female reproductive jazzz study guide

Key Concepts

1. Overview of the Female Reproductive System

Function: Produces female gametes (ova/eggs) and female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone), provides a site for fertilization and fetal development, and supports childbirth and lactation.

Main Organs: Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts), Uterus, Vagina, Vulva, Breasts (Mammary Glands).

2. Organs of the Female Reproductive System

Ovaries:

Paired glands located in the pelvic cavity.

Function: Produce ova (eggs) and female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts):

Two tubes extending from the uterus to the ovaries.

Function: Transport ova from the ovary to the uterus; site of fertilization.

Fimbriae: Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that sweep the egg into the tube.

Uterus:

Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located in the pelvic cavity.

Function: Site of fetal development and menstruation.

Fundus: Upper, rounded portion.

Body (Corpus): Main central portion.

Cervix: Lower, narrow portion that opens into the vagina.

Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus (shed during menstruation).

Myometrium: Middle, muscular layer of the uterus.

Perimetrium: Outer layer of the uterus.

Vagina:

Muscular tube extending from the cervix to the outside of the body.

Function: Receives sperm during intercourse, serves as the birth canal, and passageway for menstrual flow.

Vulva (External Genitalia):

Collective term for the external female reproductive organs.

Includes: Labia Majora, Labia Minora, Clitoris, Mons Pubis, Perineum (area between vagina and anus).

Breasts (Mammary Glands):

Located on the anterior chest wall.

Function: Produce milk for lactation after childbirth.

3. Key Processes

Oogenesis: The process of egg production in the ovaries.

Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Menstrual Cycle: Monthly cycle involving changes in the uterus and ovaries, preparing the body for potential pregnancy.

Menstruation (Menses): The shedding of the uterine lining if pregnancy does not occur.

Menarche: The first menstrual period.

Menopause: The cessation of menstruation.

Lactation: The production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands.

4. Common Medical Terms and Conditions

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.

Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix.

Cystocele: Protrusion of the bladder into the vagina.

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.

Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis: Condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.

Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Benign tumors of the uterine muscle.

Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding.

Leukorrhea: White or yellowish vaginal discharge.

Mastitis: Inflammation of the breast.

Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Metrorrhagia: Bleeding between menstrual periods.

Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent or light menstruation.

Ovarian Cyst: Fluid-filled sac on the ovary.