Obstetric Nursing: Human Sexuality and Reproduction Lecture

A set of 100 vocabulary flashcards covering female and male reproductive anatomy, the menstrual cycle, and signs of pregnancy based on the lecture notes.

Sexuality

Encompasses the complex emotions, feelings, preferences, attitude and behaviors that are related to sexual self and eroticism; also refers to the behavior of being a male or female.

Gender

The sense of femininity or masculinity.

Sex

Biologic male or female status.

Vulva

Collective term for external female genitalia.

Mons pubis

Also termed as Mons Veneris, it is a pad of adipose tissue that lies over the symphysis pubis and is covered by hair at puberty.

Labia Majora

Two folds of adipose tissue covered by loose connective tissue and epithelium that serves as protection for the external genitalia, distal urethra, and vagina.

Labia Minora

Two hairless folds of connective tissue covered with mucous membrane on the internal surface and skin on the external surface.

Clitoris

Pea-shaped structure composed of erectile tissues and sensitive nerve endings; the site of sexual arousal and eroticism in females.

Fourchette

Structure formed by the posterior joining of the labia minora and majora; a common site for episiotomy.

Vestibule

Almond-shaped structure containing the urinary meatus, Skene's gland, hymen, vaginal orifice, and Bartholin's gland.

Urinary Meatus

The urethral opening used for urination.

Skene's Gland

Also called the Paraurethral Gland, it secretes a small amount of mucous for lubrication during sexual intercourse.

Bartholin's Gland

Also termed as Paravaginal Gland, it secretes an alkaline substance responsible for neutralizing vaginal acidity to keep sperm alive.

Vaginal Orifice

The external opening of the vagina.

Hymen

Membranous tissue that covers the vaginal orifice.

Perineum

Muscular structure located in between the vagina and the anus.

Vagina (Anterior Wall)

Passageway of menstruation and fetus measuring approximately $6-7\,cm$.

Vagina (Posterior Wall)

Passageway of menstruation and fetus measuring approximately $8-9\,cm$.

Rugae

Thick folds of membranous stratified epithelium in the vagina which permit stretching without tearing.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ for containment and nourishment of the fetus; functions for menstruation, pregnancy, and labor.

Non-pregnant Uterus Shape

Pear shape.

Pregnant Uterus Shape

Ovoid.

Non-pregnant Uterus Weight

$60\,g$.

Pregnant Uterus Weight

$1000\,g$.

Non-pregnant Uterine Thickness

$2.5\,cm$.

Non-pregnant Uterine Width

$5\,cm$.

Non-pregnant Uterine Length

$5-7\,cm$.

Fundus

The upper cylindrical layer of the uterus that can be palpated at the abdomen to determine uterine growth during pregnancy.

Isthmus (Uterus)

The short segment between the body and the cervix; most commonly cut during a Cesarean section.

Corpus

Also known as the Body, it is the portion of the uterus that expands to contain the growing fetus.

Cervix

The lowest portion of the uterus, with approximately half lying above the vagina and half extending into the vagina.

Endometrium

The innermost layer of the uterus composed of a basal layer and a glandular layer.

Myometrium

The muscle layer of the uterus that constricts tubal junctions to prevent regurgitation and contracts during labor.

Perimetrium

The outermost layer of the uterus used for adding strength and support to the structure.

Decidua

A term derived from the Latin word for "falling off."

Ovaries

Grayish-white, almond-shaped female sex gonads measuring $4\,cm$ long by $2\,cm$ in diameter and $1.5\,cm$ thick.

Functions of Ovaries

Produce, mature, and discharge ova; produce estrogen and progesterone; initiate and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Fallopian Tube Length

$10\,cm$.

Infundibulum

A funnel-shaped Fallopian tube segment approximately $2\,cm$ long covered by fimbria.

Ampulla

The longest portion of the Fallopian tube; common site for fertilization and ectopic pregnancy.

Fallopian Tube Isthmus

Portion of the tube that is cut or sealed in a tubal ligation or tubal sterile procedure.

Interstitial segment

The most dangerous site for ectopic pregnancy within the Fallopian tube.

Decidua basalis

Endometrium that lies directly under the embryo.

Decidua capsularis

Portion of the endometrium that stretches or encapsulates the surface of the trophoblast.

Decidua vera

The remaining portion of the uterine lining during pregnancy.

Penis

Male organ for copulation and urination.

Corpus cavernosa

Two lateral columns of erectile tissue in the penis.

Corpus spongiosum

A single column of erectile tissue located on the underside of the penis.

Scrotum

A pouch hanging below the penis that functions as a temperature regulator of the testes.

Testes

Two ovoid glands, $2-3\,cm$ wide, that lie in the scrotum.

Epididymis

Responsible for conducting sperm from the testis to the vas deferens and serves as the site of sperm maturation.

Vas Deferens

Carries sperm from the epididymis through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity.

Seminal Vesicle

Secretes the viscous portion of semen containing fructose, protein, and prostaglandin.

Ejaculatory Duct

Conduit of semen that joins the seminal vesicles to the urethra.

Prostate Gland

Produces an alkaline substance for sperm protection and to reduce the acidity of the vagina.

Cowper’s gland

Also termed as the bulbourethral gland; secretes lubricant into the urethra to facilitate sperm transport during ejaculation.

Average Menstrual Cycle

$28\,days$ (typical range of $23-35\,days$).

Normal Menstrual Flow Duration

$4-6\,days$.

Normal Menstrual Blood Loss

$30-80\,cc$ (approximately $1/4\,cup$).

Menstruation Organs

Hypothalamus, Anterior pituitary gland, Ovaries, and Uterus.

Hypothalamus

Produces GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland.

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Also termed as the adenohypophysis, it secretes gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries.

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone active early in the cycle responsible for the maturation of the primordial follicle.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone most active at the midpoint of the cycle and responsible for ovulation.

Proliferative Phase

The first phase of the menstrual cycle, also known as the follicular, estrogenic, or post-menstrual phase, lasting $6$ to $14\,days$.

Graafian follicle

The most mature follicle containing a cavity and an ovum ready to be extruded, rich in estrogen.

Primordial follicle

An immature follicle.

Estrogen Effect on Uterus

Thickens the uterine lining approximately eight-fold, from $1\,mm$ to $8\,mm$, peaking at ovulation.

LH Surge

An increase in blood levels of luteinizing hormone that coincides with ovulation.

Luteal Phase

The second phase of the menstrual cycle, also called the secretory, progestational, or premenstrual phase; remains constant at $14\,days$.

Corpus Luteum

Formed during the luteal phase; its progesterone causes uterine endometrium glands to become corkscrew or twisted.

Depo Pro-Vera

A drug containing progesterone used for dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Ischemic Phase

Occurs if fertilization does not happen; the corpus luteum regresses after $8$ to $10\,days$ and hormones decrease.

Menstrual Phase

Characterized by low levels of estrogen and progesterone and the passage of menstrual flow.

Zygote

Product of fertilization, from conception to less than $2\,weeks$ age of gestation.

Embryo

Intrauterine growth period from the time following implantation until organogenesis is complete ($2$ to less than $8\,weeks$ age of gestation).

Fetus

Growth period from $8\,weeks$ until birth.

Viability

Status of a fetus capable of living outside the utero; occurs at $24\,weeks$ and above.

Gravida

The number of pregnancies that reach the age of viability regardless of the outcome.

TPAL

Acronym for T (term: $38-42\,weeks$), P (preterm: <$37\,weeks$), A (abortion), and L (living children).

Implantation

Contact between the growing structure and the uterine endometrium occurring $8-10\,days$ after fertilization.

Nulliparous

A woman who has been pregnant before but has never given birth to a viable or live infant.

Nulligravid

A woman who has never been pregnant.

Presumptive Signs

Least indicative and subjective signs of pregnancy experienced by the woman (e.g., breast changes, nausea, fatigue).

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation due to hormonal changes; a presumptive sign of pregnancy.

Quickening

Fetal movement felt by the woman, occurring at approximately $18$ to $20\,weeks$.

Melasma

Also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy; a skin change during pregnancy.

Linea nigra

Darkening of the skin from the symphysis pubis to the umbilicus during pregnancy.

Striae gravidarum

Silvery stretch marks on the abdomen due to distention of collagen as the uterus enlarges.

Probable Signs

Signs of pregnancy that can be documented by an examiner but are not yet confirmatory.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A glycoprotein hormone produced by trophoblast cells; can be detected $10-14\,days$ after a missed period.

Peak hCG Level

Occurs at roughly $10\,weeks$ age of gestation or $2\,months$.

12 Weeks Landmark

The point when the uterus reaches the symphysis pubis.

20 Weeks Landmark

The point when the uterus reaches the level of the umbilicus.

36 Weeks Landmark

The point when the uterus reaches the level of the xiphoid process.

Chadwick's Sign

Bluish-purple discoloration of the vagina due to increased vascularity.

Goodell's Sign

Softening of the cervix to prepare for dilation and effacement.

Hegar's Sign

Softening of the lower uterine segment.

Ballottement

Technique where the fetus can be felt to rise against the abdominal wall when the lower uterine segment is tapped ($16th-20th\,week$).

Braxton-Hicks Contraction

Periodic uterine tightening starting at $28\,weeks$ and above.