny fetal side.

Duncan Presentation

A type of placental separation where the presenting part is the raw, red maternal side.